When did consuming placenta become a fashionable trend? It likely started with a celebrity who decided to eat hers, but pinpointing the exact moment it went mainstream is tricky. Nowadays, you can find Etsy shops selling placenta art, providers offering “placenta encapsulation” services, and even some husbands admitting to partaking in this supposed superfood. A team of researchers finally decided to delve into the claims surrounding the consumption of placenta, revealing what many suspected: there’s no real scientific support for its benefits.
Ingesting something that has been filtering your baby’s waste for months is not known to have any medical advantages. Plus, there’s little information on its safety. Advocates of placenta consumption argue that it can enhance energy levels, increase milk production, and stabilize hormones, thereby reducing the risk of postpartum depression. However, researchers at Northwestern University’s medical school examined 10 studies on placentophagy—eating your own placenta—and found no evidence to substantiate these claims. Dr. Lisa Thompson, one of the study’s authors, stated, “While some women report perceived benefits, there’s a lack of systematic research to investigate the risks or advantages of ingesting placenta. Studies on animals don’t necessarily translate to human benefits.”
The surge in popularity over recent years seems to be driven more by anecdotal accounts and media narratives than by scientific backing. “It appears that many women are making this decision without consulting medical professionals and instead relying on blogs or social media,” Dr. Thompson noted.
During my pregnancy journey, I came across someone on a parenting forum who passionately praised the virtues of eating one’s placenta. This was back when it was just beginning to catch on, and I was taken aback by her fervor for consuming something that had just exited her body. She wasn’t referring to encapsulation or smoothies—she was talking about taking a raw bite immediately after childbirth. No thanks!
When my second child arrived, I considered the idea again after my midwife recommended a doula who offered placenta encapsulation as part of her package. Intrigued by the idea of having my placenta prepared in pill form, I thought, why not? However, the reality of logistics hit me: I’d need to sign medical forms and leave the hospital with my placenta in a cooler. I quickly decided that I wasn’t that committed.
Interestingly, I was open to the idea until I realized the steps involved—especially considering I hadn’t taken so much as a Tylenol throughout my entire pregnancy. Yet, I was willing to consume this organ because it would be prepared for me by someone without a medical background. As someone who worked in food service, I know there are strict guidelines for handling raw meat, which are not necessarily followed in those placenta encapsulation businesses.
Advocates often point out that animals eat their placenta in the wild, suggesting it’s a natural choice. However, the reasons behind this behavior are unclear; one theory is that it helps protect their young from predators. Plus, using the “animals do it” argument is weak when you consider that they also engage in behaviors most humans would never try, like licking their own behinds or eating feces.
Ultimately, it’s your choice, but this research may help you decide if consuming your placenta is truly worthwhile. If you’re exploring options for enhancing fertility or seeking resources for your pregnancy journey, check out this article and this excellent resource that can guide you along the way.
In summary, while the trend of eating placenta has gained traction, scientific evidence does not support its purported benefits. Many decisions surrounding this practice are often based more on anecdote than research. As always, it’s essential to consult with medical professionals before making significant choices regarding your health.
Keyphrase: placenta consumption benefits
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