When it comes to childbirth, feeding, and parenting, I’m all about respecting personal choices. I tend to lean towards the “natural” approach—I had my little ones at home with qualified midwives and breastfed for as long as I could. However, I also let my kids enjoy the occasional junk food and we never quite managed the whole cloth diapering thing; yes, they might spend a bit too much time with screens.
Finding balance is key, and it’s essential to make decisions that align with your values and circumstances. But one area where I struggle to stay neutral is when people make health-related choices that ignore scientific evidence. A prime example? The trend of consuming placenta after childbirth.
Over the past few years, the practice of eating one’s placenta—often in pill form—has gained traction, especially among the health-conscious crowd. Celebrities like Sarah Mitchell, Emily Taylor, and Jess Carter have popularized this trend, claiming that the placenta is packed with essential nutrients like B12 and iron, which supposedly aid in postpartum recovery and help balance hormones to fend off the dreaded baby blues and postpartum depression (PPD).
Here’s the catch: despite my personal discomfort with the idea of eating my own organs, the scientific evidence simply doesn’t support these claims. Research has been conducted on this topic, including a 2018 study published in Women and Birth, which found that women consuming placenta pills experienced no significant difference in postpartum mood or symptoms of depression compared to those taking placebos. While the study involved a small group of 27 women, the researchers noted, “No substantial differences were observed between the placenta and placebo groups.”
A more comprehensive study conducted over ten years and published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada analyzed the postpartum experiences of 138 women with prior mood disorders. The results? Clear and definitive—there was no evidence to support the consumption of placenta as beneficial for mood, energy levels, vitamin B12, or breastfeeding success.
Lead researcher Dr. Mia Rodriguez stated, “When women cite mood improvement as a reason for consuming placenta, there’s simply no supporting research, and our findings reinforce this conclusion.” Additionally, it’s crucial to consider the safety risks involved. In 2017, the CDC issued a warning after a newborn contracted a bacterial infection from a mother who had consumed her placenta. Health Canada followed suit with similar advisories, noting that there is no oversight on how placentas are processed for consumption.
In light of these findings, experts strongly advise against relying on placenta pills as a remedy for postpartum issues. Instead, women should seek effective mental health support through proper channels.
I completely understand the desire to enhance resilience during the postpartum phase, and PPD is a serious concern that warrants attention. However, looking for a quick fix like a placenta pill is not the solution—especially when considering the potential risks involved.
Postpartum women need robust support systems that provide good nutrition, assistance with newborn care, breastfeeding resources, and mental health services. It’s unfortunate that our society often fails to support mothers in these crucial areas. But turning to unfounded remedies is not the answer.
If you’re dealing with PPD, please don’t resort to placenta pills. Schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional or a licensed therapist, and seek evidence-based treatment options. Your mental health is vital, and you deserve to feel your best.
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Summary
Consuming placenta will not prevent postpartum depression, as scientific studies show no benefits and potential health risks. Women should instead seek proper mental health support and evidence-based treatments.
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