The placenta, an organ that develops during pregnancy, nourishes the fetus. After birth, some families choose to preserve the placenta. This decision often involves personal beliefs and practical aspects.
Why Families Choose to Preserve the Placenta
Families often preserve the placenta for cultural, spiritual, and personal reasons. Many cultures worldwide hold deep respect for the placenta, viewing it as a sacred entity or a “twin” to the baby. These traditions often involve ceremonial burial to symbolize the child’s connection to the earth or family. Some believe proper handling ensures the child’s future well-being.
Beyond cultural practices, some individuals are drawn to placenta preservation due to perceived health benefits for the birthing parent. Advocates suggest that consuming the placenta, often encapsulated, may support postpartum recovery by replenishing iron, balancing hormones, reducing mood imbalances, and supporting milk supply. While scientific research on these claims is limited, many report positive anecdotal experiences. Personal sentimentality also plays a role, with families honoring the organ that sustained their baby, sometimes creating keepsakes or art.
Common Preservation Methods
Several methods exist for preserving the placenta. Placenta encapsulation, one of the most popular, transforms the placenta into a powdered form encased in capsules for consumption. This process typically involves rinsing the placenta, steaming it (sometimes with herbs), dehydrating it until brittle, and then grinding it into a fine powder before placing it into capsules. Steaming helps eliminate pathogens.
Freezing is another common method, particularly for burial, art, or later processing. For freezing, place the placenta in a sealed, freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to six months if not processed within a few days of birth.
Some individuals also opt for tinctures or balms. A placenta tincture is created by steeping a portion of the placenta, raw or dehydrated, in high-proof alcohol for several weeks. Balms and salves typically infuse dried placenta powder into oils, combined with beeswax for topical applications.
Safe Handling and Storage Practices
Proper hygiene and temperature control are essential when handling and storing the placenta to prevent bacterial growth. Treat the placenta similarly to raw meat due to its blood content and susceptibility to germ growth. Immediately after birth, place the placenta in a clean, sealed container or double-bagged in a leak-proof bag.
Cool the placenta quickly, ideally by refrigerating it or placing it on ice within two hours postpartum. If using ice, a cooler with ample ice packs is recommended, and the ice should be refreshed frequently. Store the placenta at 40°F (4°C) or lower, separate from food items. If encapsulation is not planned within 72 hours, freezing is necessary to preserve the tissue. When handling, wear protective gloves, cover any cuts, and wash hands thoroughly.
Important Considerations Before Preservation
Families should address several practical and logistical considerations before preserving the placenta. Discuss intentions with healthcare providers and the birthing facility well in advance. Hospitals often have specific policies regarding placenta release, sometimes requiring a signed form. Some facilities may send the placenta to pathology for examination if there are health concerns, which could delay or prevent its release, especially if chemicals like formalin are used, rendering it unsuitable for consumption.
Legal aspects vary by location; hospital policies often dictate what is permissible within their facility. Families should inquire about local regulations for handling human tissue, especially for burial, as some municipalities have guidelines to prevent scavenging animals and infection. Finally, manage expectations about perceived benefits of placenta consumption, as scientific evidence remains limited, and health organizations advise caution due to risks like bacterial contamination.