Did you realize that in pregnancy you’re not just growing and developing a whole human being, but an additional organ too? Yep! The placenta. Long story short the placenta is pretty darn amazing. For nine months the placenta transports nutrients, oxygen, blood, and many other building blocks for baby’s development between mom and baby using the umbilical cord. When a baby’s birthday arrives their placenta comes along with them. Once the umbilical cord is done pumping blood from the placenta to the baby, then the cord can be cut. Now the baby is officially on its own! And you not only have an adorable little one, but this interesting looking organ too. So what now?

First, don’t be afraid to ask to look at your placenta (if that interests you), many midwives and physicians enjoy getting to show and explain the various sections of the placenta and their functions. What you do with your placenta after birth is completely up to you (you did make it after all).

Some families choose to simply toss it. This is perfectly fine as the job the placenta was created to do has now come to an end. Others wish to bury it in their yard or under and special tree or bush. Many cultures suggest saving the dried umbilical cord as a keepsake. Another option that has regained popularity in the past five years or so is to consume your placenta.

For many eating placenta can seem strange, gross, or even immoral. Which is fine! No one should choose for you what your plan will be. That being said humans are the only mammals who do not regularly eat our after birth. Moreover, the research suggests there are no dangers to mother or infant in consuming your own placenta. In fact, studies are currently being done on whether eating the placenta may improve your health. The theory is that the hormones, nutrients, minerals, etc. that you loos during childbirth can be replaced with that of which is in the placenta. So some families choose to consume it regularly overtime to supplement those missing hormones. Reportedly it helps with energy levels, mood swings, sleep, breastfeeding, and other common after birth issues.

When the placenta is consumed it is most commonly taken in a capsule. This means the placenta was cleaned, cut, dehydrated, ground down, and placed into gelatin capsules for convenience. Watch this video to learn more about encapsulation. However, there are as many ways to prepare placenta as any other organ meat. Additionally, some women choose to freeze their placenta capsules to take later during menopause.

In the end, it’s up to no one but you what you do with your placenta. Don’t be afraid to speak up for what’s best for you and your family.

Further Reading:

• Evidence-Based Birth