Lotus birth is the nonseverence of the umbilical cord. It is the practice of leaving the umbilical cord uncut, so that the baby remains attached to their placenta until the cord separates at the umbilicus exactly as a cut cord does at 3 to 10 days after birth, but naturally. This prolonged contact can be seen as a time of transition, allowing the baby to slowly and gently let go of his/her attachment to the mother's body.

The placenta is left to drain then wrapped in a cotton cloth and placed in a placenta bag, usually handmade. It is then carried with the baby until it seperates naturally. The placenta is treated every 24 hours with salt and lavender oil.

References

For a personal account of lotus birth from Sarah Buckley and more information click here...http://www.pregnancy.com.au/lotus_bi..._our_times.htm

This is an interesting read... scroll down to lotus birth

http://www.radmid.demon.co.uk/cord.htm#1