Health Benefits of Consuming Placenta – Are You On Board?

A new trend is slowly emerging that has some moms jumping on the bandwagon – and others just getting a little freaked out. That trend? Women who want to reap health benefits post-pregnancy by consuming their own placenta.

Yes, we have to admit, it sounds a bit crazy. But many women who try it report noticeable changes, such as increased milk production, a boost in energy levels and even an improvement in mood. For women who struggle with breastfeeding or the moodswings and fatigue that come with having a new baby, this new trend may not be so crazy after all.

The method in which the placenta is processed also helps remove some of the “ick factor,” which many women may have trouble with. For a fee of $150 to $175 (the higher price is for non-clients), Toronto, Canada, doula Rean Cross, will collect a mother’s placenta from the hospital, steam and slice it, dehydrate it, then grind it into powder to make pills.

One of Cross’ clients, Davida Robertson, said her placenta yielded over 100 pills, which she took after giving birth to her daughter. “I felt I was on an even keel,” she reported, continuing, “I wish people knew about it. I would definitely do it again. It’s not for everyone. Some people won’t be able to get past what it is, but you have to go in with an open mind. I’m proud I did it.”

There doesn’t seem to be much published research on the health benefits of women consuming their placenta, despite testimony from women who have tried it and noticed improvements to their health and wellbeing.

For mothers who are still a little leery of trying this new trend, another popular option for harvesting the nutrients of a placenta is to bury it in the ground. A year later, you can plant a tree or flower in the same spot to commemorate the birth experience, and you will likely find that it thrives thanks to the many nutrients released into the soil.