Lotus birth 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. This usually occurs within 3–10 days after birth.
Lotus Birthing: A Peaceful Transition into the World
Lotus Birthing is a nurturing, natural way to welcome a newborn into this world with a peaceful transition. This practice slows down the processes in the after-birth period, drawing focus on the baby's needs and allowing bonding, intimacy, and integration to occur.
The umbilical cord transfers nutrients, stem cells, and immunities from the placenta to the baby. In a Lotus Birth, the umbilical cord detaches naturally without cutting or medication, typically within 3-14 days, aided by drying the placenta with herbs and sea salt.
Lotus Birth is often seen as a way to prolong the birth process, extending the baby's transition into our world to make it as gentle and gradual as possible. Lotus-born babies often show awareness through their body language when their placenta is touched. Parents report that their Lotus babies are more serene than most newborns and notice a definite change in demeanor when their cords detach.
Some cultures believe that energy passes between the baby and its placenta long after the placenta has ceased to function as an organ. We are learning that a close attachment with our parents as a child is vital if we want to raise adults who honor their natural instincts and care for others and our planet.
I have personally facilitated Lotus Birth ceremonies with four of my five children, with their cords separating within the first week of birth. We have helped mothers across the United States achieve their Lotus Birth goals.
what to expect
Umbilical Cord Care
Keep the cord dry and exposed to the air. After the first day, the cord will begin to shrivel, resembling a twig due to the drying process. When the baby is ready, they will naturally detach the cord themselves by kicking or pulling it off.
Once detached, clean the area with alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to remove any accumulated dried blood.
Placenta Care
The placenta will dry out with the salt and herb mixture. Keep the placenta wrapped in a cotton cloth or hospital absorbent pads. Allow the placenta to remain semi-exposed to air to facilitate drying and complete the ceremony.
After detachment, you may choose to bury the placenta to ground your newborn and connect them back to the Earth, or dispose of it in a way that aligns with your spiritual, religious, or personal beliefs
premade lotus birth kits
Discover our custom Ankara design ceremonial birthing kits tailored for hospital births or homebirths. Each Lotus Birth Kit includes essential information and instruction sheets for both hospital and home care. Our kits also feature a custom hand-stitched Ankara design placenta bag with a drawstring, three pack cloths, and a blend of drying and healing herbs with sea salt.
Prepare for a gentle and nurturing birth experience with our thoughtfully crafted kits. Ideal for embracing the natural transition of Lotus Birth, these kits combine practicality with cultural beauty. Experience the essence of ancestral traditions and holistic care with Muva Nature Healing.