The placenta is a temporary organ that grows during pregnancy, serving as the interface between the pregnant person and the developing fetus. This organ delivers oxygen and nutrients while filtering waste products through the umbilical cord. Once its work is complete and it is delivered, parents have a range of choices for its fate, moving beyond simple disposal to encompass personal rituals and practical applications. The decision of what to do with the placenta ranges from standard hospital protocol to ancient cultural practices.
Standard Clinical Disposal
In the absence of a specific request from the parents, the default fate for the placenta within a hospital setting is to be treated as anatomical waste. Hospitals follow strict protocols for biohazard material, and unclaimed placentas are typically disposed of through incineration, which is the standard method for human tissue.
In some cases, the hospital may retain the placenta for a short period, often 48 hours, for pathological examination. This testing becomes important if there were complications during the birth or if the newborn becomes unwell, as the placenta can offer valuable diagnostic information about potential issues. Parents may also consent to the placenta being used for medical research or educational purposes, where samples can aid in understanding pregnancy and disease.
Placentophagy: Consumption and Processing
Placentophagy, the practice of consuming the placenta, is most often carried out by processing the organ into encapsulated pills. This process typically involves a specialist who prepares the placenta by washing it, trimming the cord and membranes, and then dehydrating it before grinding it into a fine powder for encapsulation. The belief is that ingesting the placenta can support postpartum recovery by providing a final dose of hormones and nutrients, such as iron.
The two main methods for encapsulation are the raw method and the steamed method, sometimes called the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) method. The raw method involves simple dehydration, which advocates believe preserves a higher concentration of the organ’s hormonal content. The steamed method first involves steaming the placenta, often with warming herbs like ginger and lemon, before dehydration. This step is thought to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination.
While many people report benefits such as improved mood, increased energy, and enhanced milk supply, scientific evidence supporting these claims remains limited. A primary concern is the risk of contamination, as the placenta can harbor bacteria like Group B Streptococcus (GBS) if not handled, stored, or prepared correctly. For this reason, it is advised to utilize a certified professional who adheres to rigorous food safety and hygiene standards.
Some parents opt to consume a small portion of the raw placenta by blending it into a smoothie in the immediate days following birth. Another preparation method involves creating a placenta tincture by suspending a small piece of the raw organ in a high-proof alcohol, which is then aged for several weeks. Both of these raw consumption methods carry a higher risk of ingesting pathogens. Health organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, caution against the practice due to the lack of a standardized, safe preparation method.
Cultural and Keepsake Practices
Many non-ingestion options involve symbolic preservation or ritual, reflecting the placenta’s role in sustaining life. One of the most widespread cultural practices is the burial or planting of the placenta, often with a tree or shrub planted above it to symbolize the child’s life and connection to the earth. Cultures like the Maori in New Zealand and the Navajo have traditions of burying the placenta to connect the child to their ancestral land.
The disposal location may be chosen with great care, as it is often believed to influence the child’s future, such as burying it near a religious site for piety or under a fruit tree to symbolize prosperity. The placenta holds deep meaning in many communities, where it is sometimes regarded as the child’s “guardian angel” or “younger sibling.”
For physical keepsakes, parents can choose to have a placenta print created. This involves applying food-grade dye to the organ and pressing it onto paper to create an impression, often resulting in a unique, tree-like image called the “tree of life.” The umbilical cord can also be dried and shaped into a keepsake, frequently forming a heart or a spiral. Specialists can also dehydrate a small piece of the placenta to be incorporated into custom jewelry, such as beads for a necklace or a charm.