Table of Contents
A reality television personality is sparking conversation online after openly sharing her decision to practice lotus birth and her subsequent preservation of the placenta, a practice rooted in the belief of a natural and connected birthing process. The mother, identified as Ayleen, documented her experience on social media, revealing her intention to eventually bury the placenta and plant a tree above it.
Embracing the Lotus Birth Tradition
Lotus birth, also known as delayed cord clamping, involves leaving the placenta attached to the baby until the umbilical cord naturally separates. According to Ayleen, this means “leaving the placenta to the baby and not cutting the umbilical cord.” She chose to allow the cord to detach on its own, a process she describes as a deliberate and respectful approach to childbirth.
The practice is gaining traction among some parents seeking a more holistic and natural birthing experience, though it remains outside mainstream obstetric care. Ayleen further stated, “I’ve always kept the placenta,” indicating a long-held belief in its significance.
Addressing Concerns and Dispelling Myths
Ayleen proactively addressed potential concerns surrounding the practice, specifically regarding the placenta’s odor. She asserted that, contrary to common perception, “the placenta does not smell.” Her method of preservation involved drying the placenta with salt and herbs, a traditional technique aimed at preventing decomposition and maintaining its form.
She shared the process with her followers, issuing a “trigger warning” before revealing the preserved placenta, wrapped in cloth, from a box containing her baby’s belongings. The visual documentation, she acknowledged, might be unsettling for some.
From Placenta to Stone: A Symbolic Transformation
The video revealed a striking transformation: the placenta had hardened and, according to Ayleen, now resembled a stone. This physical change underscores the natural process of preservation and the passage of time.
Ayleen’s ultimate vision for the placenta is deeply personal. “So I’m going to bury him one day,” she explained, referring to the placenta as “the thing that took care of my child for nine months.” She intends to plant a tree at the burial site, but with a specific caveat: “Not a huge tree, because I always want to be able to take it with me.” This desire highlights the enduring emotional connection she feels to the organ.
Ayleen anticipates that her choices may be met with skepticism or disapproval. “Some people find this so gross to see, but others see the beautiful meaning behind it,” she acknowledged. Despite potential criticism, she expressed a firm sense of conviction and self-acceptance. “I think it’s a very beautiful thing,” she stated, emphasizing her lack of shame in sharing her experience.
The mother also shared a video detailing her overall journey into motherhood and her approach to raising her child, offering a broader context for her unique birthing and preservation practices.
Ayleen’s story underscores the growing trend of parents seeking alternative approaches to childbirth and postpartum care, driven by a desire for greater autonomy and a deeper connection to the natural processes of life.
