Eating the Placenta After Giving Birth - Is It Tasty OR Taboo?

Ranked #60 in Parenting & Kids, #2,363 overall

Ewww, Why Do People Eat Placenta?

Eating human body parts may be considered taboo, but there are some people who do consume the placenta after giving birth to their baby. Some cultures believe that eating the placenta prevents postpartum depression and other health problems that are associated with childbirth. Most mammals eat their own placenta which helps the mammary cells to eject the milk for the newborn and also helps to clean and shrink the uterus after giving birth. Today, most medical professionals agree that there is no medical reason for well nourished mothers to eat their baby's placenta, but some do believe that it holds the medicinal power, vitamins, minerals and perfectly balanced hormones to help the mother recover from childbirth and avoid the postpartum "baby blues". If you are too squeamish to eat the placenta it can even be dried and encapsulated as a nutritional supplement.
Placenta photo courtesy of moppet65535.

What Do You Think About Eating Placenta?

Would you do it? Is it is cannibalism?

I invite you to learn more about placentophagy and the many other sacred and spiritual ways that placentas are used and preserved. You are then welcome to share your own thoughts and opinions in the polls and debates below.

A Note of Importance

Because I do realize that this might be a disturbing subject to some, I've tried extremely hard to present this discussion in the most tasteful way possible. (No pun intendend.)

Whether you choose to eat it or not, there's no denying that the placenta is a beautiful thing. It is the connection between mother and child and can be a very spiritual symbol. Keep an open mind and I'll share some other unusual, interesting, and sacred rituals that celebrate and honor the placenta after a child is born.

Why I Decided to Write About This Topic

You may be asking yourself what inspired me to write about placenta eating, of all things...

It's true that most of my lenses here on Squidoo are about sexy vampires and other silly, light-hearted topics like guyliner, so I realize it's a little odd for me to start a debate about whether eating human placenta is taboo or tasty.

No, I have never done it myself. The inspiration for this lens was actually found completely by accident. I was searching Google and clicked on a link that I thought was about Twilight recipes, but surprisingly turned out to be about various ways to cook human placenta. It was very graphic and quite shocking. I had heard of this many years ago, but had never given it much thought. The photos of placenta on this website made the idea a little more "real" and were pretty disturbing to see. I immediately closed the window, but could not stop wondering how many people actually do consume their placenta after giving birth. I remember seeing my own placenta in the delivery room and can tell you, without a doubt, that the thought of eating it never crossed my mind. As I mulled over the question of why someone would decide to eat a placenta, I became more fascinated with the subject. After thinking about it all through the night I finally decided that if I was giving this topic so much thought that others might be curious too. I knew that HeyMonkeyBrain is the perfect place to find out answers to the most interesting and controversial issues, and a lens was born!

I should also add that after researching the topic more thoroughly, I have a new respect for other cultures. Although, I would never eat placenta, I have learned more about some very interesting rituals and customs, like for example, the Hawaiian and Australian ceremonies of planting the placenta with a tree or shrub, which is then believed to be sacred and connected to the child as it grows.


powered by Youtube

Tasty OR Taboo?

Loading poll. Please Wait...

Plan Ahead!

If you are planning to take your placenta home from the hospital with you, it's a good idea to discuss it with your doctor/midwife and hospital before your actual delivery to avoid any problems with hospital staff, rules and regulations, etc.

Your placenta can be ruined by improper care!

If you are planning to eat or encapsulate your placenta it is very important to be sure it is handled properly from the moment of birth.

Placenta Encapsulation

Some women choose to dry and encapsulate their placenta as a nutritional supplement for postpartum recovery.

Placenta capsules can help to balance your hormones enhance your milk supply and increase your energy. Many women believe that this is the best option for ingesting and preserving their placenta. Because the placenta was part of your own body it contains hormones that are made just for you. The capsules can even be frozen for years and can then be used to during memopause.

*If you are planning to eat or encapsulate your placenta it is very important to be sure it is handled properly from the moment of birth.

For more information about handling your placenta properly click here.

Spoonful of Pills

Placenta Capsules, Placenta Encapsulation Services
How to avoid the baby blues and create placenta capsules.
Placenta Encapsulation and Ingestion
What is placenta encapsulation, and why would a mom consider doing it?
Placenta Care for Encapsulation
Proper Care of the Placenta - Placentas can, and do, get ruined from improper handling.
Placenta Encapsulation
I first came across the idea of placenta encapsulation while researching my childbirth options. At the time, I shuffled the idea out of my mind since I was quite honestly squeamish about the idea of ingesting my own placenta.
My Placenta Encapsulation Story!!
...every mama should know about this amazing medicine!! Postpartum Depression
Placenta Encapsulation Kit
No guesswork, no gathering supplies - everything you need to create capsules from your placenta is sent right to your door.

