Tessa Quinn
The placenta is a nutrient-rich organ that develops on the wall of the uterus during pregnancy, providing oxygen and nourishment to the growing child. While placentas are routinely disposed of by hospitals, some parents may wish to keep them for a variety of reasons. Some believe that consuming the placenta can offer health benefits, while others may want to use it for jewellery or planting. In some states, such as Oregon, Hawaii, and Texas, there are laws that allow mothers to take the placenta home, while in others, it may be necessary to obtain a court order. It's important to research the regulations in your area and communicate your wishes to your healthcare providers in advance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reasons to keep the placenta | Health benefits, planting it with a tree, incorporating it into jewelry, using it as a fertiliser, creating art, etc. |
| How to obtain the placenta | Book a specialist in advance, inform care providers, and sign a liability waiver (if required by the hospital) |
| Placenta encapsulation | Involves consuming the placenta in powder form or as capsules, smoothies, or gummy bears |
| Placenta tincture | Dehydrated placenta infused in alcohol |
| Placental jewellery | Encapsulating a small piece of the dehydrated and preserved placenta within a jewellery setting |
| Placenta as biohazard | Considered medical waste or a biohazard in some states |
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What You'll Learn
Eating it
Eating your placenta, known as placentophagy, has become a popular practice in recent years, with celebrity influencers such as Chrissy Teigen, Kim Kardashian, and January Jones endorsing it. While there is no scientific evidence to support the purported benefits, some individuals anecdotally report experiencing improved recovery, increased energy, and reduced postpartum depression after consuming their placenta.
If you are considering placentophagy, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and take the necessary precautions. Firstly, consult your healthcare provider to ensure that you are allowed to take your placenta home from the hospital. It is crucial to handle the placenta safely and hygienically, storing it in a cooler and refrigerating it separately from other food items. Be aware that the placenta may be contaminated with viruses, bacteria, or toxins, so caution is advised.
There are several ways to consume the placenta, including raw, cooked, or in encapsulated pill form. Placenta encapsulation involves steaming, dehydrating, grinding the placenta into a powder, and sealing it into capsules for consumption. This method may be preferable if you are uncomfortable with the idea of directly handling or tasting the placenta. The cost of placenta encapsulation services ranges from $125 to $425.
Alternatively, the placenta can be blended into smoothies or incorporated into familiar food recipes. Some companies offer unique options, such as gummy bears made from the placenta. It is worth noting that the potential benefits of consuming the placenta may be affected by the processing or cooking methods used.
Placenta tinctures are another option for consumption. They are prepared by infusing dehydrated placenta in alcohol, and the preparation time typically takes around six weeks. Placenta tinctures are often used after finishing the capsules, during times of stress, anxiety, or emotional lows.
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Making jewellery
Keeping your placenta after giving birth is a personal choice. Some people choose to keep it attached to the baby, while others may wish to preserve it for the future, donate it, or even eat it. If you're interested in making jewellery out of your placenta, here are some detailed steps to guide you through the process:
Preparing the Placenta:
Firstly, you'll need to decide whether you want to prepare the placenta yourself or hire a specialist. If you opt for the latter, they will collect, freeze-dry, and powder the placenta for you. However, if you choose to do it yourself, you will need to procure a freezer box and bag to store the placenta in after birth.
Dehydrating the Placenta:
The next step is to dehydrate the placenta. This process involves removing any moisture from the organ, leaving you with a dry, preserved substance. You can achieve this through various methods, such as using a food dehydrator, oven, or specialist freeze-drying services.
Powdering the Placenta:
Once the placenta is dehydrated, it needs to be ground into a fine powder. This powder can then be used in various ways to create jewellery. You can mix it with other substances like epoxy resin to create custom shapes and designs.
Creating the Jewellery:
When it comes to designing the jewellery, you have creative freedom. You can choose to encapsulate the powder within a pendant, necklace, earrings, or bracelet. For pendants, you can use moulds to create specific shapes, such as hearts, and then cover them in resin. You can also add charms or beads to enhance the design.
Storage and Care:
Placenta jewellery should be treated with care. Ensure that the resin is completely dry before wearing the jewellery. Store your piece in a safe place when not in use, and avoid exposing it to excessive moisture or harsh chemicals to prolong its durability.
Making placenta jewellery is a unique way to create a cherished keepsake that symbolises the essence of birth. It allows you to transform the afterbirth into a wearable memento that holds personal significance.
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Freezing and encapsulating it
Freezing and encapsulating your placenta is an increasingly popular option for new mothers. To freeze and encapsulate your placenta, you will need to book a specialist in advance. They will provide you with a freezer box and bag to store your placenta in. You must inform your care providers that you would like to keep your placenta, and then notify the specialist once you have given birth. They will then collect, freeze, dry, and encapsulate your placenta. The encapsulation process typically involves steaming and/or dehydrating the placenta to eliminate any bacteria, and the capsules are usually ready for consumption within six weeks.
