Lotus Birth

I thought I would write a blog about lotus birthing as I am asked about it sometimes in my doula role. I’ve enlisted the help of a past client who had a lotus birth herself.

Maybe you’re curious about lotus birthing. Maybe you’ve never heard of one before. For those who are wondering what a lotus birth is, this is when the umbilical cord is left uncut after birth and so the baby remains attached the the placenta until the cord naturally falls off. This takes around 3-10 days after birth.

I asked my client some questions about her lotus birth experience and here are her answers. Hopefully these will help you on your own journey of birth and postpartum research or if you’re preparing for a lotus birth already that it provides a little insight.

How did you hear about lotus birthing?

I came across an interview with a lady (she is Polish) who had a lotus birth with her 3rd child. After her beautiful experience she wrote a book about lotus birthing which I read.

What attracted you to doing it?

After I gained information on what lotus birth is, how important placenta is for the children, that it is like a sibling for them, I was 100% sure I'm going to leave the placenta attached till my daughter decides to disconnect from it herself.

What preparations did you make for being able to care for the placenta after birth?

I bought a basket and lots of pink himalayan salt (not grounded). Plus I already had lots of muslin cloths.

Did the reality of caring for the placenta after birth match with your expectations?

It was way easier then I thought. We changed salt and the cloth every morning. That was it, very simple!

Is there anything in hindsight that you wish you had known about lotus birth beforehand or advice you could give to those who are interested?  

My advice would be to move the basket with the placenta in 4 directions after changing the nappy. Not only from left to right and right to left but upper right, down right, down left, upper left. Clockwise is the best way to remember. I hope it makes sense. And also to make sure the cord doesn't twist but dries in a more straight line (and remember that the cord dries up quickly! After one day as far as I remember)

What do you feel have been the greatest benefits for you and your baby from having a lotus birth?

The greatest benefit was the sacredness we felt during that period. I waited patiently as it took my daughter one week to say goodbye to her best friend. Whenever we'd changed placenta's salt she always woke up and 'watched' us what we where doing with it. That was such a clear sign how important the placenta was for her. I personally believe she hasn't experience this massive loss of taking it away from her. As soon as she felt whole and ready she decided to disconnect. It was one of the best moments of my life. It felt like second birth as she was finally ready to get out to the world!

I hope you’ve found this little interview useful. If you would still like to know more, I can highly recommend reading Placenta, The Forgotten Chakra by Robin Lim. Such a profound book.