The Process of Making Placenta Pills

Read how these mothers documented the incredible process of encapsulating thier placentas into ingestible pills.

Placenta Encapulation Essay & Photos
I ended up encapsulating it, which has been wonderful in avoiding post partum depression or moodiness, and in raising my dangerously low iron levels after blood loss. It's also been some pretty powerful medicine. I thought you might be interested in how we ended up preparing it, so I've put together this photo essay:
Placenta Dehydration & Encapsulation
My sweet sister had a baby just last week and decided she wanted to reap the many benefits of eating her placenta. Neither the pot roast or smoothie recipes were appetizing so we decided to go this route. It was actually not near as gross as I had anticipated.

Placenta Encapsulating Supplies

*If you are planning to eat or encapsulate your placenta it is very important to be sure it is handled properly from the moment of birth.

For more information about handling your placenta properly click here.
Loading

Nesco FD-75PR 700-Watt Food Dehydrator

Amazon Price: $57.99 (as of 02/13/2012)Buy Now

* 700-watt 5-tray food dehydrator dries in hours instead of days
* Top-mounted fan; adjustable thermostat from 95 to 160 degrees F
* Flavors don't mix; no need to rotate trays; opaque exterior blocks harmful lights
* Includes recipe book, 2 solid sheets, 2 mesh sheets, and 3 jerky spice packets
* Measures approximately 13 by 13 by 10 inches



The making of a placenta art print.

powered by Youtube

Placenta Art Prints

Okay, if you're too squeamish to eat it, but want to do something special with it, here's a few neat ideas!

Making placenta art prints can be a beautiful way use your placenta as a keepsake for yourself and your baby. I was surprised to see that when the placenta is printed on paper or fabric, with the umbilical cord attached, it resembles a tree.
How to Make a Placenta Print
Placenta prints make a wonderful keepsake for the baby book, or you can frame it and have fun watching your friends wonder just how that pretty tree-like art was made.
Placenta Prints
We are most definitely prepared for any reaction to the idea of placenta prints! EWWWW, GROSS! ... is the most common ... until people see the actual artwork.
Placenta Print In "Tribute To Takoma Midwives" (Takoma Park, MD) by takomabibelot
curated content from Flickr

Planting a Placenta Tree

In honor of their new baby, many people plant their placenta with a tree.

A Person Plants a Tree Seedling
Buy at AllPosters.com


Bonsai Boy


Seed and Nursery Co. since 1892!


Gurney's for your plants and seeds!


Everything a gardener needs!


It is a Hawaiian tradition to plant the placenta (or "iewe," pronounced eh-AY-vay) in a religious ceremony. The iewe is considered sacred and when planted with a tree is watched as it grows to better understand psychological and spiritual changes in the child.

In Australia, it is an Aboriginal tradition to plant the placenta under a special tree or bush. Actor, Matthew McConaughey recently brought this ritual into news when he announced that he planned to plant the placenta, from the birth of his son Levi, in an orchard.

The placenta can be frozen until you are ready to plant it. Some cultures plant the placenta and leave it in the ground for one year before planting the tree. After planting it in the ground, the placenta breaks down in the soil and delivers nutrients that will produce a beautiful tree that you can watch grow with your child. The symbolism connects your child to the tree in a very special and beautiful way. Some families choose to throw placenta planting parties and turn the event into a big celebration honoring their child.
How to Plant a Placenta Tree
A baby gift that grows with your newborn.
Matthew McConaughey To Plant Placenta Tree
Matthew McConaughey plans to plant the placenta from the July 7 birth of his son Levi in an orchard.
Taking Your Placenta Home for Burial
You would like to take your placenta home to bury it. In most cases it is fine to take your placenta home as long as you can follow the basic health precautions which are explained below.
Intimate Places
When babies are born in this area, there is a tradition of planting a 'placenta tree above the baby's buried placenta... [See Section: "A Personal Account" to read more.]
Australian Aboriginal Experience
A river bank which was part of the traditional clan lands and under whose trees placentas are traditionally buried... [See Section: "An unforgettable experience" to read more.]

Gifts to Commemorate a Placenta Planting

These "tree of life" pendants would make a cherished keepsake for the new mother after the ceremony of planting the placenta with a tree.

