Moms Are Turning Their Babies’ Umbilical Cords Into Jewelry, And We Don’t Know How To Feel

Childbirth is one of the most significant milestones of a woman’s life. Perhaps, that is why every couple wishes to remember this moment forever. And, thus, it has recently led to the beginning of a new incredible trend. Popular among new parents, this trend perhaps intends to ensure a close bond with their little ones until the end of the time. These young parents are requesting jewelry makers to create rings, necklaces, and at times, even cufflinks that contain their offspring’s umbilical cords! While there are some people out there who find this idea pretty fascinating, others tend to find it rather odd.

We, at MomJunction, were equally intrigued by the idea, and thus, decided to share with you this new form of art. Here, you can also have a look at the variation and innovation that each jewelry maker brings to the table. So, stay tuned and keep reading:

It is the umbilical cord that connects the baby within the womb to his/her mom. And, the average length of the cord is nearly 20 inches long. It is considered to be one of the most integral parts during pregnancy, given how it ensures the supply of nutrients, as well as oxygen, from the placenta to the baby’s bloodstream (1).

The umbilical cord consists of one vein that supplies the blood rich in both nutrients and oxygen from the mom to the little one. Then, there are two arteries that carry waste products and deoxygenated blood from the fetus to the mother. All these blood vessels are further protected by this sticky substance known as Wharton’s jelly. Even this jelly is further covered by a membrane layer, which is referred to as amnion (2).

In fact, as the mom nears the due date, the placenta even carries antibodies from her to the little one with the help of the umbilical cord. This ensures immunity for the newborn from infections for nearly three months after his/her birth. However, note that it will only pass on the antibodies that the mom already has (3). Soon after the little one’s birth, the umbilical cord is clamped. But, some also prefer waiting for it to eventually become dry and wither away on its own. Some parents have chosen to preserve it in their own various ways for some time now, like keeping it in jars filled with ethanol. There are also others who send it out for research purposes. Recently, parents have also started preserving the cord in the form of jewelry.

Now there are several designers who take orders for such pieces of jewelry. Truth be told, there are some who take the umbilical cord and transform it into an absolute masterpiece. And, one such brilliant artist is Ruth Avra, who hails from Florida. All the pictures that you see here are some of the incredible artwork created by this artist. In fact, all the necklaces that she makes are made in different designs and shapes. Some of these necklaces are heart-shaped while the others are in the shape of a flower.

In fact, if some women wish to have a ring instead of a necklace, they can get that too. Apart from the umbilical cord, the designers even offer to make pieces of jewelry out of the babies’ hair, or at times, even placenta.

Some moms even insist for something that is known as the double or triple necklace. The aim is to have a necklace made out of the umbilical cords of each one of the kids that they have. More often than not, it starts with a necklace that only has one stump. And, as each kid is born, the mothers send back the original necklace for it to be redone.

You can also add bracelets to the list of jewelry made out of umbilical cords. Here, take a look:

So mommies, what are your thoughts on this new trend? Please share with us in the comments section below!

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