29.03.2024

Lotus birth, harm and benefit

Together with Tatyana Butskaya, a pediatrician, a blogger and a public figure, we figure out whether lotus births, which are gaining popularity in Russia, can bring benefits or harm to a baby.

Lotus birth – Indonesian know-how. The umbilical cord is not cut, so the placenta remains with the baby until it moves on its own. It lasts about 1-10 days.

The Asians explain the refusal to cut the umbilical cord by the unwillingness to intrude into a single harmonious system, which is a newborn, umbilical cord and placenta. Together they form a lotus flower, where the bud is the baby, the stem is the umbilical cord, and the root is the placenta.

The root must nourish the bud (the baby’s body) with life energy and spirit, so “chopping off” it is a crime. It was these thoughts that guided in previous centuries. Now the emphasis is on good health and intellectual potential of the little man. It is believed that in this way he receives more extra blood, saturated with important nutrients and stem cells, which means that he gets the maximum charge for a successful start in life.

In addition, supporters of the lotus birth believe that, entering this world in close conjunction with the placenta, the child adapts to it more easily. Another claimed plus is that there is no need to treat the umbilical wound. When the placenta leaves, the navel will no longer require disinfection.

What are the advantages?

I agree that the umbilical cord should not be pinched immediately. But only on condition that the Rh conflict did not develop during pregnancy, that the baby does not need urgent resuscitation. After birth, the baby can receive about 200 ml of blood through the umbilical cord, which will serve as a prophylaxis of anemia and ensure normal blood supply to the internal organs.

As long as the umbilical cord pulsates, blood will flow into the baby’s body. Ripple can take from 1-2 to 15-20 minutes. Immediately after its termination, the umbilical cord must be pinched. After all, the baby already breathes fully in the lungs, and the lumen of the umbilical cord vessels narrows and no longer serves as a “corridor” for transporting nutrients and oxygen.

What are the disadvantages?

In my opinion, there are more minuses than pluses.

  • Home birth. Many mothers, wanting to give birth to a “lotus” baby, remain in the walls of their home. This is an additional risk. If something goes wrong, both the baby and the mother may die. That is why I recommend how to study the issue, and if possible, look for options in a private clinic. Now in maternity hospitals there is an opportunity to agree on lotus births. It may be expensive, but you will be under the supervision of doctors.
  • A lot of trouble. After the baby is born, the placenta is washed and generously sprinkled with salt. This procedure will have to be carried out regularly. Toddler wash, bathe and wear along with the placenta, which is located in a vessel or any other capacity uncomfortable.
  • Risk of blood poisoning. As you understand, no useful substances after the umbilical cord stops pulsating, will not enter the body of the child. This means that there is no sense in maintaining such a long connection with the umbilical cord and placenta. In the end, it becomes dangerous. The tissues of the umbilical cord and placenta begin to rot. Just imagine what condition they are in by the 7th day. The baby risks meeting pathogens that can lead to sepsis (blood poisoning).

It is very important that the “lotus” baby is under the supervision of doctors. If the placenta does not leave for a long time, you are very confused by its smell, despite the use of perfumed additives, be sure to consult a doctor. In the first weeks of life, newborns are very vulnerable to infections, so septic complications develop at lightning speed.

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