The tree of life is a powerful, life-affirming symbol in almost every culture. With its branches reaching towards the sky, and roots embedded deeply in the earth, it dwells in three worlds, becoming a link between heaven, the earth, and the underworld, uniting above and below. It represents all that is true, wholesome, stable, and noble. When you are in need of stability and strength in your life - envision the tree of life in your minds eye.

Detailed Round Sterling Silver Tree of Life Pendant on 16" Box Chain, #8529

Amazon Price: (as of 02/13/2012)Buy Now

This pendant measures 1" wide and hangs from a 16" sterling silver box chain.

Made in the USA.

Oval Tree of Life Pendant in Sterling Silver on a 16" Box Chain, #8532

Amazon Price: (as of 02/13/2012)Buy Now

This charming oval shaped pendant or charm, has a "Tree of Life" design in the center and hangs from a 16" sterling silver box chain.

Pendant measures 1/2" wide and 3/4" in length.

Made in the USA.

Planting placenta.

powered by Youtube

Lotus Birth

Some mothers believe the placenta continues to provide for the baby even after the birth and choose to leave the placenta attached to the baby via the uncut umbilical cord until it eventually dries up and falls off naturally.

Common Questions About Lotus Birth
What is Lotus Birth exactly?
Lotus Birth- A Ritual For Our Times
This version updated March 2005 and features in Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering: The Best Articles on Gentle Choices in Pregnancy, Birth and Parenting, Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering...
Lotus Birth for Midwives: Asking the Next Question
...Why Cut the Cord?
A Lotus Birth Picture Gallery
"Healthy Families Make A Healthy World!" www.naturalfamilyco.com

Gifts to Commemorate a Lotus Birth

Lotus jewelry would make cherished keepsake for the new mother after a lotus birth.

Buddhists liken the unfolding of the lotus petals to the unfolding of the divine within the human self. The closed bloom represents the heart with its infinite potential for enlightenment; the open blossom represents the enlightened self.

Pretty Pink Lotus Flower Dangle Earrings in Sterling Silver, #8745

Amazon Price: (as of 02/13/2012)Buy Now

These lotus flower earrings are sterling silver and pink enamel.

The earrings measure 1/2" wide and 5/8" long including the wire.

For matching styles please see our Taos Trading storefront. Handmade in the USA.

Round Lotus Flower Pendant in Matte Finishd Sterling Silver and 24K Gold Vermeil on a 16" Link Chain, #8809

Amazon Price: (as of 02/13/2012)Buy Now

Pendant measures 3/4" x 3/4", sterling silver 16" chain included. Handmade in the USA.

This round Lotus flower pendant has been handcrafted of sterling silver and 24kt gold vermeil.

The 24kt vermeil lotus design stands out against the brushed satin background, making this pendant bold yet understated at the same time.

Placenta Poll

Loading poll. Please Wait...

Angel in the Waters

Amazon Price: $3.99 (as of 02/13/2012)Buy Now

In its mother's womb, a tiny baby grows, explores the waters, and talks with the angel who is there.

These gentle illustrations and wise words tell the story of that baby and the angel in the waters . . . a story that delights all children, because the journey from conception to birth is their story, too.

Could not locate item B00198L09C. Please try again.Sorry, there are no results available from Amazon.

"Mother-Cake"

The German word for placenta is Mutterkuchen and the Dutch word for it is moederkoek. Both words literally mean "mother-cake".

A Child Is Born

Amazon Price: $14.61 (as of 02/13/2012)Buy Now

Life

Amazon Price: $107.49 (as of 02/13/2012)Buy Now

In the Womb: Witness the Journey from Conception to Birth through Astonishing 3D Images

Amazon Price: $10.00 (as of 02/13/2012)Buy Now

National Geographic - In the Womb

Amazon Price: $7.50 (as of 02/13/2012)Buy Now

What Do You Think?

Please share you thoughts, opinions and personal experiences here.

What Should Be Done With the Placenta After a Baby is Born?

Loading Fetching blurbs now... please stand by

Ewww! The hospital staff should definitely dispose of the placenta.

SuperBrainwave says:

It all sounds a bit gross to me! People should have the right to do what they want with the placenta, but I know my wife finds the whole idea as unappealing as I do! :-)

Solly says:

If people are so STUPID and IGNORANT that they can't see any distinction between eating human flesh ie: a placenta, and sausages, I wonder what the hell they are doing living in the human environment at all.
What next? Will sex with animals be made cool? Will those who oppose it be called ignorant bestiaphobes?

livinglargeandhappy says:

Although I find the idea behind the Squidoo is interesting, and eye opening, I must be both squeamish and unenlightened. You said it - ewwwww. I find it nauseating and really can't go through the all of the content.

