The Sacred Journey of Keeping the Placenta: Practices, Benefits, and Options

The placenta, often referred to as the "tree of life," plays a vital role during pregnancy, nourishing and sustaining a baby in the womb. For many women, keeping the placenta after childbirth is a way to honor its significance and explore the physical, emotional, and cultural benefits it may offer. Whether it’s through encapsulation, ceremonial burial, or even consumption, the growing interest in preserving the placenta reflects a deep desire to reconnect with the birth process.

This article delves into the various ways women honor their placenta, the benefits of consumption, and practical tips for taking it home after delivery.

Why Do Women Keep Their Placenta?

Keeping the placenta is a deeply personal decision, often influenced by cultural, spiritual, or health-related reasons. Across the globe, the placenta has long been regarded as sacred, symbolizing life and the connection between mother and child. Women who choose to keep their placenta often do so to honor its role and find meaningful ways to repurpose or ceremonially handle it.

What Can Women Do With Their Placenta?

1. Encapsulation
   Placenta encapsulation is one of the most popular practices. The placenta is cleaned, steamed, dehydrated, and ground into powder, then placed into capsules for consumption. Many women report benefits like increased energy, reduced postpartum depression, and improved hormonal balance.

2. Lotus Birth
   In a lotus birth, the placenta is left attached to the baby through the umbilical cord until it falls off naturally, usually within a week. Advocates believe this gentle approach enhances bonding and promotes a peaceful transition for the newborn.

3. Burial Ceremonies
   Some women bury the placenta in a meaningful location, often planting a tree or flowers over it as a symbol of growth and life. This practice is common in many cultures, such as the Māori in New Zealand and some Native American tribes.

4. Culinary Uses
   Consuming the placenta as food may sound unconventional, but it has been practiced for centuries in some cultures. A woman in Japan, for example, might prepare a nourishing placenta soup. Advocates believe this method helps restore nutrients and support postpartum recovery.

5. Creative Keepsakes
   Some women turn their placentas into artistic keepsakes, such as placenta prints or jewelry made with preserved placenta powder or resin. These items serve as unique reminders of the life-giving journey of pregnancy.

6. Composting
   For those who value sustainability, the placenta can be composted and returned to the earth, enriching soil for future growth.

Benefits of Consuming the Placenta

While the scientific evidence remains limited, many women report significant physical and emotional benefits from consuming their placenta. Some of the commonly noted advantages include:

1. Nutrient Replenishment
   The placenta is rich in iron, protein, and essential hormones, helping to restore the mother’s nutrient levels after childbirth and combat postpartum anemia.

2. Hormonal Balance
   Hormones like oxytocin and progesterone present in the placenta may help stabilize mood and reduce postpartum depression symptoms.

3. Improved Energy Levels
   Many women claim consuming the placenta boosts energy, enabling them to recover faster and care for their newborns.

4. Enhanced Milk Production
   Hormones such as prolactin in the placenta may improve lactation and milk quality.

5. Pain Relief
   Natural opioids in the placenta might act as a mild pain reliever, helping women manage postpartum discomfort.

6. Emotional Significance
   For some, consuming the placenta is a way to feel more connected to the postpartum journey, honoring the body’s ability to create life and provide nourishment.

How to Take the Placenta Home After Childbirth

For women planning to keep their placenta, preparation is key. Here’s what to consider:

1. Discuss Your Plan in Advance
   Inform your healthcare provider about your intention to keep the placenta. Policies vary by hospital, and advance notice ensures proper arrangements can be made.

2. Bring a Cooler
   To safely store the placenta, bring a clean cooler and ice packs to the hospital. During your volunteer work, you may have observed a woman using a cooler for this exact purpose.

3. Understand Local Laws and Policies
   In most places, the placenta is considered the mother’s property, but some hospitals may require a signed waiver before releasing it. Be sure to check local laws and hospital policies.

4. Work with a Specialist
   If you plan to encapsulate or prepare your placenta in a specific way, consider hiring a certified placenta specialist. These professionals ensure the placenta is handled safely and hygienically.

Honoring the Placenta: A Personal Choice

Keeping and repurposing the placenta is a deeply personal journey. Whether a woman chooses to encapsulate it, bury it under a tree, consume it in a soup, or create a keepsake, the decision reflects her values, culture, and beliefs.

By understanding the practices and benefits associated with placenta preservation, women can make informed choices that align with their postpartum needs and desires. Whether as a symbol of life, a source of nourishment, or a connection to tradition, the placenta holds a special place in the story of motherhood—a story of strength, healing, and love