PLACENTA: EAT IT OR LEAVE IT?

Okay, I'm sure if you're researching this growing trend of eating your placenta you are wanting some concrete evidence that this is the best thing for you and your baby. Because, let's be honest, it definitely has the gag factor. And when was the last time you saw an alien in a movie devouring it's afterbirth and thought, "Oooh . . . wait! Save some for me!" So lets bring a few things to the table, some food for thought as you make your own decision.

Placenta Benefits

What is it that these mysterious organs really have to offer? In a recent study observing protein, fiber, fat, moisture, minerals (sodium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese), hormones (estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, growth hormone) in 30 healthy placentas(15 male and 15 female) scientists observed elevated levels of minerals and protein. Nothing you can't get from a non-human food source. In another study they discovered a range of hormones . . . And in yet another study they found traces of mercury and other toxins. 300+ toxins to be exact. What we must remember is this, that the primary functions of these organs are not only to change the blood type of mom to baby and supply nutrients and air but also to act as a filter between mom and baby. Filtering out bacteria, viruses and toxins. So the question is do you want to eat a human flesh filter rich in protein, minerals, hormones, bacteria, viruses and toxins?

It's natural

Animals do it, shouldn't we? Hmmm . . . Most natural things come, well, you guessed it, naturally. Meaning if this was a natural thing it wouldn't be a "New" thing or something that would need to be taught or deliberated! Over the span of human existence you do not see women or men for that matter eating human placenta. And there you go, if it's good for you why not give it to the whole family right? I will mention however it has been recorded in history during extreme famine where a mother would consume her afterbirth out of lack of food. Regarding animals and their consumption of afterbirth, they also consume the ambiotic fluid & blood, not to mention many other things that us humans do not naturally consume including vomit and feces. Yeah. . . not such a natural thing for us. With this in mind let's consider further why they instinctively do this by design. Most animals fall somewhere on the food chain but not on top. In the wild there are countless predators that would pick up the scent of amniotic fluid, blood, vomit, flesh(placenta) and poo if not disposed of. Note: Eating human flesh or blood is not allowed in many circles. So many mamas being Vegan, Vegetarian, Christian, Jew, etc. would have to pass on this.

Alternative Sources

Is your placenta the only option you have of escaping postpartum depression and mal-nutrition? Unless their is a famine the answer is no. The hailed beneficial nutrients found in placentas are also found in countless common everyday foods, for paleo and vegetarians alike! From birth we have been sustained in this world by consuming non-human foods and that doesn't magically change after having a baby. Whole food vitamin and mineral supplements are available as well. Expensive you say? Most encapsulation packages are around $200.00. So how should we feed our postpartum bodies? Click HERE.

Is it legal?

Only 3 States have laws allowing women to take their placenta home. Texas, Hawaii and Oregon. Texas and Hawaii requires a mother to be tested and found negative for infectious diseases before releasing her placenta. Texas also requires the mother to treat it like raw meat and thoroughly cook it if planning on consumption. Oregon releases placentas to mothers for cultural or religious reasons.

* Note: I am not a doctor, nutritionist or holistic practitioner. Please note this article is not intended to offend, but rather to aid in your resolution. I love nutrition, eating healthy and caring for my family holistically. I fully support and appreciate alternative medicine and practices. However I do not incorporate any holistic practice without thoughtful consideration. I encourage my fellow pregnant mothers to do the same.

References: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10932499

Concordia Law Review, Volume 3 Number 1, 2018, Article 6, ‘Placentophagy: A Women’s Right to Her Placenta’.

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