34. The Umbilical Cord
The Sacred Connection:
The Amazing Role of the Umbilical Cord and Placenta
The umbilical cord is often referred to as the “lifeline” between mother and baby—and for good reason. This incredible structure, along with the placenta, works tirelessly throughout pregnancy to nourish and sustain life. The placenta is a miraculous organ that forms during pregnancy, facilitating the exchange of nutrients, oxygen, and waste between mother and baby. Through the umbilical cord, oxygenated blood and vital nutrients flow to the baby while carbon dioxide and waste are carried back to the placenta to be removed by the mother’s body.
But the cord’s role doesn’t end at birth. In the minutes following birth, the umbilical cord continues its life-giving work, offering what is known as “placental transfusion.”
The Moments After Birth:
Placental Transfusion and Baby’s Transition
After a baby is born, they make a remarkable transition from life in the womb to the outside world. Inside the womb, the placenta and umbilical cord serve as the baby’s lungs, delivering oxygenated blood to their body. When the baby takes their first breaths after birth, their lungs begin to take over this essential function.
However, this transition is not immediate. The umbilical cord continues to pulse, transferring oxygen-rich blood, stem cells, and nutrients to the baby for several minutes. This placental transfusion helps the baby stabilize their breathing, regulate body temperature, and build iron stores for the months ahead. Delaying the clamping of the cord allows the baby to receive their full blood volume, completing this natural process of transition to extrauterine life.
Once the cord has stopped pulsing or when the parents feel it is the right time, the cord can be severed. The method of separation is as unique as the family’s wishes.
Ways to Sever the Umbilical Cord
Cord Clamping and Cutting
Cord clamping and cutting is the most widely recognized method for severing the umbilical cord. It is recommended to "wait for white" before clamping and cutting, meaning the cord should no longer have visible blood flow and should appear pale and limp. This typically occurs after the cord has finished pulsating, which can take anywhere from a few minutes to up to an hour post-birth. Once the cord turns white, a sterile plastic clamp is applied a few inches from the baby’s navel, and the cord is cut using sterile scissors, officially separating the baby from the placenta.
This method is quick and straightforward, making it a standard practice in most hospitals, birth centers, and home births. Waiting for white ensures that the baby receives the full benefit of placental transfusion, which helps optimize their iron levels, reduce the risk of anemia, and stabilize their circulatory and respiratory systems as they transition to life outside the womb.
For families who prefer a medical-free or low-intervention experience, the clamp can be replaced with gentler alternatives, such as cord ties, which add a personal and meaningful touch to the process.
Cord Ties
Cord ties are a beautiful and customizable alternative to the plastic clamps often used in medical settings. These ties are typically made from natural fibers, like organic cotton, wool, or silk, and are tied around the umbilical cord to secure it before it is cut. Unlike the disposable nature of clamps, cord ties can be saved as a keepsake, a meaningful reminder of the moment your baby transitioned earthside.
Many parents choose ties with symbolic meaning, such as those in specific colors that represent themes like love, strength, or peace. Others might select handwoven or crocheted ties made by family members or artisans, adding an element of connection and intention.
Cord ties are not only more aesthetically pleasing but also more comfortable for the baby, as they are softer and less bulky than traditional clamps. They are a lovely way to personalize the severing process while still offering practicality and safety.
Photo Credits:
Mama: Brandy Benson of Wild & Free Birth Wellness
Photographer: Lisa Hamisfar Photography
Mama: Maria Orr
Mama: Emerald Brown of By His Grace Fertility & Midwifery
Photographer: Jennifer Householder of Jenfin Photography
Cord Burning Ceremony
A cord burning ceremony is an ancient practice that offers a gentle and intentional way to separate the umbilical cord. In this process, the cord is slowly burned through using a candle or special flame, rather than being cut with scissors. This method takes about 5-10 minutes and is often done in a calm, sacred environment to honor the baby’s first moments outside the womb.
The act of burning the cord can feel ceremonial, marking the transition from pregnancy to parenthood in a deeply meaningful way. Many families include prayers, blessings, or songs during the burning process, creating a bonding experience for everyone present.
Practically speaking, cord burning also has hygienic benefits, as the heat from the flame cauterizes the cord, reducing the risk of infection. It is particularly favored in cultures and communities that emphasize a slower, more mindful approach to birth. While it requires a bit more time and preparation, the ceremony’s profound symbolism often makes it a treasured memory for parents.
Lotus Birth
Lotus birth is the practice of leaving the umbilical cord and placenta intact until the cord naturally detaches from the baby, a process that can take anywhere from 3 to 10 days. This approach allows for an uninterrupted transition from the womb to the world, honoring the placenta as an integral part of the baby’s development.
During a lotus birth, the placenta is carefully washed, salted, and wrapped in breathable fabric to preserve it and prevent infection. Some families use herbs, such as lavender or rosemary, to keep the placenta fresh and mask any odors as it dries. While the placenta requires daily care, many families who choose this method feel it deepens their connection to the natural process of birth and emphasizes respect for the baby’s lifeline.
Practitioners of lotus birth often believe it encourages a gentler adjustment for the baby, as it avoids the abruptness of cord cutting. Babies experiencing lotus birth are thought to remain calmer in the days following birth, benefiting from the slower transition and the continued presence of the placenta.
While lotus birth isn’t for everyone due to the level of care and commitment involved, it can be a powerful choice for those who value a deeply holistic and connected birth experience.
Photo Credit:
Mama: Maria Orr
Choosing Your Path
No matter which method resonates most, the moment of cord separation is significant, marking the baby’s physical independence from the womb. Whether you opt for a quick cut with a clamp, a tender cord tie, a sacred burning ceremony, or the gentle patience of a lotus birth, the choice is yours to make.
Each option offers a unique way to honor the amazing function of the umbilical cord and the sacredness of birth. What matters most is that the method aligns with your family’s values and the atmosphere you wish to create for welcoming your baby into the world.
Stay Wild & Free,
-Brandy
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