Lotus birth: what is it?
What happens during the lotus birth?
A home birth or a birth center is the appropriate place for women who wish to have a lotus birth. It is important that you are supported by an experienced midwife. In most clinics, a lotus birth is not possible due to infection control.
Lotus birth: Are there any health risks?
- Whenever the child moves (diapering, nursing, washing, etc.), pulling on the navel must be avoided at all costs (risk of injury!).
- There is a risk of infection due to the slowly decaying placenta. If there are signs of infection in the child, you must see a doctor immediately!
- During lotus birth, stem cell collection from the umbilical cord is not possible.
- After the umbilical cord pulsates out, there is no more exchange of nutrients: The baby must be breastfed and fed normally after the lotus birth.
Advocates of lotus birth say that the natural dropping of the umbilical cord is less traumatic than the usual cutting. They also say it promotes a deep bond between mother and child and makes it easier for the child to enter life. According to some women who had opted for a lotus birth, the children are more relaxed and calmer.
Popular medical arguments for a lotus birth are:
- less blood loss
- better iron and oxygen supply
- strengthening of the immune system
- easier weight gain
- lower risk of jaundice
- higher IQ
- better fine motor skills
However, none of these touted benefits have been scientifically proven.
Lotus birth vs. early weaning: what does science say?
Waiting a little longer to cut the umbilical cord therefore seems sensible and is definitely advisable, especially for mothers with anemia or in developing countries where fetal anemia (anemia in the fetus) is more common. In premature babies, late weaning also reduces the brain hemorrhage rate by up to 50 percent.