ChiChi says:

I can't even begin to say what on earth I'm thinking. It's your choice though. I just can't
What I want to know is how some people go about getting all this free placenta? Do you call up hospitals and ask for permission from would-be mothers? How does that conversation...even...go...?
Then again, I don't want to give birth to children so this is not something I can imagine for myself regardless.

srioschavez says:

I dont know what to say

GraceDunne says:

Yeah.. Other mammals lick their own butts too. Anyone want to jump on that band-wagon?

B Min3-us1 says:

That's just fucking sick...

Tipi says:

There are just some things I do not understand, to each his own, I guess.

Morgannafay says:

To each their own, I would not rob a mother or father the opportunity to eat their own placenta. Had I decided to have kids, Noooooo I certainly would not eat it. If someone else wanted it, I'd give it. LOL No need to let all that placenta go to waste.

AJTyne says:

Interesting lens! Wow. I never knew people did this, and not sure I wanted to know, lol. It's very interesting because recently, when I was researching for an article I wrote, I came across something on a university vet school site. It said that the mother animal sometimes eats the placenta, but not always, and that it was NOT necessary or helpful for nutrition, but just a matter of cleaning up. At any rate, I think this notion of specialness is just "magical thinking". The child is the special part!

SK says:

A bit disgusting

chouji says:

It's crazy. How can one eat the placenta? I don't think it's appropriate in today's modern age.

Mujjen says:

This is a new thought for me, only knew of tribal practices before!

S.A.H says:

This sounds very primitive and cult like. There is NO reason that humans should partake in this practice. I am appalled! Furthermore, I cannot believe that people are doing crap like this!!! YUCK!!!!!!!

DaniB says:

I have never in my right mind thought of wating the placenta! I mean, EW! Who would want to eat something that came from inside them??

Cari_Kay says:

I was high risk and my son was truly a miracle baby. That placenta was studied after I gave birth. Even if they hadn't take the placenta, my son was my gift. The placenta sustained him temporarily (and didn't do a very good job) and then it was my turn and I did a much better job of it :) That said, I talk to pregnant women daily and have known a few who have taken the placenta afterward (so I wouldn't actually choose 'Ewwww! LOL)

TWOnline2 says:

dispose of it in a sanitary manner

pumpnut says:

I can't really see the point. Very interesting lens. Heck of a research job!

Placentaman Hollyween costume says:

It should licked like an ice-cream. Its so beautiful. Its so sacred. You should light candles and worship it like a pink and bloody Bhuda. And then go to bed with it and kiss it good night. Draw placenta portraits and make placenta photo albums. You should give it a proper name Introduce it to people an dinner parties (but not on the menu, cos thats in compassionate). Yes all you people who eat placentas are murderers. Shame on you. I know they delicious, especially raw, with some salt, but its wrong. Please support me my save the placentas foundation and donate a placenta today!

Honey says:

i think that it is disgusting and agree with kab. your body thinks its waste, dont eat the thing! i also have a question. do they like eat it with knifes and forks? or just, ...eat it?
frankly, it makes me sick.

Brandy says:

Get rid of it.... Do not eat it, play with it, so forth.....

BurgerHat says:

Just threw up in my mouth a little.

JaguarJulie says:

Well, I will definitely not be eating it. Ewwwww!

Baby Shower Invitations says:

Absolutely insane! Just to discuss this is disgusting!

susy says:

I adore my children. I didn't find any aspect of giving birth to them -- or any part of their existence (except for the "lice incident") -- to be disgusting. However, I am fortunate to live as a human in the industrialized world, where we do not have to eat our placentas for protection or nutrition.

When I was six, I had my tonsils and adenoids out. Although I was a fairly anemic child (thanks to the constant tonsillitis), nobody even considered feeding my organs back to me. Similarly, when I had my gallbladder removed, I did not ask that it be preserved so I could consume it now that I had stopped vomiting after any food intake. If I have any other body parts removed, it will be just fine with me for them to go into the medical waste bin.

There's no evidence that eating placenta prevents postpartum depression. There is no evidence that eating placenta is beneficial to mothers in any way, other than in situations where she can't receive nutrition any other way. Eating someone else's placenta? Seems like a recipe for prion disease. This whole trend (and yes, in the western world, it's exactly that) is just another part of the competitive Mombie movement. "You had a waterbirth at home after your organic vegan pregnancy? Well, I ATE MY OWN PLACENTA!(after paying someone to come and prepare it for me, of course. I'm not handling that nastiness myself. I just had a baby, after all)"

Believe it or not, there are hundreds of millions of women out there who are grateful to be alive after delivering their babies in tents, in shacks, in refugee camps. They pray for the survival of those same babies, surrounded by disease and malnutrition. Maybe, instead of spending the money having someone come "prepare" your placenta for questionable medical benefit, a more meaningful commemoration would be to donate that money to provide food and basic medical care for a less fortunate mother and child.

