The placenta, an organ that nurtures and supports a baby throughout pregnancy, is often seen as medical waste after birth. However, a growing number of individuals and families are choosing to keep their placenta for various purposes. This practice, often referred to as placenta retention, involves carefully handling and preparing the placenta for personal use, which can range from ceremonial rituals to consumption.
Understanding Placenta Retention
Individuals choose to keep their placenta for a variety of reasons, often rooted in cultural practices, personal beliefs, or perceived wellness benefits. Across many cultures globally, the placenta holds significant meaning, leading families to honor it through burial ceremonies or other rituals. Some view it as the baby’s first companion, symbolizing the connection between parent and child.
Many individuals are also motivated by the anecdotal reports of potential health benefits associated with placenta consumption. Some believe that ingesting the placenta can help balance postpartum hormones, increase energy levels, and support milk production. Others report it aids in mood stabilization and can help with overall postpartum recovery.
Various Preparation Methods
Several methods exist for placenta preparation and use. Encapsulation is a common approach, processing the placenta into capsules for ingestion. Two primary methods are the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) inspired method and the raw method.
The TCM method involves steaming the placenta, often with warming ingredients like lemon and ginger, before dehydration and encapsulation. This steaming step creates a warming energy and may reduce bacteria. In contrast, the raw method skips steaming, directly dehydrated and encapsulated. Proponents suggest it preserves more inherent hormones and nutrients, potentially yielding more capsules.
Beyond encapsulation, other preparations include tinctures, salves, and non-ingestible options. Tinctures are liquid extracts made by steeping raw or dehydrated placenta in high-proof alcohol, used for long-term hormonal balance and emotional support. Salves, made by infusing placenta powder into oils and beeswax, are applied topically for skin healing, including C-section incisions, perineal tears, or diaper rash. Many families also create placenta prints, using the organ for an artistic impression on paper, often resembling a “tree of life,” or bury the placenta as a symbolic act.
Hospital Protocols and Safe Handling
Obtaining the placenta from a birthing facility requires discussing your intention with your healthcare provider during pregnancy to understand their specific policies. Facilities may have forms to sign and procedures to follow for its release.
Immediately after birth, handle the placenta with care to maintain its integrity. Place it into a clean, food-safe container and promptly cool it. This involves placing it on ice in a cooler or refrigerating within 30 minutes of delivery. Transfer the placenta to a refrigerator within 12 hours; if not processed immediately, it can be frozen for up to six months.
Important Safety Guidelines
Strict safety and hygiene are important when handling and preparing the placenta. Like any organ tissue, the placenta can harbor bacteria and should be treated similarly to raw meat. Improper handling or preparation can lead to bacterial contamination and infection.
Certain conditions make placenta consumption unsafe. These include active maternal or neonatal infections (e.g., Group B Streptococcus), or if the placenta was sent to pathology. Meconium exposure, heavy smoking, or drug use during pregnancy may also contraindicate consumption. If using a professional service, ensure they follow food safety guidelines, use sterile equipment, and are certified in bloodborne pathogen prevention.