When did the trend of consuming the placenta gain popularity? It likely started when a celebrity made it mainstream, although pinpointing the exact influencer is challenging. Today, there are Etsy shops selling placenta-themed art, businesses offering “placenta encapsulation” services, and even partners who admit to consuming this organ. Recently, researchers took a closer look at the supposed benefits of placenta consumption for postpartum women. The conclusion? There’s no scientific backing for it.
Ingesting an organ that has been filtering your baby’s waste for months raises significant health concerns. Advocates of placenta consumption argue that it can enhance energy levels, increase milk production, and balance hormones, potentially alleviating postpartum depression. However, a team at Northwestern University’s medical school reviewed ten studies focused on the practice of placentophagy and found no substantial evidence supporting these claims. “While many women report subjective benefits, there is a lack of systematic research evaluating the risks or advantages of consuming placenta,” explained Dr. Sarah Mitchell. “Animal studies do not translate to human benefits.”
The trend has grown exponentially, often fueled by media and personal anecdotes rather than scientific dialogue. Dr. Lisa Turner, another author of the study, pointed out that there are no standard regulations governing how placentas are stored or prepared, leaving women unaware of what they are actually consuming.
Reflecting on my own experiences, I remember being part of an online community before the birth of my first child. One member passionately advocated for the supposed miraculous benefits of eating one’s placenta immediately after childbirth. This was years before it became a mainstream practice, and her enthusiasm shocked me. She wasn’t discussing encapsulation or smoothies; she was advocating for raw consumption—biting into the placenta right after delivery.
I realized then that I wasn’t inclined to join the ranks of placenta eaters. When my second child arrived, I was tempted again when my midwife mentioned a doula who included placenta encapsulation as part of her package. The idea of ingesting it in pill form seemed appealing, but then the logistics hit me: I would need to fill out medical release forms and transport it from the hospital in a cooler. Once again, I hesitated.
Interestingly, some proponents argue that since animals in the wild consume their placentas, it must be a natural and healthy choice. However, the reasons behind this behavior are unclear, and the argument falls short when considering that animals also engage in behaviors that humans generally avoid. Ultimately, it’s essential to make informed decisions based on credible evidence, and this study may aid in determining the real value of placenta consumption.
For more insights on this topic, you can check out our article on placenta consumption. If you’re interested in self-insemination methods, Make a Mom provides authoritative information on home insemination kits. Additionally, the CDC offers an excellent resource for understanding pregnancy and infertility.
Summary
The trend of placenta consumption lacks scientific support, with no proven medical benefits and potential safety risks. While some claim it can enhance postpartum recovery, studies show no substantial evidence for these assertions. It remains essential for mothers to base their choices on reliable information rather than anecdotal evidence.