In a random search for laundry detergent I ran across this interesting article on Lotus Birth (Like I said… random.) Anyway, the article explains it in more detail but basically a Lotus Birth is the practice of leaving the umbilical cord attached to the baby until it “naturally dries and severs a few days after birth.” I’m not certain what I think about the “few days” part but I am a big supporter of leaving the umbilical cord attached until it stops pulsating. It doesn’t hurt anything to leave it intact (It is the rare cord that is not long enough to allow a mother to snuggle and nurse her newborn.) and there are a number of possible benefits – including but not limited to 50% lower risk of anemia in the newborn, keeps baby in mommy’s arms instead of lying alone in a crib, decreased chances of respiratory distress.[De Marsh, QB, et al "The Effect of Depriving the Infant of its Placental Blood", JOUR AMA ^V 7 June 1941]” and decreased incidence of jaundice [Mothering Magazine ~ I forget which issue.]
The moments after your child’s birth will mostly likely be full of joy and excitement on your part and busy, busy, rush, rush on the doctor’s part. If you want to delay the cutting of the cord, be sure your doctor and nurse know this well ahead of time. You may even consider designating someone to remind them of your wishes in the excitement of the moment.
Find more Birth-Day posts here.
I’ve never heard of Lotus Birth. It’s interesting. Something I truly had never thought about.
I’ve heard before that allowing the cord to stop pulsating has benefits, but I’ve always been curious: how long does that take? Do you know?
Also, thanks for your comment on my haikus. I do get a lot of advice but the advice to follow your instincts isn’t usually what people give. I’ve only been home alone with my son for one week now (my husband had six weeks’ paternity leave!!) and am already finding that the best thing I can do for Evan is just pay close attention to him and try to figure out what he needs before it’s too late and he starts wailing.
**** Generally, it takes anywhere from 3 to 12 minutes but during my doula training I heard one homebirth story where the baby was having a bit of trouble breathing and the cord kept pulsating for almost an hour. It stopped right after the baby started breathing well on his own. Not a scenario that would be “allowed” in a hospital but food for thought anyway.
That’s awesome that your husband had so much paternity leave! Help is good. Even so, you will do fine on your own. ~Toni