I just wanted to update anyone who is interested in cord burning...

I am now in the middle of writing a booklet for the U.N., UNICEF, WHO, and Doctors Without Borders. I have worked with theses groups in the Aceh province of Sumatra after the tsunami. This booklet will be available in 7 languages. It is a reference to cord burning and lotus birth (not cutting the cord at all).

I have put out requests to midwives all over the world through Midwifery Today Magazine concerning cord burning and lotus birth. I have gotten some amazing information! and...I wanted to share it with you all.

Apparently the practice of cord burning is ancient. It has been found in history throughout the world. This practice was used not only to stop the spread of infection, but also to add heat to the baby's digestion. In chinese medicine it was a moxa treatment for the baby to prevent jaundice.

Historical research has shown that cord burning adds yang (or heat ) to the baby's stomach, intestines, gall bladder, spleen and liver. By adding heat it allows the baby to more easily absorb colostrum and breast milk. This allows the baby to fully digest new forming bilirubins. Therefore, jaundice becomes quite rare. Cord burning was always used with "early" babies for this purpose.

After finding out this information, I was able to reflect on the occurance of jaundice in my own practice. I realized that I have not had even a small case of jaundice in many years and the last one was actually when I was not cord burning. i don't know why this never crossed my mind.

I just got back from a birth of a friend of mine. I was not there for the birth; as it happened really fast. The midwife there cut the cord before the placenta was born. Not only did the baby have a stinky cord (which never happens with cord burning because it falls off too fast to get that rotting smell) but he had a slight case of jaundice. It was then that I realized that I have not seen any jaundice in a very long time.

As far as the questions that were raised by you with the first thread...I think that cord burning is easy to "sell" to your patients. It is very easy and is beneficial in so many ways. If you have not seen it or heard of it in your region, bring it up to your local homebirth midwives. This is the only way that we can "normalize" such an ancient practice.

If you have any more questions, I would be happy to answer them. And...please be patient, I only visit this site occasionally.

Wow, thankyou for letting us know this!

really interesting

I find this fascinating but why have 2 candles(previous thread) ?
I can understand beeswax as other candles may contain undesired chemicals. How do you hold the candle or is it two candles at a time and if 2 - why? Also if the midwife or assistant is holding 2 candles who holds the cord?
Youtube let me down here as there are no videos for this as far as I can tell. I understand the energy principles and moxabustion but cannot visualise the procedure.

Forgot to say - how would we get a copy of your booklet, would it be availbale on the WHO website?

Two candles add more heat , which makes the process shorter. The cord lies length wise across a small bowl, box (one that will not burn) or a kidney bowl is great. I have a burn box made of wood and it is the best way to burn the cord. But, any bowl that can hold hot wax will work. So, you have 2 candles under the cord burning the cord and all the while another person is pulling (gently) on either side of the cord to help burn through. The candles are held by one person (or 2 for the ritual of it ) and the cord is being held by one person. Very simple. Don't over think it. Just have something that catches the wax. The process takes about 10 minutes and every time the main artery in the cord will make a "pop" and usually the candles will need to be re lit. I always give advanced notice to my parents that they will hear a "pop". It doesn't matter how far away it is from the baby's belly. 4 to 5 inches away from baby is usually ideal. Sometimes I make it further because it is easy to get to and often the baby is nursing. The most important end to the cord burning is that the end of the cord will be hot when it burns through, so keep it off of the baby until it cools down. Also, having the baby wrapped in a blanket will keep the heat from the candles away. If I could figure out a way to post photos, I have tons. A picture (especially in this case) really explains it best.
Thanks for your interest.

Thanks for taking the time to explain this so well. I can visualise it better now. It must be a fascinating process to be part of. I'll keep my fingers crossed that I come across some photographs... and look forward to your book.