What can you do with your placenta after delivery?

The placenta is a remarkable organ that plays a crucial role during pregnancy, providing nutrients, oxygen, and waste removal between the mother and fetus. After delivery, many parents may consider various options for what to do with the placenta. While some practices are more widely accepted than others, here are several options for managing the placenta after birth:

1. Placenta Encapsulation

• Overview: This process involves preparing the placenta (typically by steaming, dehydrating, and grinding it into a powder) which is then placed into capsules for consumption.

• Potential Benefits: Some advocates claim that consuming placenta may help with postpartum recovery, boost energy levels, and improve mood. However, scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited.

2. Placenta Donation

• Overview: Some hospitals and organizations allow for placenta donation after birth. Donated placentas can be used for medical research, developing treatments, or therapeutic applications.

• Considerations: If you’re interested in donating, check with your healthcare provider and local hospitals about available programs.

3. Creating a Keepsake

• Cord and Placenta Artwork: Some parents choose to preserve the placenta for sentimental purposes, creating artwork or prints using the umbilical cord or the placenta itself.

• Memory Box: The placenta can be dried and kept in a memory box alongside other mementos from the birth experience.

4. Planting the Placenta

• Overview: Some cultures and traditions involve burying the placenta in a special place, such as in a garden or under a tree, symbolizing a connection to nature and nurturing growth.

• Benefits: This practice can serve as a memorial to the baby and provide a personal connection between the child and the land.

5. Traditional Medicine Uses

• Overview: In certain cultures, the placenta is used in traditional medicine. Some beliefs hold that it has therapeutic properties and can be prepared into tinctures, teas, or broths.

• Consult Professionals: If considering this option, it’s essential to consult with someone knowledgeable in traditional healing practices.

6. Herbal Infusions

• Contribution to Herbal Remedy: Some people choose to make herbal infusions or tonics using the placenta as a key ingredient, following guidelines from practitioners who specialize in this field.

7. Disposal

• Clinical Disposal: If you prefer not to keep or utilize the placenta, you can choose to have it disposed of through the hospital's biomedical waste disposal system.

• Understanding Policies: Discuss the disposal options with your healthcare provider or the hospital ahead of time to understand the procedures available.

Important Considerations

1. Consult with Your Healthcare Provider: Before making decisions about the placenta, speak to your healthcare provider to discuss your options, any associated risks, and guidelines.

2. Research Regulations: Depending on where you live, there may be specific regulations regarding the handling or disposal of placentas, especially in the case of donation.

3. Safety: If you’re considering consumption (such as in encapsulation), ensure that the process is carried out by a trained professional using safe practices to minimize any health risks.

Conclusion

What to do with the placenta after birth is a personal decision that can vary widely based on cultural beliefs, individual preferences, and health considerations. Exploring various options can help you choose what feels right for you and your family, while also paying homage to the unique role that the placenta plays in the journey of pregnancy and childbirth.