The Placenta, something we hardly give any thought to until we are pregnant. I have studied human biology at school, and never in my academic life has there been any emphasis on the importance of this magnificent organ. It is the piece of you and the baby that nourishes and protects both of you. I myself didn’t read up on the way the placenta should be detached from the baby until I was pregnant with my first daughter. The typical portrayal in Western media is a romantic picture of the father cutting the cord immediately after birth. But once you start informing yourself, you find out that immediate cord clamping can actually do more harm than good.

I recently read the book “Placenta: The Forgotten Chakra” by the renowned midwife Robin Lim. It has a lot of interesting information, most of which, as a doula, I already knew. However, there was one statement made by Lim that caught my attention. She noted that the baby and placenta share a unique and intimate connection, similar to that of twins. This connection is due to their shared origin from the fertilized egg, with the placenta and baby developing together in a symbiotic relationship.

“The placenta is the original and first of our chakras. It is the source of our life, our vitality, and our connection to the divine. It’s a bridge between two worlds, sustaining and nurturing the new life within.” – Robin Lim

I thought I would mention all the ways families decide to treat the cord after the birth of their babies. I hope they clear up the doubts you may have so you can decide which aligns the most with your wishes and needs:

1. **Immediate Cord Clamping**:
– This method involves clamping and cutting the umbilical cord immediately after birth, typically within the first 15-30 seconds. It has been the standard practice in many hospitals for decades. The primary rationale behind ICC is to quickly facilitate neonatal care, such as suctioning and providing immediate medical interventions if necessary. However, recent studies have shown that ICC can deprive the newborn of valuable blood, oxygen, and nutrients that would otherwise continue to flow from the placenta.

2. **Delayed Cord Clamping**:
– In delayed cord clamping, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut after a delay of 1-3 minutes. This delay allows more blood to transfer from the placenta to the baby, which can significantly improve the baby’s iron levels and overall health. DCC is particularly beneficial in reducing the risk of iron deficiency during the first year of life. It also supports better circulation and higher hemoglobin levels, enhancing the newborn’s ability to adjust to life outside the womb.

3. **Optimal Cord Clamping**:
– Optimal cord clamping involves waiting several hours after birth before clamping and cutting the umbilical cord. This extended period allows the placenta to fully transfer its blood to the baby, ensuring the maximum benefits in terms of oxygen and nutrient transfer. Optimal cord clamping can promote better long-term health outcomes for the infant by providing a robust supply of stem cells and improving immune function. This practice is often embraced in more natural or holistic birthing environments.

4. **Lotus Birth**:
– A lotus birth is a practice where the umbilical cord is left uncut, allowing it to remain attached to the placenta until it naturally separates from the baby, usually within 3-10 days. Proponents of lotus birth believe it honors the natural process and allows for a gentler transition for the baby from the womb to the outside world. This method is thought to reduce trauma and promote a peaceful start to life. Careful handling and hygiene are crucial to prevent infection as the cord dries and detaches.

5. **Burning the Cord**:
– In this method, the umbilical cord is severed using a candle or another heat source instead of cutting with a sharp instrument. Burning the cord is believed to reduce the risk of infection compared to cutting, as the heat cauterizes the ends of the cord. This method is often considered a gentle and symbolic way to separate the baby from the placenta. It can also be part of a meaningful ceremony, marking the transition from the prenatal to the postnatal state in a reverent manner.

These methods reflect a range of cultural, medical, and spiritual perspectives on birth and the placenta. For a more detailed and specific discussion on these practices, “Placenta: The Forgotten Chakra” would be an essential resource.