Being on the more alternative spectrum of health care, we get asked a lot of uncommon questions. Over the years, the topic of whether to eat the placenta (placentophagia) after giving birth has come up sporadically. Here is some information we share to help our patients in the decision making.

Placenta Contains Many Beneficial Substances

Most mammals eat the placenta after giving birth to their young, up to 99% in fact, and even herbivores. There is good reason for this. The placenta after birth contains nutrients and hormones that can benefit the mother after the severely depleting task of carrying, developing, and delivering an offspring.

Placenta contains:

- Oxytocin and CRH (corticotropin-releasing hormone) both of which help with well-being and coping with postpartum stress and healing

- Cortisone which promotes healing by reducing inflammation and swelling

-TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) which helps boost energy and regulate thyroid

- Prostaglandin helps the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy state with its anti-inflammatory effects

- Prolactin which aids in milk production

- Interferon: Fights Infection

- B Vitamins and iron that help with recovery from blood loss and increase energy

- POEF (Placental Opioid Enhancing Factor) which increases pain relief and improves mood

- Iron: Helps women recover from blood loss and increasing energy

Placenta Has Been Used as a Chinese Herb for Thousands of Years

It is well-documented and common practice in Chinese Medicine to prescribe placenta for postpartum recovery. For over 2000 years, prepared, dried placenta, Zi He Che has been used as a postpartum tonic. It tonifies Qi, Blood, Yin, Yang, and Jing - all important aspects of health which are depleted after giving birth. The goal of this tonifying is to improve milk production, decrease depression, increase mood and energy, aid the body in the healing process, and help balance hormones. While more research is needed, there was one promising study that showed an increase in milk production in 86% of participants. Other research has shown an increase in the bond between mother and offspring in non-human animals such as dogs, sheep, rabbits, and monkeys.

How Can the Placenta be Consumed?

The most common way people eat the placenta is by drinking it in a smoothie or taking daily placenta pills, which can be done with placenta encapsulation. While placenta encapsulation is the most popular form of consuming placenta, some will prepare it in the form of a meal or drink.

So What’s the Difference?

It really comes down to what you prefer. Noted benefits of placenta encapsulation include convenience and a less “irony” taste that you get from eating the placenta raw. Dont worry! Many strong placenta recipes combat this taste by almost entirely masking it - and making the organ more enjoyable.

Placenta Encapsulation Services

There are many online resources that describe the placenta encapsulation process as well as the steps for taking the placenta home. Depending on the hospital’s policy, the placenta may be required to go to pathology before being sent home. There are a select number of placenta encapsulation services in Brooklyn and NYC. Some parents also choose for the DIY option and purchase an encapsulation kit. Ensuring safety while doing this yourself is a must. It is recommended that encapsulation should occur within 72 hours of giving birth. If this isn’t possible, freeze the placenta until it can be done safely. It’s important to do your own research and be an informed consumer to ensure you purchase a kit or see a specialist that will fit your needs.

Use Caution, More Research is Needed

There are a few situations where placenta encapsulation and eating placenta is not possible or advisable.

1. If there was a uterine or amniotic infection during labor.

2. If the placenta is taken to pathology and is not available.

3. In certain instances like placenta previa or if a D&C is used to remove the placenta.

4. Smoking during pregnancy or using magnesium sulfate on the day of birth are also contraindications.

There are some hypothetical risks such as alloimmunization for future pregnancies, exogenous hormonal sources causing health risks, and thromboembolism- none of which have any case reports. However, it is very important that the placenta is prepared properly to ensure there are no living microorganisms that could cause an infection.

There are many potential benefits to ingesting placenta and some concerns to consider. But if the placenta is healthy and is prepared safely, the long history of eating the placenta after giving birth points to the possible benefits outweighing the possible drawbacks. My personal experience was positive and when I compare my postpartum experience and breastfeeding abilities to that of my grandmother, mother, and sister, I do think it had a positive effect on me. If you are considering having your placenta capsulated for ingestion, please do your own research, find a reputable person to process, and ask many questions.

If eating your placenta is not appealing or possible for you, there are many other Chinese herbs and formulas that a certified acupuncturist/herbalist can prescribe. Food can also be very therapeutic and used as medicine, especially in times like this. Here at Garden Acupuncture we specialize in women’s health and can prescribe herbs, treat with acupuncture, and advise on dietary therapy. Pop over to our website to check us out and if you have a question, let us know at info@GardenAcu.com