Pukeko says:

While there are great arguments in favor of it, I just don't think I could do it. Yuck. I don't it things that come out of my body. Maybe the tree idea would be ok.

Basinski says:

When I had my daughter in the hospital, I told the nurses that I did not want to see the placents at all, the thought of just seeing it just gave me the creeps. It was very hard for me just to look at the pics on here. I don't regret not looking at it at all. The only reason I decided to look this up was b/c it was a conversation that got brought up with my sisiter-in-law and I didn't believe people really did that! It just seems so wierd. But, everyone has their own opinions!

Amy_Williams says:

I had an unassisted childbirth with my 4th, but transferred after for a tear and delivered the placenta there. I was glad to let them deal with it, it's just an organ! I picked "ewww" but I don't really think that, it's more "meh, it's not a big deal". I definitely wouldn't eat it, in any form.

CCGAL says:

In the early 60's, we knew a hippie couple who gave birth (and named their daughter Groovy, I'm not kidding) and he made her eat the placenta - I guess he breaded and fried it in butter. omigod, it makes me gag to even remember them telling the story. Sorry, it might be OK in other cultures, but I think it's disgusting.

Tonique says:

Um, I'm Australian and we most definitely DO NOT plant out placenta's with a special tree or bush.
So I have no idea where you got that from :s
But it makes me kind of reluctant to take any of the other facts you've provided very seriously. sorry.

Jimmie says:

I think it's pretty gross. Can you think of anything else that comes out of a human body that we'd be willing to eat? The whole concept is pretty shocking.
But that's not to say that it's WRONG to use it in some sort of special way. The tree ceremony is very beautiful.
In China, a woman can sell her placenta to those who use it in Chinese medicine. My friend told me she earned around $15 for hers. She was going to dispose of it, so why not earn a bit of money? Makes sense. I know other women who have eaten medicine made from human placenta.

foreverme says:

I have to agree with kab though I truthfully didn't want to think about it at all.

kiwisoutback says:

Ahh.. yuck. Ditch that placenta. I've had polenta, but never placenta. I think it's kind of cannibalistic to eat it.

kab says:

Yuck! Yuck! Yuck! You're body thought it was waste, why do you think otherwise? And if God wanted you to eat it, it would come out breaded and deep fried.

It's a gift! The placenta should be eaten or done something special with.

Arron Nash says:

The mother & father should eat it together while making love, licking it off each other, swapping the juices while passionately kissing etc. And they should feed some of it to the baby & include the baby in the lovemaking.

Nothing is wrong with it. It's only society's primitive conditioned minds that can't get over it. It will inevitably be normal one day as enlightenment reaches a global scale.

Stacey says:

Its a person's choice. You don't have to eat it if that is not what you want to experience. I would not eat it. I believe that we have evolved to a place where that is no longer something we need as a women. But if women still feel attached to that past and feel it gives them what they need then may it be blessed and eaten.

Stevie says:

las vegas women who have been denied their placenta should come together and file a law suit against the hospital because this has probably happened to more of us then we all know and it is wrong and can cause major life changing problems with depression that can never be undone if you are in las vegas and have been denied your placenta in the past or now reply PLACENTA THEFT to stevieswain@hotmail.com maybe we can stop the pain and suffering

sfdalj; says:

There's nothing wrong with eating your own placenta. The placenta itself has a lot of nutrition lost from the woman's body and the best way for her to recover those nutrition is to eat her own placenta. Some people think it's gross and it's cannibalism, I'd say those people are just stupid and ignorant. It's like some people think eating meat is unethical and some people think eating sausages are gross because it's made out of intestines. Purely stupidity.

AR says:

I think the placenta should be put back in the mother to be used in the next birth.

Moxley says:

If you dont like it, don't do it....But if I want to do it, I fucking will.....if my sweet lady wants to do it, i'll do whatever I need to do to bring that home and will be the best placenta chef ever...

I have cooked all kinda of placentas in my days - pig placenta, human placenta - placenta from big girls, placenta from models, placenta from every type of woman you can imagine... The russian placentas taste kinda like vodka- the chinese girls placentas are good with general tso's sauce.....but mexican american girls are the besst I must say, you get a sweetness And tangy spiciness that just isn't found elsewhere....

workingmomwm says:

I can't see myself actually eating the placenta (I didn't - didn't even think of it as an option when I delivered my two girls), but now I kind of wished I'd saved them - maybe done something artsy-craftsy with them. They are really special. :-)

Mar says:

Im from New Zealand where it is common practice to take it home and plant a tree. I recently had twins in Australia and had to battle with a doctor to take it home she was appalled. Which I thought was very narrow minded the midwife said just wait until she has gone and we will save it for you. The twins are 1 in a month and we lookfoward to our planting.

