HI Tashybabe

Wondered where you had migrated to as I hadn't seen you on the PAML forum for a while! In terms of honouring the placenta - and the incredible gift it has given your child - the lotus birth is invaluable. The second most precious thing it gives is the need to remain closer and quieter with your baby in those important first few days - a commitment many people find difficult otherwise because of the pressure we often or society often puts on us to be 'up and about' with the baby ASAP - which can cause a real shock to both mum and bub.

Friends gave some great practical advice on how to manage it:

- 3 -4 cups of finely ground dried rosemary (fresh as possible rather than store bought at places like Woolies - markets or spice stores are better - local if possible)
- a bucket of warm water and strainer
- bamboo steamer
- some towels/cloth nappies to absorb moisture
- willingness to offer this time to your bub

Try to clean the placenta within an hour of birth if poss - with warm water and strainer over container that can be placed where bub is - be gentle but thorough in washing - Let drain

A few hours later after draining, repeat another gentle wash and then pat dry with towels.

Cover with rosemary - everywhere - as it will stop smell/rot - cover cord and sprinkle around navel too of bub

Avoid salt - it will absorb humidity from air and could lead to rotting

Place placenta in bamboo steamer - light weight, unobtrusive, natural and has air flow - make sure it has folded towel/nappy in it to absorb moisture - check and change when needed - every couple of hours

Sprinkle more rosemary in first 24 hours - keep changing cloth underneath

Placenta should be dehydrating and shrinking - take care when moving bub as cord can become quite tough and you want to avoid jerking the belly

Over next few days until cord drops off - there should be less maintenance needed but keep sprinkling and changing cloths

Once two have separated - the placenta can be treated to a ceremony (planting if you like with tree/plant/bush/vegie patch) or it can be kept in sealed container in freezer for Naming day/1st birthday - whatever suits your family.

Hope that helps - have a wonderful pg and birth!

Much love
Karen van