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When it comes to childbirth and parenting, I embrace a “do what works for you” approach. Whether you choose to have a serene water birth surrounded by candles or opt for an epidural at the first sign of labor, I fully support your choices. Breastfeeding? Great! Formula feeding? No problem!
However, I also believe that decisions surrounding childbirth should be informed by science and evidence. Personally, I leaned towards natural parenting with my own children, opting for unmedicated births and extended breastfeeding, among other practices. Yet, as you delve into the realm of natural parenting, you’ll encounter various methods that lack substantial scientific backing, often surrounded by myths. One such practice is the consumption of one’s placenta.
I remember hearing about placenta consumption during my early parenting days. The claims were enticing: it was supposed to enhance mood, increase energy levels, and accelerate postpartum recovery. While these benefits sound promising, I soon realized that scientific evidence supporting them is virtually nonexistent. In fact, consuming your placenta can even pose significant health risks.
How is the Placenta Consumed?
Most parents interested in placenta consumption don’t simply take a bite out of the organ. Approximately 70-80% choose to have their placenta dehydrated and encapsulated into pill form. This may seem more palatable, but the issue lies in the lack of regulatory standards for the encapsulation process. Typically, birth workers and doulas handle the encapsulation, but there’s no governing body ensuring that this is done in a sterile environment.
This is particularly concerning because we are dealing with a living (or rather, decomposing) organ. You certainly want to avoid any bacterial contamination! For this reason, the CDC advises against placenta consumption, even after encapsulation, stating, “No standards exist for processing placenta for consumption.”
What Are the Claimed Benefits?
A quick online search for “placenta encapsulation” will yield numerous articles highlighting the supposed benefits of the practice, including endorsements from various celebrities. Advocates claim that consuming placenta can help mitigate the challenges of postpartum life: increased energy, reduced risk of postpartum depression, and enhanced milk production are just a few of the touted perks. It’s as if ingesting your placenta could transform you into a supercharged, nurturing goddess after giving birth.
Are There Any Actual Benefits?
Unfortunately, the evidence does not support these claims. Rigorous scientific studies have consistently found no benefits associated with placenta consumption. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada examined birthing individuals with a history of mood disorders to see if consuming placenta could alleviate depression or boost B12 levels. The conclusion? No significant effects were observed. Similarly, another randomized, double-blind study reported no improvement in iron levels among postpartum individuals consuming placenta pills.
Are There Risks Associated with Consuming Placenta?
Beyond the absence of documented benefits, there are serious concerns regarding the contamination of placenta pills. The CDC reported a case where a baby was hospitalized due to group B streptococcus (GBS) after the mother consumed contaminated placenta capsules. Furthermore, some studies have detected heavy metals such as lead and arsenic in these pills, posing potential risks to newborns. This is why major health organizations like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the CDC strongly advise against consuming placentas.
As ACOG states: “There is no scientific evidence of any clinical benefit of placentophagy among humans, and no placental nutrients and hormones are retained in sufficient amounts after encapsulation to be potentially helpful to the mother postpartum.” They also encourage healthcare providers to proactively discourage this practice due to its potential harm.
Should You Consider Encapsulating Your Placenta?
Given the lack of benefits and the potential risks, many people may choose against placenta encapsulation. However, each person’s situation is unique, and you may feel that the risks are manageable and wish to explore this practice for yourself. If you decide to go ahead, please consult with your healthcare provider. They can help assess your specific health risks and offer guidance on what to watch for should any issues arise.
For more insights on pregnancy, including topics related to home insemination, check out this blog post on intracervical insemination. You can also find valuable information about the procedure on Wikipedia.
Summary
In conclusion, while placenta encapsulation is a popular topic among new parents, scientific evidence supporting its benefits is lacking, and potential health risks are concerning. If you’re considering this practice, it’s essential to consult your healthcare provider to make an informed decision for your and your baby’s well-being.