The placenta is a temporary organ that develops during pregnancy, serving as the interface for nutrient, oxygen, and waste exchange between the parent and the developing fetus. Once delivered shortly after the baby, parents must decide what to do with this biological material, often referred to as the “afterbirth.” These decisions range from standard medical disposal to highly personal or cultural practices. Understanding the available options and the proper safety procedures is an important step in postpartum planning.
Standard Medical Disposal and Donation
In the absence of a specific parental request, the default procedure in most hospitals is to treat the placenta as biohazardous medical waste. This means the placenta is collected, documented, and disposed of via incineration, adhering to strict public health and biohazard protocols. Hospitals are legally required to manage this human tissue safely if parents choose not to intervene.
An alternative is donation for medical and scientific purposes. The placenta and umbilical cord tissue contain stem cells and other valuable materials used in research or to create therapeutic products. These donated tissues are frequently processed to create grafts for treating burns, chronic non-healing wounds like diabetic ulcers, and for use in various surgical procedures. Donation involves a consent process, a review of the donor’s medical history, and blood screening to ensure the tissue is free of infectious diseases.
Placenta Encapsulation and Consumption
Placentophagy, the act of consuming the placenta, has gained popularity in Western countries, most often through encapsulation. The process involves steaming the placenta, dehydrating it, grinding the dried tissue into a fine powder, and then placing the powder into capsules for ingestion. This method is the most common way to consume the tissue over the postpartum period.
Proponents of encapsulation often report benefits such as improved mood, reduced risk of postpartum mood imbalances, increased energy levels, and a boost in milk supply. The theory is that the capsules contain hormones like progesterone and estradiol, as well as trace minerals, which may help the body recover from the hormonal and nutritional demands of childbirth. However, scientific evidence supporting these benefits is limited, and many effects are considered anecdotal or potentially related to the placebo effect.
Beyond encapsulation, some individuals choose to consume the placenta raw, cooked, or blended into smoothies. While research has detected the presence of hormones and micronutrients in processed tissue, the exact concentration and whether those levels are sufficient to cause a significant physiological effect remain unclear. The practice carries risks if the tissue is not prepared correctly, as inadequate heat treatment may not eradicate infectious pathogens, making proper handling a serious safety consideration.
Cultural Burial and Keepsake Creation
For many people, the placenta holds deep symbolic meaning, leading to non-consumptive and ceremonial uses. Ritualistic burial of the placenta is a tradition found in various cultures worldwide, often connecting the newborn to the earth, the community, or their ancestors. For example, the Māori people of New Zealand use the same word for placenta and land, “Whenua,” and bury it to symbolize the child’s connection to the earth.
The choice of burial location is often significant, with some traditions suggesting the spot predicts the child’s future or provides protection. In the Hmong culture, the placenta is considered the baby’s “jacket” and is buried so the soul can retrieve it later in life. Other symbolic uses include creating “placenta prints” by pressing the organ onto paper to capture its unique, tree-like vein structure. The umbilical cord can also be dried and shaped into a keepsake.
Preparation, Storage, and Safety Guidelines
Regardless of the chosen path, the first step is to inform the hospital staff before the birth. Obtaining the placenta requires signing a release form, confirming the parent accepts responsibility for its safe handling and disposal. If the parent has a blood-borne infection or if the placenta requires pathological examination, the hospital may be legally unable to release it.
The placenta must be treated as perishable human tissue, similar to raw meat, and requires immediate and careful storage to prevent rapid deterioration and bacterial growth. It should be placed in a sealed, leak-proof container, often double-bagged, and then kept in a cooler with ice or refrigerated as soon as possible. If refrigeration is not possible, it should be frozen within 48 to 72 hours.
When handling the placenta, protective gloves should be worn, and all surfaces and utensils must be thoroughly cleaned afterward. For burial, it must be done on private property and at a significant depth—at least one meter—to prevent animals from disturbing it and to protect public health. Improper preparation, especially for consumption, poses a risk of infection, so parents should ensure any hired encapsulation specialist follows strict food safety and hygiene standards.