Aa
Placenta
Has anyone kept their placenta's after birth with previous pregnancies? I'm curious as to what ones purpose for them are or if they really have been 'eaten'
THIS INFO WAS EMAILED TO ME IN A BABY CENTRE BULLETIN...THOUGHT SOME MUMS WOULD WANT A READ.
BabyCenter News
New moms gain no benefit from eating placenta, studies show
Thu, Jun 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) —
While some celebrity moms swear by it and have made it trendy, doctors and scientists say consuming the placenta after birth offers women and their babies no benefit.
In fact, the practice -- known as placentophagy -- may even pose unknown risks to mothers and infants, according to a team from Northwestern University in Chicago, who pored over the accumulated research on the issue.
"Our sense is that women choosing placentophagy, who may otherwise be very careful about what they are putting into their bodies during pregnancy and nursing, are willing to ingest something without evidence of its benefits and, more importantly, of its potential risks to themselves and their nursing infants," study lead author and psychologist Cynthia Coyle said in a Northwestern news release.
One expert agreed, saying the supposed benefits of placentophagy are vastly over-rated.
"Other species may eat their placentas, but this doesn't mean humans should follow suit," said Dr. Jill Rabin, co-chief of the division of ambulatory care at Women's Health Programs, part of the North Shore-LIJ Health System in New Hyde Park, N.Y.
"The new research couldn't find a single scientific benefit of eating one's placenta," added Rabin, who said she does not recommend the practice to her patients.
In the study, Coyle's team reviewed data from 10 published studies. They found no data to support that eating the placenta -- either raw, cooked or in pill form -- protects against postpartum depression, reduces pain after childbirth, increases a woman's energy, helps with lactation, improves mother-child bonding, replenishes iron in the body, or improves skin elasticity.
The researchers also said that there are no studies examining the risks associated with eating the placenta, which acts as a filter to absorb and protect fetuses from toxins and pollutants.
That's of real concern, Rabin said.
"We have to remember that the placenta is there to nourish the baby during pregnancy and filter toxins so the baby isn't exposed to substances it shouldn't be," she explained. "The risks of eating it are probably small, but we simply don't know."
Coyle also said that "there are no regulations as to how the placenta is stored and prepared, and the dosing is inconsistent. Women really don't know what they are ingesting."
Dr. James Ducey directs maternal-fetal medicine obstetrics and gynecology at Staten Island University Hospital in New York City. He said that "if a woman wishes to eat her placenta I would let her, [but] it is not something I would try."
Ducey said, "There is little benefit of consuming placenta as opposed to any other high fat and protein meal. Most of the constituents will be broken down during digestion, [and] there is some risk of infection as it is contaminated with vaginal bacteria."
The review was published June 4 in the journal Archives of Women's Mental Health.
-- Robert Preidt
BabyCenter News
New moms gain no benefit from eating placenta, studies show
Thu, Jun 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) —
While some celebrity moms swear by it and have made it trendy, doctors and scientists say consuming the placenta after birth offers women and their babies no benefit.
In fact, the practice -- known as placentophagy -- may even pose unknown risks to mothers and infants, according to a team from Northwestern University in Chicago, who pored over the accumulated research on the issue.
"Our sense is that women choosing placentophagy, who may otherwise be very careful about what they are putting into their bodies during pregnancy and nursing, are willing to ingest something without evidence of its benefits and, more importantly, of its potential risks to themselves and their nursing infants," study lead author and psychologist Cynthia Coyle said in a Northwestern news release.
One expert agreed, saying the supposed benefits of placentophagy are vastly over-rated.
"Other species may eat their placentas, but this doesn't mean humans should follow suit," said Dr. Jill Rabin, co-chief of the division of ambulatory care at Women's Health Programs, part of the North Shore-LIJ Health System in New Hyde Park, N.Y.
"The new research couldn't find a single scientific benefit of eating one's placenta," added Rabin, who said she does not recommend the practice to her patients.
In the study, Coyle's team reviewed data from 10 published studies. They found no data to support that eating the placenta -- either raw, cooked or in pill form -- protects against postpartum depression, reduces pain after childbirth, increases a woman's energy, helps with lactation, improves mother-child bonding, replenishes iron in the body, or improves skin elasticity.
The researchers also said that there are no studies examining the risks associated with eating the placenta, which acts as a filter to absorb and protect fetuses from toxins and pollutants.
That's of real concern, Rabin said.
"We have to remember that the placenta is there to nourish the baby during pregnancy and filter toxins so the baby isn't exposed to substances it shouldn't be," she explained. "The risks of eating it are probably small, but we simply don't know."
Coyle also said that "there are no regulations as to how the placenta is stored and prepared, and the dosing is inconsistent. Women really don't know what they are ingesting."
Dr. James Ducey directs maternal-fetal medicine obstetrics and gynecology at Staten Island University Hospital in New York City. He said that "if a woman wishes to eat her placenta I would let her, [but] it is not something I would try."
Ducey said, "There is little benefit of consuming placenta as opposed to any other high fat and protein meal. Most of the constituents will be broken down during digestion, [and] there is some risk of infection as it is contaminated with vaginal bacteria."
The review was published June 4 in the journal Archives of Women's Mental Health.
-- Robert Preidt
I have kept all 3 of mine so far and plan on keeping this next one. Here in N.Z Maori bury them under a native plant or tree and watch them grow along with their child..it's so beautiful to come back and see the amazing growth.
I have read several articles and have heard of many benefits range frm helping wit postpartum depression/baby blues to helping with breast milk supply and milk nutrition to cutting down the healing process to helping with bonding. You are basically feeding yourself hormones, minerals, and vitamins created by your own body! It's actually called placenta encapsulation if you want to look it up :) I have heard so many good things about I figured it was worth trying! I am eager to see if I can see the difference between using the PE verses last time wen I didn't!
Interesting!! What does it do for you?
With my first I cldnt but this time I plan on it! My midwife actually puts them in capsules so that I will be able to drink it instead of eating it in soups like I hear other women doing but I guess that can still be considered "eaten" lol I also hear a lot of women use them in their gardens or will plant a tree for there baby with the placenta! Or placenta art or jewelry. I've seen a few things on pinterest!
You are reading content posted in the Pregnancy: Social Community
Get information and tips on how to help you choose the right place to deliver your baby.
Get the facts on how twins and multiples are formed and your chance of carrying more than one baby at a time.
Learn about the risks and benefits of circumcision.
What to expect during the first hours after delivery.
Learn about early screening and test options for your pregnancy.
Learn about testing and treatment for GBS bacterium.
