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Is a Lotus Birth Safe?

Published in Lotus Birth Safety 3 mins read

No, a lotus birth is not considered safe due to significant risks associated with it, particularly for the newborn.

Understanding the Risks of Lotus Birth

Lotus birth, also known as umbilical nonseverance, is the practice of leaving the umbilical cord uncut after birth, allowing the baby to remain attached to the placenta until it naturally detaches, usually after 3-10 days. While proponents suggest various benefits, medical professionals raise serious safety concerns, primarily revolving around the decaying placenta.

There have been reports indicating that lotus birth can pose a risk for infection, sepsis, jaundice, and hepatitis in babies. The decaying placental tissue, which is no longer receiving blood flow, becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. This creates a direct pathway for pathogens to enter the newborn's bloodstream via the umbilical cord, leading to potentially life-threatening conditions.

Furthermore, there has been some association with postpartum haemorrhage (excessive bleeding after childbirth) for the mother, although the primary concerns documented are for the infant. Most critically, severe infections from this practice have been linked to the death of the newborn from infection following lotus birth.

Specific Dangers Associated with Lotus Birth

To illustrate the potential dangers, here's a breakdown of the key risks:

  • Infection: The detached placenta is dead tissue. As it decomposes, it attracts and harbors bacteria. This can easily lead to a serious infection spreading from the placenta up the umbilical cord and into the baby's bloodstream.
  • Sepsis: This is a life-threatening complication of an infection. If bacteria from the decaying placenta enter the baby's bloodstream, it can trigger a severe, body-wide inflammatory response, leading to organ damage and potentially death.
  • Jaundice: While many newborns experience some level of jaundice, severe cases can be exacerbated by the breakdown products from the decaying placenta, potentially overwhelming the baby's liver.
  • Hepatitis: This refers to inflammation of the liver, which can be caused by various factors, including severe infections that can arise from a lotus birth.
  • Postpartum Haemorrhage: Though less directly linked to the placenta's state after birth, concerns have been raised about the management of the third stage of labor when the placenta is not actively delivered and inspected, potentially contributing to or delaying the recognition of excessive bleeding in the mother.
  • Newborn Death: The most tragic outcome, directly associated with severe infections that originate from the decaying placenta and overwhelm the newborn's developing immune system.

Why These Risks Occur

The fundamental issue lies in the nature of the placenta after birth. Once the baby is born, blood flow to the placenta ceases. The placenta becomes a piece of dead tissue that is prone to decay and bacterial colonization. Unlike an external wound that can be easily cleaned, the umbilical cord stump provides a direct pathway for these bacteria to enter the baby's circulatory system. Standard medical practice involves clamping and cutting the umbilical cord precisely to minimize this risk and allow the cord stump to dry and heal safely.