What is cord burning?

If you are familiar with out-of-hospital midwifery care, you are likely familiar with delayed-cord clamping/cutting which supports the baby’s transition to the world with continued transfer of essential nutrients, oxygen, and stem cells.

Cord burning is the ancient practice of using heat to separate the umbilical cord from the baby. The act of cord burning itself is practical and symbolic. Using a small flame, the midwife and family carefully burn the cord in a safe and controlled manner, ensuring the process is calm and intentional. This can be a deeply spiritual experience and a gentle approach to the natural detachment of the cord. Many families report feeling a sense of peace and empowerment by choosing this method.

The cord often falls away with ease as it is burned, leaving behind a small, healed stump that requires minimal care. In a world where birth is often rushed and medicalized, cord burning offers an alternative that prioritizes the body’s rhythms and the sacredness of the birth experience, empowering families to take ownership of their birthing journey in a meaningful way.