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You Can Finally Ditch the Placenta – It’s Just Not Worth Your Time
When did eating your placenta become a thing? It seems like it all kicked off after a celebrity decided to do it, but it’s hard to pinpoint who really popularized it. Now we have Etsy shops selling placenta art, businesses offering “placenta encapsulation,” and even some partners admitting to munching on the organ themselves. A group of researchers decided it was time to see if there’s any scientific backing for the claims that consuming placenta is beneficial for new moms. Spoiler alert: there isn’t.
Ingesting something that’s been filtering your baby’s waste for months isn’t backed by any medical benefits. Plus, no one can confirm if it’s truly safe. Advocates for placenta consumption claim it boosts energy, enhances milk production, and balances hormones to help ward off postpartum depression. But a team from Northwestern Medical School reviewed ten studies on placentophagy — or eating your own placenta — and found no credible evidence supporting these claims. As Dr. Emily Davis from the study noted, “There are many anecdotal reports from women who think it works, but there hasn’t been solid research to back it up.” She added, “People are often influenced by blogs and media rather than science and talking to their doctors.”
Another author of the study, Sarah Lee, pointed out that there aren’t any regulations on how placentas are stored or prepared, making it difficult for women to know what they’re actually consuming. Years ago, before my first child, I was on a parenting forum and came across a woman who insisted that eating her placenta was the ultimate postpartum remedy. This was before it became trendy, and I found her enthusiasm about chomping down on something that just came from her body pretty shocking. She was talking about taking a bite right after giving birth — just ripping a chunk off and chewing it. No thanks!
When I was expecting my second child, my midwife recommended a doula who offered placenta encapsulation as part of her services. I thought, “Hey, free pills made from my placenta? Why not?” But then I realized I’d have to plan ahead, fill out medical forms, and carry it all home in a cooler. Again, not for me. It’s funny how I was considering it until I learned what was involved. I didn’t take any medication during my pregnancy, yet I was considering ingesting my placenta just because someone with no medical training would prepare it for me. Having worked in food service, I know the strict hygiene regulations for raw meat that don’t seem to apply to placenta encapsulation businesses.
Many fans of the practice argue that animals in the wild do it, which makes it sound natural. But we aren’t sure why animals eat their placentas—some think it’s to keep predators away from their young. Plus, just because animals do something doesn’t mean we should, especially considering some of their other habits, like licking their own rear ends.
Do what feels right for you, but consider whether the placenta-eating trend is really worth it. If you’re interested in learning more about pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent resource from ACOG.
In summary, while placenta consumption has gained popularity, scientific evidence supporting its benefits is lacking. The decision to eat your placenta should be approached with caution, especially considering the potential risks involved.