New Mum Reacts As Mother-In-Law Uses Her Baby’s Umbilical Cord To Plant Plantain
By Passman Akpos
A new mother has sparked a heated discussion online after revealing that her mother-in-law secretly used her newborn baby’s umbilical cord to plant a plantain tree in the family compound — a move she described as “deeply unsettling.”
The unnamed woman took to social media to share her shock, explaining that she had carefully preserved her baby’s umbilical cord after the birth, intending to keep it as a sentimental item. However, during a recent visit to her husband’s family home, she discovered that the cord was missing — only to be told later that her mother-in-law had buried it beneath a newly planted plantain tree.
> “She said it was a family tradition — that it would help the child grow strong and stay connected to their roots,” the new mum wrote. “But she didn’t even ask me. I feel violated.”
The post quickly went viral, drawing thousands of reactions and reigniting debates about cultural traditions versus personal consent in modern parenting.
While some commenters defended the older woman’s actions, calling it a “harmless and meaningful custom,” others sided with the new mum, insisting that such decisions should be made by the parents alone.
> “It’s not about disrespecting tradition,” one user commented. “It’s about boundaries. That was her baby’s cord — not her mother-in-law’s to take.”
Anthropologists note that in many parts of Nigeria and West Africa, it is common for families to bury a baby’s umbilical cord under a tree — often symbolizing life, growth, and a lasting bond with the land.
However, as younger generations navigate evolving family dynamics, such practices are increasingly being questioned, especially when carried out without consent.
As for the new mum, she says she’s still processing the situation.
> “I know she meant well,” she admitted. “But next time, I’d like to be asked before my baby’s body part becomes part of a plantain plantation.”
