Updated: Feb. 12, 2021 | Originally Published: Sep. 13, 2016
Just when you thought you’d seen it all in parenting trends, here comes something that might leave you scratching your head—umbilical cord art. Yes, you read that right. This quirky trend is taking afterbirth crafting to a whole new level.
Remember when new moms were all the rage with placenta smoothies and Kim Kardashian made headlines for her comments on eating placenta? Well, umbilical cord art makes those placenta fads look positively ordinary. This new wave of crafting merges the enthusiasm of crafty parents with the nostalgia of new motherhood, but unlike the placenta craze, there are no health benefits to speak of. Just your good old dried bodily tissue framed in gold for your home decor.
Because nothing screams “I love my baby” quite like showcasing a desiccated umbilical cord in your nursery or living room. Some people have even gone as far as creating scripted “love” decals from these dried cords. (Fair warning: those Pinterest-worthy images may haunt your dreams.)
With a retained umbilical cord, your creative potential knows no bounds. A dreamcatcher? Absolutely! A wave? You bet! A heart shape? Why not!
While umbilical cord art isn’t a brand-new concept, the current trend elevates it to new heights. Companies like Little Cord Art have been producing magnified prints of umbilical cords for a while, but the DIY approach is carving out its niche. Some enthusiasts have even termed it “magical” and “amazing.” Honestly, I’m a moderately crunchy person myself, but after giving birth to two little ones, crafting with an umbilical cord was the last thing on my mind. I was too busy dealing with my recovery and those delightful mesh panties.
Come on, moms! I get it; we’re sentimental and all, but what’s next? Bedazzling our clothes with baby teeth? Crafting holiday ornaments from toenail clippings? Finger painting with meconium?
But hey, you do you! I may be cringing a bit, but no judgment here. If you’re interested in other home insemination tips, check out our other blog posts here. And if you want expert advice on pregnancy, visit Healthline. For those looking into home insemination kits, Make a Mom has you covered.
Summary
Umbilical cord art is the latest unique trend among new parents, merging artistic expression with sentimental value. While some find beauty in preserving the umbilical cord, others might find the idea a bit out there. Regardless, this creative twist on afterbirth is certainly making waves in the crafting community.