DaveHiggsVis says:

I would have fried it in some butter and eaten, but my wife was too grossed out by the idea. I don't advocate this for everyone, but, as a chef, I wanted to try it out.

glitterfrog says:

Ok, I guess I could see the planting it with a tree thing. But I honestly don't see what anyone would expect to get out of eating it. I mean, if you had your appendix removed, would you eat that? Yeah, I didn't think so. I think once your body is finished with something, it's waste. I mean no disrespect to anyone who does eat it, I just don't understand it and wouldn't do it myself. I'm going to click "it's a gift" because of the tree-planting idea, but I'm not sure that I really think of it as a gift!

U_Inspire_Me_2 says:

I don't know what opinion I have of this. Animals do this, and we are animals too. It's normal and very likely good for us under certain circumstances. I have not eaten mine, and likely would not. However, if it actually does make a difference with post-partum depression, then the pills should be an option for all mothers.

Although, I will make a choice below, I am actually fairly undecided about it, non-judgmental about it and also kind of icked out. :)

daoine says:

I kept my baby lotus for 12 hours and then we planted the placenta in our vege patch so that the nutrients could continue to provide for us :-)

Heather says:

WOW! The thought never even crossed my mind before stumbling across this article. Now I am pondering the idea. I would never be able to eat it...that just makes me want to gag. But I love the idea of planting it with a tree. The symbolism is precious.

GaiaWorld says:

I had my placenta encapsulated by a doula. It was steamed, dehydrated and ground up with spice added to it the traditional Chinese medicinal way. I chose to do it because I have had anxiety attacks in the past and read about how healing the placenta can be for mom after birth. I noticed a difference don't underestimate those hormones.

Ecomum says:

It should be definitely remembered in some way, I wouldn't eat it, but maybe planting it could be kind of nice gesture. Definitely! Nice lens, thank you.

LeanneChesser says:

I've never given this any though until now, so I don't have a formed opinion. I didn't know there was any other option when I had my kids, so the hospital staff disposed of my placentas. At that time, I don't think I would have made any other choice. Now, though, it might be cool to plant it. I definitely wouldn't eat it though. I could really go on either side of the debate . . . I'll pick the gift side because I would now consider something like planting it.

_Joan_ says:

Definitely a gift. I made placenta prints with both of mine and then composted them. I love my garden so using the placenta to feed my garden was special to me. Also, my husband would have freaked out pretty badly if I had tried to cook it.

maomaoxinxin says:

Ewww! but I must agree that it is a gift!

Lynnea Shrief says:

The placenta is a amazing organ and should most definitely be consumed after birth. I believe the best method is the ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine capsules where the placenta is dried and can be used for years post-partum. The placenta contains all the nutrients a new mother needs post birth and supplements her loss of iron, hormones and essential protiens for rebuilding and healing her body after birth trauma. For Placenta Encapsulation Services visit Koala Therapies in the UK. http://www.koalatherapies.com/placenta.html

Captain Pwncaptainrob says:

In response to Captain Rob: They don't eat human liver you nub cake.
It is a personal choice of the person with their placenta to do as they wish, I am not one to judge, so I say do what they want with it; it's their own organ afterall.

Tangie says:

Honestly, I think that the placenta should be attached to the baby as long as possible. I have seen undrugged babies cry when the cord was cut and it seems rather inhumane. A lotus birth seems like a beautiful thing.
I would definitely have a lotus birth if I were given the chance.

Tassiegirl says:

I'm Australian and it is quite a common practice to be given your placenta after birthing in hospital and take it home and plant it under a special tree. In fact I did that with my son's placenta 9 months ago. Unfortunately the walnut sapling died LOL but we'll plant another and won't tell him what happened! haha!
As to eating it. I probably would if someone encapsulated it for me. I'd just pretend it was a vitamin tablet :)

Captain-Rob says:

The placenta is an organ just like the liver is an organ. People eat liver, right?

draik says:

What I have heard is that eating placenta will give you really good skin and make you look younger. I am not sure if it is true. I have also heard of somebody mother in-law actually minced the placenta with pork and wrapped them into wanton. After that, she serve the whole family without them knowing what is inside. Yuck!

