Lotus births are a pretty new trend in the world of bringing life into the world.
The name was coined by yogis who brought the practice, which involves not cutting a baby’s umbilical cord right away, to the US and Australia during the 1980s.
And while it may sound mystical, magical, and very hippy-esque, it’s also proven to be highly controversial. It would seem as though everywhere we look, there is a new (and sometimes bizarre) birthing trend, and despite the fact that a Lotus Birth actually happens after giving birth - we have the low down.
What is it?
Lotus birth, also known as umbilical nonseverance, is the practice of leaving the umbilical cord uncut after childbirth so that the baby is left attached to the placenta until the cord naturally separates at the umbilicus - which is typically three to 10 days after birth.
In recent years, there has been an increase of new mums opting for this afterbirth trend, allowing the placenta until it falls off on its own - you literally keep it in a jar next to your baby.
What's the catch?
The trend has hailed by some as a 'natural' option with a number of health benefits for the newborn, such as easing the transition from the womb to the world and giving the child an extra supply of nutrients.
The main purpose of a lotus birth is to allow the baby to obtain all the nutrients from the placenta following the birth, like stem cells.
Supporters of the trend claim that newborns face stress when they are cut off from their mothers, having been cut off from the blood supply.
However (there is always a however, right?), doctors have issued warning regarding the concept of the Lotus birth, claiming that it can leave the baby and mumma open to infection.
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has previously stated:
"If left for a period of time after the birth, there is a risk of infection in the placenta which can consequently spread to the baby. The placenta is particularly prone to infection as it contains blood. At the post-delivery stage, it has no circulation and is essentially dead tissue."
They also strongly recommends that any baby that undergoes lotus birthing be closely monitored for infection.
What do you reckon, mums? Is this something you would try?