Wow.

A mother in Texas, Vanessa Fisher, is sharing her experience of having a Lotus birth. Vanessa explains that "Lotus birth (or umbilical nonseverance) is the practice of leaving the umbilical cord uncut after childbirth so that the baby is left attached to the placenta until the cord naturally separates at the umbilicus, usually 3-10 days after birth." She says that it allows for "the health benefits associated with complete placental blood transfer. Creates a more fluid transition from mother, baby, placenta, and womb to mother, baby, father & world." The practice is becoming increasingly more popular among celebrities. Vanessa and her husband Nick decided to try for a Lotus Birth for their second baby and were successful. She has been giving updates on Facebook as her baby progresses post-birth. Her latest image shows little Ashton on day four with his umbilical cord still attached with the placenta in a bag beside him.