I might take a small bite to see how it taste like but I will not eat the whole chuck of it. If someone can make my own placenta into capsulate pills, I think I might.

clouda9 says:

As an after thought, our guys are now in their 20's, we would have lovingly placed their placenta in the ground with a tree start. Imagine the stories as we watched that special tree grow!

brown says:

I had a home birth. My midwife saved my placenta and used it in the catching the baby class that she does for dads in case they dont make it in time!!

lollyj says:

Let everyone do what they want with their placenta. Animals eat the placenta for the nourishment. Years ago placentas were used to make gamma globulin. Not sure if that is still done or not since GG is not used as a treatment so often nowadays.

hlkljgk says:

the hospital asked me if i wanted to take ours home to plant, and i said yes; but they threw it away. :(

harmony says:

The thought of eating the placenta wants to make me hurl. But, I do think, if planned out right, it would be a great thing to plant it with a sapling.
Very interesting topic for sure!

 


powered by Youtube

Placenta Recipes

WARNING: These are not for the squeamish!

*If you are planning to eat or encapsulate your placenta it is very important to be sure it is handled properly from the moment of birth.

For more information about handling your placenta properly click here.
Placenta Recipes - Lasagne - Spaghetti - Stew - Pizza - Roast
All "food" should be properly cleaned prior to cooking, and all "food" should be properly cooked prior to eating. Cut the meat away from the membranes with a sharp knife. Discard the membranes.
Making Placenta Essence
For this recipe, you will need a 40 oz. bottle of vodka or some other non-smelling, non-colored drinkable alcohol. This amount will make enough essence to last your whole life. If you want less, just use less vodka.
Vegan Placenta Casserole
First of all I need to get the main ingredient out of the freezer. It's always better to have your meat fresh, but with the newest Manley child being kept in the neonatal special care unit for a while, it was not practicable, so it needs time to defrost.

Is Eating Human Placenta Cannibalism?

Those who disagree with the accusation that eating human placenta is cannibalism (or self-cannibalism) argue that the placenta is a temporary organ that is only eaten after it is expelled from the mother's body.

Loading poll. Please Wait...

Consumption of uncooked human placenta carries risks associated with other human blood products,

primarily risk of hepatitis B,C and HIV infection.


However, eating one's own placenta does not carry those risks.

Placenta News, Stories, & More

Moms' bizarre ritual is hard to swallow - Women's health- msnbc.com
When Devorah Shalev became pregnant with her second child, she looked for ways to stave off the baby blues - and found herself doing something surprising. She ingested her placenta.
Judge: Hospital Must Return Mom's Placenta - CBS News
A woman has won a court fight to keep the placenta after her daughter's birth. She had planned to grind it up and ingest it as a way to fight postpartum depression, but now plans to bury it.
Mother to Sue Hospital For Refusing to Release Her Placenta
A woman in Las Vegas is suing the hospital where she gave birth to her child because the hospital is refusing to release her placenta to her, and she had been planning to ingest it for its nutrients.
Placenta Pictures
Beautiful photography of the amazing placenta.
Hawaiian Law Now Permits Parents to Keep Placentas
Native Hawaiians typically "plant" the placenta in the ground following a religious ritual that is kept a closely held secret. A move to declare placentas "infectious waste" angered Hawaiians who use the placenta in religious ceremonies, highlighting the conflict between modern medicine and traditional culture. A law now guarantees women the right to take the placenta home.
Ingesting the placenta: Is it healthy for new moms? - USATODAY.com
Among a small but vocal contingent of expectant mothers and proponents, it is strongly believed that the placenta created by the woman's body to pass nutrients between mother and fetus and is expelled after birth is rich in chemicals that can help...

