Medico-legal considerations on “Lotus Birth” in the Italian legislative framework

Abstract

The term “Lotus Birth” identifies the practice of not cutting the umbilical cord and of leaving the placenta attached to the newborn after its expulsion until it detaches spontaneously, which generally occurs 3–10 days after birth. The first reported cases of Lotus Birth date back to 2004 in Australia.Supporters of such a procedure claim that the newborn is better perfused, endowed with a more robust immune system and “less stressed”.However, it should be pointed out that histopathological study of the placenta is increasingly being requested in order to investigate problems of an infective nature or dysmaturity affecting the foetus, and situations of risk affecting the mother. Moreover, from the legal standpoint, there is no uniform position on the question of whether the placenta belongs to the mother or to the newborn. Lastly, a proper conservation of the embryonic adnexa is very difficult and includes problems of a hygiene/health, infectivological and medico-legal nature.The authors analyzed all these aspect in the Italian legislative framework, reaching the conclusion that Lotus Birth is inadvisable from both the scientific and logical/rational points of view.

Behaviors and Attitudes of Obstetricians in Turkey Related to Cord Clamping, Cord Milking, and Skin-To-Skin Contact

“…On the other hand, in the form of a new birth method called the "Lotus Birth", which was first applied in Australia in 2004, it waits until the placenta is separated from the mother, and the separation of the cord from the newborn by itself without clamping is monitored under appropriate conditions without intervention. Although the practitioners stated that the fetus is supported immunologically and spiritually, there is no evidence-based study on the subject [27]. This is the first study performed with obstetricians in our country on the practice of birth, cord clamping, milking, and skin-to-skin contact.…”

Advances in paediatrics in 2019: current practices and challenges in allergy, endocrinology, gastroenterology, public health, neonatology, nutrition, nephrology, neurology, respiratory diseases and rheumatic diseases

“…Meanwhile, the placenta is put in a bowl with salt and herbs [60]. Clinical risks, bioethical and medico legal aspects of this controversial procedure have been analysed by Bonsignore et al [61]. From the health side, studies about this particular practice are inconsistent, of poor quality and with small sample.…”

“…Families should be adequately updated about the risk/benefit ratio of Lotus birth and informed forms should be used. Overall, Bonsignore et al [61] consider Lotus birth inadvisable from both medical and rational point of view.…”

Neonatal Omphalitis After Lotus Birth

“…She transferred such a model to human birth . Although reasons for having a lotus birth vary, those cited include honor to the placenta, acknowledgment of the perceived connection between the newborn and the placenta, belief that the newborn knows the time for the placenta to be released, and increased attachment behavior and bonding between mother and newborn …”