The placenta is the lifeline of the child in utero, and still pumps a considerable amount of blood to the baby after their birth. Many people who birth at home wait until the baby has received all the blood from their placenta and the cord is flat and white before severing it. Some people wait hours after the birth, until everyone is calm and grounded.

There are those who opt for burning the cord away rather than cutting it, as it is a more gradual process which can be carried out by both the mother and the father. Mum holds a candle on one side of the box, Dad holds a candle on the other. The flames meet on the umbilical cord, which is laying across the length of the box or bowl. The cord is gradually detached by the joint flame. Many believe that this slower process is more gentle for the baby and mother.

The severance of the umbilical cord is a moment that can never be repeated. Some like to say 'thank you' to the placenta before severing the cord; some ask the baby if they are ready to be separated from their mother. Some have observed that, though there are no nerve endings in the cord itself, sometimes the baby makes a sound if the cord is cut suddenly and before they are ready. This is a huge moment of separation for both baby and mother. 

These cord burning boxes and bowls are a bit special...

"Hand crafted using a mixture of woods - mostly pine and cedar (reclaimed for eco sustainability), with cherry wood accents in the boxes. Made in my small workshop, amongst caring for and home schooling our five children. My Wife gave birth to our first three at home with no medical involvement, so freebirth, homebirth, and cord care are very close to my heart. These boxes and bowls have been designed and made with the homebirthing mother and father in mind." - Dhi