Heart and Hands: A Midwife's Guide to Pregnancy and Birth

Amazon Price: $19.91 (as of 02/13/2012)Buy Now

Spiritual Midwifery

Amazon Price: $12.36 (as of 02/13/2012)Buy Now

More About Pregnancy, Childbirth & Motherhood

Loading

Photobucket
Photobucket
Photobucket

submit
  • Reply
    4liberator Dec 3, 2011 @ 3:25 am | delete
    Very Catchy Title,,,,,,, I have to say I really though I needed to look for a trash can when I saw this........
  • Reply
    FixbuttonHQ Oct 25, 2011 @ 2:42 pm | delete
    Whoaaaa..... I never even thought about it. I don't knw whether to be interested or grossed out. Awesome topic!
  • Reply
    billfiddle Oct 18, 2011 @ 8:28 pm | delete
    wow! weird or what?! but learned a LOT so congrats on a work well done...:-)
  • Reply
    DougAllen Sep 17, 2011 @ 11:52 pm | delete
    Wow! Never thought or heard of this practice. Great lens and very thought provoking!
  • Reply
    Tipi Sep 2, 2011 @ 2:10 am | delete
    Whew, talk about going where no one has gone before!
  • Reply
    workingmomwm Aug 26, 2011 @ 6:16 pm | delete
    Very interesting. I think that last poll should have a "maybe" option, though. I'm kind of on the fence as to whether or not eating the placenta is actually cannibalism ...
  • Reply
    AJTyne Jul 2, 2011 @ 11:00 pm | delete
    Well-done lens. Very detailed. I don't think it's cannibalism unless you eat some other person's placenta (or other body part). But I do think it's gross and also not really helpful.
  • Reply
    DaveHiggsVis May 17, 2011 @ 6:53 pm | delete
    Best quote from the above debate: "If God wanted you to eat it, it would come out breaded and deep fried." Major lolz!
  • Reply
    FrankChapman May 8, 2011 @ 12:49 pm | delete
    I'm sure there is a time when this could be very beneficial, during famine, war, third world.
    Nature provides, but I had a hard time reading this.
  • Reply
    Wedding_Mom Apr 26, 2011 @ 7:53 pm | delete
    VERY INTERESTING! I know that placenta is just the most wonderful thing since it supplies all the nutrients that a baby can get and I've also been well informed that some would burn their placenta and turn it into powder and dab it on the face because supposedly it is great on the skin. ChrisDay is so right the topic was handle with so sensitivity. Love reading your lens! Well done!
  • Reply
    Senora_M Apr 17, 2011 @ 9:38 pm | delete
    Wow, interesting lens. I watched the movie The Business of Being Born by Ricki Lake and one of the moms froze her placenta. I was asking my husband what he thought she did with it. He thought it was gross. I haven't heard of eating it, but I heard that Matthew McConague (sp?) planted his girlfriend's placenta in the garden or something like that. Anyway, interesting lens.
  • Reply
    UKGhostwriter Apr 8, 2011 @ 4:51 pm | delete
    Interesting and tasteful (no pun intended)
  • Reply
    ChrisDay Feb 4, 2011 @ 10:25 am | delete
    Bravely and sensitively handled for such a tricky and individual subject.
  • Reply
    ChrisDay Feb 4, 2011 @ 10:24 am | delete
    Many species eat the placenta - even herbivores. However, as a veggie family, we didn't opt for this. It is a very interesting topic and each individual must be guided by her own instincts at the time (which cannot be predicted, since hormonal changes at childbirth are overpowering).
  • Reply
    Mujjen Jan 27, 2011 @ 7:19 am | delete
    This was so interesting! Think I could grasp the planting of a tree or something better than eating it. Nobody ever asked me before giving birth, though!
  • Reply
    scar4 Jan 13, 2011 @ 1:04 am | delete
    I'd rather not eat placenta after giving birth. It's savage and disgusting.
  • Reply
    hotbrain Dec 15, 2010 @ 10:54 pm | delete
    I see that the poll is 50-50 on whether eating the placenta is cannibalism. I sure hope our government doesn't ever decide to make a law about it because the debate and subsequent protests/marches would fill the news for months. Not to mention the court cases and the FDA becoming involved....
  • Reply
    TWOnline2 Dec 13, 2010 @ 11:17 pm | delete
    i did not know this was something still done or even done at all these days
  • Reply
    MommyArt Oct 12, 2010 @ 3:04 am | delete
    Because I did a very natural birth (at home, etc), I was reading all the stuff about it. A friend of mine, who also did an at-home birth said her midwife asked her, "Do you want me to cook the placenta for you?" She said she politely, but rapidly, declined.

    While I don't think the umbilical cord should be cut immediately after the baby is born, I don't go for the lotus birth option, either. We left the placenta attached for around 6-8 hours after each of our children were born (long enough for me to sleep).

    First one we buried in the yard, second just went out with the trash, since we didn't have a yard anymore...

    Great lens, reminds me of some things I wanted to forget about the whole birthing experience, but in a manner that doesn't make me want to keep forgetting it. Smile!
  • Reply
    daoine Feb 10, 2011 @ 5:20 pm | delete
    That is considered a lotus birth, MommyArt :-) Or at least a partial lotus. Ours was lotus for 12 hours.
  • Load More

About the Author

Loading

by

enslavedbyfaeries

No, I have never eaten placenta, but I am fascinated in learning what you think about this bizarre practice.

Buy at AllPosters.com
more »

Feeling creative? Create a Lens!