Eating the Placenta – Healthnile.com

Overview

Eating the placenta, called placentophagy, is when someone consumes the placenta after childbirth, believing it may offer health benefits. Some people think eating placenta can help with mood, boost recovery, or increase energy after giving birth. Supporters often point out that placenta contains hormones, protein, and minerals.

However, scientists have not found much evidence showing real health benefits, and experts warn there may be risks for both the parent and baby. Consuming placenta products can sometimes be harmful, even though more people do it after home or birth center deliveries.

Many people are curious about placentophagy, especially in communities interested in natural health approaches. This practice raises questions about safety, effectiveness, and its growing popularity.

What Is Placentophagy?

Placentophagy means eating the placenta after giving birth. The placenta is an organ that grows during pregnancy and helps provide nutrients and oxygen to the baby. Most mammals eat the afterbirth, including the placenta.

Animals like goats, dogs, and rodents do this, but eating the placenta is not common in human cultures. Some people believe eating the placenta may have health benefits, although these claims are not fully proven. People might eat the placenta raw, cooked, dried, or made into capsules.

Key Facts About Placentophagy

Placentophagy: Eating the placenta after birth.
Placenta: Organ that supports the baby during pregnancy.
Afterbirth: Includes the placenta and fetal membranes.
Preparation: Raw, cooked, roasted, dehydrated, or powdered.

In traditional Chinese medicine, the placenta—often called ‘zi he che’—has been used in certain remedies. However, this practice is rare and not a regular part of most cultures. Some new parents might try placentophagy because of trends or social media. Health experts say there is not enough evidence that it is safe or helpful.

Is it Safe?

Many people wonder if eating the placenta after birth is safe. There are several health concerns to consider before making this choice.

Potential Risks

Bacterial Contamination: Raw or improperly processed placenta can carry bacteria and viruses.
Infection: Group B streptococcus (strep), E. coli, and other germs may be present.
Heavy Metals: Placentas can collect toxins like mercury or lead during pregnancy.
Medical Waste: The placenta is a temporary organ and is sometimes seen as medical waste.

Eating a contaminated placenta can cause serious infections, such as sepsis. In rare cases, babies have gotten sick from bacteria like group B strep if their mothers ate infected placenta capsules. The CDC has warned about infections linked to placenta consumption.

The FDA does not regulate placenta capsules or other preparations, so risks can go unnoticed. People with certain conditions, like infections or complications during pregnancy, could face extra risks. If the placenta was affected by infection or complications, it may not be safe to consume.

Key Points Table

Risk Type	Details
Bacteria & Viruses	Group B strep, E. coli, and other pathogens.
Toxins & Metals	Mercury, lead, and other heavy metals.
Regulation	Not regulated by the FDA.
Infection Risk	Can cause sepsis in mothers and newborns.

Methods of Eating the Placenta

People eat the placenta after childbirth in various ways. The most common methods include cooking, encapsulation, and making placenta pills.

Raw: Some choose to eat small pieces of raw placenta, believing it keeps more nutrients intact. This method is not popular and may carry health risks.
Cooked: People cook the placenta in several ways, sometimes adding it to dishes like stews or smoothies to improve flavor.
Placenta Encapsulation: This is a popular method. Companies steam, dehydrate, grind, and place the placenta into capsules. These placenta pills are then taken just like a regular supplement. Many believe this is a cleaner and more convenient option.

Method	Description
Raw	Eaten fresh or frozen, often in small pieces
Cooked	Prepared in recipes like stews, or blended into smoothies
Encapsulation	Dehydrated and ground, placed in capsules (placenta pills)

Some companies offer placenta encapsulation services. They claim it is a safe and easy way to consume the placenta. The most common way is through capsules or pills. People choose different methods based on personal preferences, culture, and beliefs.

Potential Health Benefits

Some people believe that placenta consumption might help with postpartum recovery. They say it could improve energy levels and support postpartum care. Claims often mention a possible reduction in fatigue and quicker healing after childbirth.

A few women report feeling better emotionally after eating the placenta. This is sometimes linked to a lower risk of postpartum depression or improved mood. These beliefs are mostly based on personal experience and anecdotal evidence from others.

Supporters also suggest that eating the placenta may provide extra nutrients, like iron, which could help with tiredness or anemia. Some hope it will improve milk production or hormone balance in the weeks after giving birth. Health experts say there is very little scientific proof that these benefits are real in humans. Most studies do not show clear health benefits.

Commonly Claimed Potential Benefits

Claimed Benefit	Evidence Type
More energy	Anecdotal
Less postpartum depression	Anecdotal
Better milk supply	Anecdotal
Faster postpartum recovery	Anecdotal
More iron	Theoretical

Effects on Lactation and Breastfeeding

Some women eat their placenta after birth, hoping it will help with breast milk production. The main belief is that the placenta contains nutrients and hormones that might increase milk supply.

Research on its actual effects is mixed. Some studies and reports from lactation consultants suggest placenta ingestion can lower breast milk supply. This may be because the placenta contains estrogen, which can interfere with prolactin, the hormone needed for milk production.

A few small studies and personal experiences note a possible boost in early milk production. However, these results are not consistent. Most health experts, including those referenced by Healthnile, advise caution, as benefits are not proven and risks are possible.

Potential Effects of Placenta Ingestion on Lactation

Effect	Possible Outcome
Increase in milk production	Rarely reported
Decrease in milk supply	Commonly reported
No change	Also possible

Milk supply may drop because of extra estrogen.
No strong evidence shows that eating the placenta increases breast milk production.
Individual responses can vary, so mothers should monitor their own experience and consult a healthcare provider if concerned.

Alternatives to Eating the Placenta

Some new mothers look for ways to heal and regain energy after birth. Eating the placenta is one option, but several safer and proven alternatives exist.

Alternative	Key Benefit
Balanced nutrition	Boosts healing and energy.
Prenatal vitamins	Fills nutrient gaps.
Hydration	Aids recovery and milk production.
Rest and support	Reduces stress and aids healing.
Light exercise	Improves mood and strength.

Balanced Nutrition

Eating a variety of healthy foods gives the body what it needs to recover. Fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins support healing and energy.

Prenatal Vitamins

Doctors often recommend that mothers continue taking prenatal vitamins after delivery. These vitamins help fill any nutritional gaps and ensure that both mother and baby get key nutrients.

Hydration

Drinking enough water helps after childbirth. Staying hydrated supports milk production and helps the body recover faster.

Rest and Support

Getting enough sleep and having help from family or friends can make a big difference. Physical and emotional support reduces stress and helps with healing.

Other Helpful Steps

Light exercise, if your doctor says it’s okay, can improve mood and energy.
Joining a parenting or support group offers help and advice during recovery.
Regular visits to a healthcare provider help keep track of health and well-being.