Facts about Lotus Birth

One method of birth that is increasingly known is the lotus birth. This method of birth is different from the method in general, because in lotus birth, the umbilical cord is not cut after the baby is born, but is allowed to remain attached to the baby until it releases itself. Even so, the safety of lotus birth is still uncertain. Cutting the umbilical cord is usually done immediately after the baby is born, and when the placenta is still in the mother's body. This aims to prevent severe bleeding in the mother after childbirth.

Delaying Cord Cutting

Lotus birth until now does not have scientific evidence that is medically recognized. However, several studies have discovered the possible benefits of delaying cord cutting for some time. What needs to be stressed, this is different from the practice of lotus birth which leaves the umbilical cord for days to break naturally. Because letting the placental tissue die full of blood as in lotus birth, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria that are harmful to babies. The World Health Organization (WHO) issues recommendations for delaying the termination of the umbilical cord, which is about 1-3 minutes after the baby is born. It is really not recommended to cut the umbilical cord too early, which is less than 1 minute after the baby is born, except in emergencies where the baby is not breathing and requires resuscitation to help him breathe. Based on several tests on term and preterm births, there are several benefits that can be obtained from delaying cord cutting. The baby will receive blood supply from the placenta that is still connected. Additional blood supply accounts for around 30% more, compared to babies whose umbilical cords are cut immediately. Infants whose umbilical cord is delayed are also likely to have higher red blood cells in the first 1-2 days, and higher levels of iron until the age of 6 months. For premature babies, this procedure can reduce the risk of infection, bleeding and reduce the possibility of blood transfusion.

Weighing the Risks

Lotus birth or delaying the cutting of the umbilical cord for too long, has a risk to watch out for. Includes:

• Vulnerable to infection

Placenta containing blood is susceptible to infection, which can be transmitted directly to infants. Shortly after the baby is born and the umbilical cord stops beating, the placenta is like dead tissue because it doesn't have blood circulation. If parents decide to do a lotus birth, it is recommended to carefully monitor the possibility of infection.

• Yellow baby

Delaying the cutting of the umbilical cord can increase the risk of the baby having excess bilirubin, so the baby looks yellow (jaundice). That is due to excess blood supply obtained from the umbilical cord. Babies born with this method, will likely need more time for care after birth.

Delaying the cutting of the cord for a few moments is believed to be beneficial. But so far, to determine the deadline for delay and appropriate medical indications for lotus birth is still being debated. Because lotus birth has a risk that is not light, it is advisable to reconsider the choice of the delivery method. Consult your obstetrician or midwife about the level of security of lotus birth during antenatal care.