The placenta is officially old news: Make way for the umbilical cord! Once an overlooked byproduct of birth, the humble umbilical cord is now at last getting its day in the sun (so to speak), with new moms turning these anatomical souvenirs into art, photographing their designs, and hanging them in their homes as keepsakes. But is the, um, creative new trend for you?
Click through our slideshow of umbilical art and see if inspiration strikes — or if you're more "inspired" to leave your baby bungee cord behind at the hospital!
Image via natalie_hoflin/Instagram
Ride the Wave
You might think this one is an umbilical attempt at a Yin Yang symbol, but it's actually a wave in a circle inspired by the baby girl's name, Ozeana.
Piece of My Heart
This one would make a perfect album cover for the band My Bloody Valentine. Plus, we're pretty sure that's a placenta in the background — so two trends in one!
Tree of Life
Waste not, want not: This painting not only makes use of the umbilical cord, it also uses incorporates blood in the tree design. (It's fun how it sort of looks like one of those dinosaurs with the fan thing around its face too, right?)
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Love Is All You Need
This collage just proves how versatile the umbilical cord can be. Look, it's a heart! A swirl! The world "love"! A heart with eyes (?)!
Heart in Hand
Apparently, when baked at a low temperature for a long period of time, umbilical cords work a lot like Shrinky Dinks! Who knew?
Dream a Little Dream
An umbilical cord dreamcatcher would be a whimsical gift to get from your midwife — perfect for hanging over baby's crib!
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Twice as Nice
Twins = Two umbilical cords! At least they're easy to tell apart once they've been dried into the shapes of letters ("D" and "A").
First Initial
Raise your hand if the first thing you thought of when you saw this umbilical cord "L" was Laverne's sweater on Laverne & Shirley! (This one would be messy on a cardigan, though.)
The Circle Game
Insofar as umbilical cord symbology goes, the circle is pretty perfect. It's the circle of life … and it moves us all!
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In the Bag
It's nice if you have a shiny little bag to keep your inspirational umbilical art safe. Plus the dog will be less likely to try to eat it!
All Natural
A lovely care package for a new mama: placenta capsules, heart-shaped umbilical cord, and a soothing watercolor painting.
Cord of Many Colors
We're not sure why this particular umbilical cord "love" is so colorful (did they paint it somehow?), but it's definitely cool!
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Here Comes the Sun
As the caption to this photo points out, these keepsakes do give a fascinating peek at the different veins and vessels of the umbilical cord. They're actually amazing!
Pretty in Pink
What a stunning shade! We've never seen an umbilical cord look so cheerful.
By the Roots
Whether you're a fan of umbilical art or not, you've got to admit that this photo is incredibly interesting. Can you believe this incredibly intricate nutrient delivery system is produced by your own body??
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Over the Moon
Another take on the umbilical cord dreamcatcher theme, this one uses the cord as a base for a more traditional woven web — and adds a cute little moon. Sweet dreams, baby!
