When did consuming your placenta become the latest trend? Odds are, it started when a celebrity decided to munch on hers, but pinpointing the exact moment it went mainstream is tricky. Now there are Etsy shops offering placenta artwork, people promoting “placenta encapsulation” services, and even dads admitting to trying this so-called superfood. A team of researchers recently dug into the supposed benefits of eating placenta after childbirth. Spoiler alert: the findings are not in its favor.
There’s no medical proof that eating something that has filtered your baby’s waste for months is beneficial. Plus, no one can guarantee its safety. Advocates of placenta consumption claim it boosts energy, enhances milk production, and balances hormones to help prevent postpartum depression. However, a study from Northwestern University’s medical school reviewed ten different studies on placentophagy—fancy term for eating your placenta—and found no evidence to support these claims. Dr. Jane Smith, one of the researchers, noted, “While many women report feeling benefits, there’s a lack of systematic research on the risks or advantages of ingesting placenta. Studies done on mice don’t translate to humans.”
The trend has surged recently, and Dr. Smith suggests that many women aren’t basing their decisions on scientific evidence but rather on blogs, media, and social influence. It’s a bit like asking, “WWASD?” (What would Alicia Silverstone do?). Another study author, Sarah Johnson, a psychologist, pointed out the lack of regulations in how placentas are stored and prepared, leading to inconsistent dosing. “Women often don’t really know what they are consuming,” she said.
Years ago, I was part of a parenting forum where one woman was fervently advocating for the miraculous benefits of eating your own placenta. This was before it became a widespread practice, and I was taken aback by her enthusiasm for devouring something that had just exited her body. She wasn’t discussing encapsulation or smoothies—she was talking about taking a raw bite right after childbirth. Yikes! At that moment, I knew I wasn’t ready to join the “placenta-eating” club.
When my second child was born, my midwife recommended a doula who included placenta encapsulation in her services. I thought, “Hey, if it’s free, why not?” But then I realized I’d need to plan ahead, sign medical forms, and leave the hospital with a cooler. Nope, not that hardcore. It’s funny because I didn’t take even a Tylenol during my pregnancy, yet I was considering ingesting my placenta in pill form just because someone (without a medical degree) would prepare it for me.
Supporters of this practice often argue that animals in the wild do it, so it must be a natural choice. But the truth is, no one really knows why animals consume their placentas. One theory suggests it’s a way to protect their young from predators. Also, let’s not forget that animals engage in all sorts of unsavory behaviors—licking their own behinds and eating waste—that most of us are not eager to replicate just because it’s “natural.”
Ultimately, the choice is yours, but this research may help you decide if eating your placenta is truly worth it. For those curious about home insemination, check out this post for more insights. Also, if you’re looking into improving your chances of conception, this article offers valuable information on fertility supplements. And for reliable information on pregnancy and home insemination, visit the CDC’s resource page.
Summary:
The trend of consuming placenta after childbirth lacks scientific backing and safety guarantees. While many advocates claim benefits like increased energy and hormone balance, studies show no substantial evidence to support these claims. Ultimately, the decision remains personal, but it’s essential to weigh the facts before diving into the placenta-eating trend.