What's all this talk about placentas?

It’s a super common question in my birth work. What’s all this talk about placentas? Do people really eat them? How? Why?!?

The baby blues and health

Approximately 70-80% of all new mothers experience some negative feelings or mood swings after the birth of their child, so taking proactive measures without the use of medications is a real draw for many women. Ingesting the placenta after birth, or placentophagy, is known as an ancient remedy for the blues. Other health benefits are also touted, including:

• less bleeding during the postpartum period
• speeding the return of the uterus to its original state
• replenishing depleted iron levels
• energy - especially raw methods
• support milk production in breastfeeding
• helping to even out moods and happiness

It's not just an old wive's tale, either. There is scientific research out there on the benefits of placenta during the postpartum period. Over and over again, iron deficiency has been addressed with placentophagy, with positive results. ACOG does not currently have an opinion on the topic.

So, if you want to experience the potential benefits in your own life, how would you go about it? There are a few options to consider.

Encapsulation

For many moms who are interested in trying placenta for their postpartum health, encapsulation is an option that allows them the benefits without having to consider the ick factor. A birth professional will take the organ and prepare it (in mom's home or far from it, depending on her preference), then present here with a neatly packaged jar of pills to ingest at will.

Here is a news story featuring our friend and fellow doula Anne Ferguson, talking about the benefits of encapsulation. I appreciate this story not only because it is giving attention to the topic, but because it addresses the opposing view, as well. New parents should know there are two sides to every issue, and make the decision themselves.

There are so many great stories and resources out there on the trend. Here is a blog post from The Feminist Breeder, who always makes me smile and think, on her own plans for placenta encapsulation. ("And I'm not even a hippy," she proclaims.) 

For the visual and auditory learners among us, this is a pretty thorough explanation of the benefits of encapsulation for fending off the baby blues.

Here is another story from MSNBC, which includes a conversation with a mom who was where many of us have been -- riding the crazy wave of emotions following childbirth -- when she decided to try ingesting her placenta.

Cyber Doulas does offer placenta encapsulation as a service for our clients. Speak to your doula or send an email to referrals@cyberdoulas.com for additional information on this service.

How about a smoothie?

Another option is to blend the placenta up in a smoothie. Some dedicated parents have even been known to bring a blender in their hospital bag to get the benefits as soon after birth as possible.

Dionna at Code Name: Mama used both the smoothie and capsule methods, and talks about her experience on her blog.

The New Yorker addressed this one, too, in their article "The Placenta Cookbook," which also includes some fantastic history on the topic.

Feeling really adventurous? Cook that bad boy up!

The idea of ingesting the placenta is definitely not a new one. Mothering Magazine published a list of recipes in 1983. While they are not currently available on the Mothering website, you can find them here. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. You will find more recipes here, and here.

And of course there is the one I always hear, "Do people really make placenta pizza?" I can't say I have ever known anyone to do so, but it is certainly an option. Maybe you'll want to add some other healthy toppings for flavor.

Not just for home birth

If you have made the choice to have your baby in a hospital or birth center, you should not feel as though placentophagy is for someone else. Every day, mamas take their placentas home from the hospital, and you can, too! Be sure to mention it to your healthcare provider ahead of time, though, because the facility will need to make some arrangements for you.