When did the trend of consuming placenta become so popular? It likely started when a celebrity decided to eat hers, but pinpointing the exact moment it went mainstream is tough. Now, there are Etsy shops dedicated to placenta art, services offering “placenta encapsulation,” and even husbands who admit to partaking in this unique delicacy. Recently, researchers took it upon themselves to examine whether there is any scientific basis for the claims that eating placenta offers benefits for postpartum women. Spoiler alert: there isn’t.
Ingesting an organ that has been filtering your baby’s waste for months just doesn’t seem to have any medical advantages. Furthermore, the safety of this practice remains unverified. Advocates of placenta consumption argue that it can boost energy, enhance milk production, and stabilize hormone levels, potentially reducing postpartum depression. However, a research team at the medical school of Northwestern University reviewed ten studies on placentophagy — the technical term for eating your own placenta — and found no evidence supporting these claims.
Dr. Lisa Thompson, one of the researchers, stated, “While many women report subjective benefits, there hasn’t been comprehensive research exploring the risks or advantages of consuming placenta.” She added that the increase in its popularity seems to stem from social media and personal blogs rather than scientific discussions with healthcare professionals.
Another researcher, Emily Jordan, pointed out, “There are no standards governing how the placenta is prepared or stored, leading to inconsistent dosing. Women often have no idea what they might actually be consuming.” It reminds me of a time I was on a parenting forum before my first child was born. One participant was passionately advocating for the supposed miraculous effects of eating your own placenta, and I was taken aback by her enthusiasm. This was years ago, before it became a widespread trend, and her insistence that consuming something just delivered from her body was beneficial left me stunned. She wasn’t talking about encapsulation or smoothies; she was suggesting eating it raw!
That moment made me realize I wasn’t quite ready to join the ranks of placenta eaters. When I was pregnant with my second child, my midwife suggested a doula who included placenta encapsulation in her service package. I considered it briefly, thinking it might be a good deal. But once I realized I’d need to fill out medical forms and transport the placenta in a cooler, I quickly reconsidered.
Interestingly, many advocates argue that since animals in the wild consume their placentas, it must be a healthy practice. Yet, the reasoning behind animal behavior is unclear; one theory is that it helps protect their young from predators. Besides, just because animals do something doesn’t mean it’s advisable for us. After all, they also engage in behaviors we wouldn’t dream of imitating.
Ultimately, it’s your choice, but this study provides useful insights to help you determine if following the placenta-eating trend is genuinely worthwhile. If you want to explore more about home insemination, check out this informative post on Home Insemination Kit. For those curious about at-home insemination, Make A Mom is an excellent authority on the subject. Additionally, if you’re looking for comprehensive guidance on pregnancy and home insemination, Parents offers a fantastic resource.
In summary, the trend of placenta consumption lacks scientific backing and may not be worth pursuing. While some people swear by its benefits, the lack of regulation and inconsistent practices raise significant concerns about safety and efficacy.