What term describes a parent's choice to leave the umbilical cord intact until it naturally separates?

The correct term for a parent's choice to leave the umbilical cord intact until it naturally separates is referred to as "Lotus birth." This practice involves not cutting the umbilical cord and allowing the placenta to remain attached to the newborn for a period, typically until it separates naturally, which can take several days. Proponents of lotus birth believe it allows for a gentle transition for the baby, potentially providing benefits such as maintaining the circulatory connection to the placenta and supporting the baby's nutritional and immune system needs during the early days of life.

Other terms such as "water birth" refer to a method of delivering a baby in a tub of warm water, which focuses on the mother's comfort during labor, and "pediatric birth" does not designate any specific birthing practice but rather relates broadly to the care of newborns and children. "Physiological birth" is a term that signifies a natural birth process, emphasizing minimal intervention, but it does not specifically address the handling of the umbilical cord.

Thus, lotus birth specifically captures the act of not cutting the umbilical cord and allowing for the natural separation process to occur.