The number of capsules produced depends on the volume of the placenta and the chosen encapsulation method. On average, a placenta will produce between 140 and 200 capsules, which can be stored for up to two years if stored properly. It is recommended to transfer the capsules to a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer after two weeks to extend their shelf life.
Placenta encapsulation is believed to offer various benefits for new mothers, with some people anecdotally reporting positive effects from consuming their placentas. Placenta tinctures, made by infusing dehydrated placenta in alcohol, can also be used in times of stress, anxiety, and emotional lows.
It is important to note that there are potential risks associated with placenta encapsulation. For example, if your placenta is not stored properly or examined for infections, there may be contamination or health risks involved. Always ensure that your placenta is handled and prepared safely and hygienically.
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Planting it
If you're thinking of planting your placenta, you'll first need to decide on a location. You can plant it in your garden if you own your home and plan on staying there long-term, or you could choose a family member's garden. Alternatively, you can pot your tree if you're renting or unsure how long you'll stay in your current home.
Once you've decided on a location, choose a tree. You might want to consider a native plant, or a fruit tree that can be transplanted in the autumn. Some people choose dwarf citrus trees, but you might prefer a tree that can grow big and strong.
Before planting, remove your placenta from the freezer the day before and place it in the fridge until it is defrosted. You'll need to plant it around half a metre deep into the ground to avoid animals digging it up. You can then plant a seedling on top.
Some people choose to have a special ceremony when planting their placenta. You might want to take selfies to commemorate the occasion.
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Preserving stem cells
The placenta is a unique organ that develops during pregnancy and plays a crucial role in supporting the baby's growth and development. Preserving the stem cells found in the placenta can be an important decision for parents who want to safeguard their child's future health and explore the potential benefits of regenerative medicine. Here are some key considerations and options available for preserving stem cells:
Placenta Banking:
Placenta banking, also known as placental tissue banking, allows parents to store their child's placental stem cells for potential future use in regenerative therapies. Cells4Life, the UK's only placenta bank, offers placenta storage and cord blood banking services. The price of placenta banking varies, with the cost of storing just placental cells or amnion starting at £1,950, while storing both the placenta and amnion starts at £2,650.
Clinical Trials and Medical Applications:
Stem cells from the placenta have shown promising results in clinical trials for various medical conditions. For example, researchers are investigating the use of placenta-derived stem cells for treating multiple sclerosis, a degenerative neurological condition. Positive early results have also been seen in trials for treating epidermolysis bullosa, a group of disorders causing fragile skin. Additionally, placental blood contains hematopoietic stem cells, which can be used in transplants to replace a patient's blood and immune system.
Delayed Cord Clamping:
Delayed cord clamping is a practice where parents allow more time for the baby to receive essential nutrients and stem cells from the placenta before it is delivered. This approach ensures that the baby benefits from the rich supply of stem cells present in the placenta immediately after birth.
Placenta Encapsulation:
Placenta encapsulation is the process of dehydrating and grinding the placenta into powder, which is then encapsulated for daily consumption. While encapsulation is not compatible with placenta banking, it is believed by some to offer health benefits. However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of consuming the placenta is based on anecdotal reports and may not be scientifically proven.
Placental Blood and Tissue Donation:
Donating the placenta to authorized organizations can contribute to the development of new therapies and support existing treatments. Placental tissue has been used in medical applications for decades, including eye surgery and wound dressing. Donating the placenta is a way to help advance medical research and potentially benefit future patients.
It is important to thoroughly research the available options and consult with healthcare professionals before making any decisions regarding placenta preservation or consumption. The field of stem cell research and regenerative medicine is constantly evolving, and parents now have more opportunities to potentially enhance their child's long-term health.
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Frequently asked questions
The placenta is an organ that develops on the wall of the uterus and provides nourishment and oxygen to the growing baby during pregnancy through nutrient-rich blood.
The placenta is typically delivered within 5 to 30 minutes of childbirth (though it can take up to an hour). It is considered medical waste and is routinely disposed of by hospitals.
Yes, you can keep your placenta from the hospital, but it may depend on the hospital's policies and the laws of your city or state. Some hospitals may require you to sign a liability waiver, while others may need a court order.
Some people believe that keeping the placenta has health benefits, such as fighting postpartum depression and increasing milk production. Others use it for sentimental reasons, such as planting it with a tree or incorporating it into jewellery.
There are risks associated with consuming the placenta, as it could be contaminated or spread illness. There is also limited scientific proof that placenta encapsulation offers any health benefits.
