Placentophagy
Throughout all of my training, both as a postpartum doula and nutrition professional, the research I have come across on maternal placental consumption seems to be relatively consistent. Below I have summarized both the evidence-based and anecdotal research to date, to help guide women in making an informed decision as to whether or not to adopt this practice.
Placentophagy Definition: Maternal postpartum consumption of the placenta after birth.
Placentophagy in Mammals: Most mammals eat their placenta. However, there are a few that do not such as marsupials, camelids, and some large aquatic mammals such as whales and dolphins. Many of the theories developed to explain the motivation behind this behavior, such as to clean the nest to protect from predators, or to replace lost nutrients are considered inadequate by scientists.
The most compelling hypothesis formulated however, suggests that mammals eat the placenta (and lick the amniotic fluid off of their newborns) for the opioid-enhancing response that reduces the pain associated with birth. A chemical called placental opioid-enhancing factor (PEOF) detected in the placenta and amniotic fluid is linked to this analgesic effect as well as accelerated maternal care and mother/baby bonding.
Placentophagy in Humans:
While ingestion of the human placenta has existed in Chinese traditional medicine for approximately 1500 years to address infertility and other health concerns, it is typically prepared with other herbs and ingredients and comes from another human female or animal rather than the birthing mother herself. The first scientific study reporting potential benefits of this practice arose in 1917, but the practice gained momentum as a trend in North America in the 1970s.
Anthropologists that have studied placentophagy extensively across cultures have been unable to identify a single culture where placentophagy is traditionally practiced. They did report however a common emphasis among most of these cultures regarding care for the placenta; some preferring to burry the placenta, others burning it, while many choose to offer to animals for consumption.
Human Motivation: To prevent symptoms associated with postpartum depression, fatigue, nutrient depletion, and to increase milk supply.
Mode of Consumption: Often consumed either raw in smoothies, cooked, dehydrated and then encapsulated in pill form, or put into tincture form.
Pros:
Reported benefits include improved mood, increased milk production, and accelerated postpartum recovery. Some studies indicate an increase in protein and lactose in the breastmilk of women after placental consumption.
Progesterone, CRH (corticotropin-releasing hormone), and iron have been reported to be detected in potentially therapeutic amounts.
Risk of heavy metal toxicity and bacterial infection appears low-only 1 documented adverse outcome in an infant that contracted Group B strep after mother consumed encapsulated placenta that was Group B strep positive.
Cons:
Clinical research is lacking to support health claims and most of the research is anecdotal.
Studies to identify nutritional benefit from natural placental consumption are lacking and processed (encapsulated) placenta appears to contain very little active hormone to have much effect. And even if hormones are in tact, which hormones and at what levels women could benefit from these remains to be understood-this is likely very individual-progesterone for example has potential to reduce milk supply given this hormone’s role in suppressing lactation during pregnancy.
Toxin accumulation in the placenta has been identified at levels of concern. We live in a much more toxic environment than we used to and can potentially obtain beneficial nutrients from cleaner sources than the placenta.
Potential to delay mental health support if relying solely on placental nutrients to address these symptoms.
Bottom Line:
The research against and in favor of placentophagy is limited. Many of the arguments in favor are anecdotal while many of the arguments against are hypothetical, both requiring more clinical research.
Must consider bio-individuality. I would not have eaten my placenta knowing I was delivered antibiotics and additional pharmaceutical drugs for my emergency C-sections. There are also reports of negative side effects after consumption of the placenta that may be attributed to circumstances such as these.
A dear friend of mine told me “intuitively it was something I wanted to do even before it was a thing.” To me this is a wonderful reminder to listen to your own inner wisdom. If this practice speaks to you, perhaps give it a try……but if it doesn’t make you feel good, listen to this biofeedback as well.
Look for a certified Placenta Arts Specialist trained in food safety and blood born pathogens. Proper processing and storage need to be considered to keep mom and baby safe.
And perhaps most importantly, there are circumstances when this practice is not advisable such as when infection is present. Always consult your physician to assess the risks associated with this practice and any testing that may be relevant to determine safety before proceeding.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4580132/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6138470/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7765311/