Lotus Birth & Vaginal Seeding: What're The Risks?

Lotus birthing is the act of delivering your child and then the placenta while the umbilicus (umbilical cord) is still attached. The umbilical cord never gets gets cut or clamped, as a Lotus Birth allows for the umbilical cord to fall off naturally. Vaginal Seeding, also knows as Microbirthing, is typically only provided to cesarian section babies as they were not exposed to the birth-givers microbiome in the vaginal canal during delivery. But, in order for the infants microbiomes to develop traditionally, after they are born the birth giver takes a piece of cloth (cotton ball, q tip, etc.) and rubs the essence of their vaginal fluids on the child skin, mouth, and nose. This exposes the child to the microbiome that they would have been exposed to naturally, if delivered vaginally.

Is there scientific evidence to support these acts? Short answer, no. Each topic is highly discussed and causes mass controversy as there have been several reported pros, cons, and even backlash. But, the fact of the matter is this: there is little research that has been conducted on both topics even though both acts are globally conducted.

How did they come about? Lotus Birth's originally took place for spiritual reasons in early America, and shortly progressed to Australia where Vaginal Seeding derived, and then made way to the United Kingdom via Midwives. Since its popularity growth, hospitals across the globe have been very cautious about allowing Lotus Birth's to take place due to the lack of scientific evidence and risk of complication. Alternately, hospitals are more receptive to the idea of Vaginal Seeding as the evidence behind the microbiome is vast and becoming extensively researched.

So, Lotus Birth and Vaginal Seeding, what really are the risks? Well, both pose initial risks and are dangerous due to the lack of scientific research. If a parent chooses to partake in either methods, close supervision of the child needs to be overseen by a licensed physician. During the process of microbirthing, if the birth giver has an undiagnosed STD, STI, or infection, it can be passed on to the child resulting in unforeseeable complications. There is also risk for infection, sepsis, and even death. As the child would have only passed through the vaginal canal once during the birth process, if a parent then chooses to do vaginal seeding - likely against medical advise - it should only be conducted once, again, due to the lack of scientific research behind the act. Lotus Birthing poses the same risks as Vaginal Seeding, but even more so. Once the placenta is delivered it begins to decompose, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. If the process is done 'correctly', steps are taken to lessen the risk of infection and the ladder, but the act still poses great risk and harm to the child. These steps, according to the Placenta Remedies Network are as follows: "when the baby is born leave the umbilical cord intact, place the placenta into a receiving bowl beside the mother, wait for full transfusion of the umbilical blood into the baby before handling the placenta, gently wash the placenta with warm water and pat dry, place the placenta into a sieve or colander for 24 hrs to allow drainage, wrap the placenta in absorbent material - the covering is changed daily or more often if seepage occurs (alternative: place the placenta on a bed of sea salt - changed daily - and liberally covered with salt and herbs), and lastly, bathe the baby as usual and keep movement to a minimum." After the steps above are complete, the umbilicus should detach from the child naturally anywhere from 3-10 days.

According to The Coroners Court of Victoria at Melbourne, coroner Audrey Jamieson conducted a forensic pathology investigation regarding an infants death due to sepsis that was caused simultaneously by Vaginal Seeding and Lotus Birth. Jamieson concluded, "this case highlights the significant risk of sepsis and infection associated with the practice (Vaginal Seeding and Lotus Birth) and the need to increase awareness of both expectant parents and medical professionals regarding the risks" because, "currently there is little epidemiological data regarding the incidence and associated risks of lotus births and vaginal seeding and local data is particularly unknown." Thus strengthening the argument that these acts can become fatal, and if you choose to partake, do so under a licensed physician or expert and only if you fully understand the possibly ramifications.

By: Emma McCracken, CBC