The word ‘placenta’ comes from the Latin word cake, or disc-shaped.
Anatomy, Zoology. the organ in most mammals, formed in the lining of the uterus by the union of the uterine mucous membrane with the membranes of the fetus, which provides for the nourishment of the fetus and the elimination of its waste products.
The placenta begins to form when the blastocyst implants on the uterine wall. The outer layer of that changes to form what becomes the placenta and development begins. Each placenta is unique to the baby and mom, no two are the same though it averages 6-8 inches in length & 1-2 pounds, about 1 inch in thickness, roughly 1⁄6 of baby’s weight.
The placenta comes out minutes to hours after the baby is born, known as the third stage. The oxytocin released from smelling, touching & looking at baby help the uterus contract and it often comes out on its own, known as physiological management. An "actively managed" third stage would be a providers preference to administer syntocin to contract the uterus. Some facilities may have policies on the time they want to see the placenta out and it may differ from each provider. More information here & here.
Some say that the placenta is often forgotten about and not planned for in labour and that's why it may take extra time to deliver or fear could be holding back as they have heard this could lead to bleeding. I've also heard that some have a hard time "letting go of the placenta" because it means the end. The end of that pregnancy, maybe the end of childbearing years, and there is a psychological hold that may need to be processed. Getting to know the purpose and process surrounding the placenta and cord cutting may help you make the informed choice of management as well as prepare for this time like you would the labour, birth, and feeding journey.
Take the opportunity to learn about the placenta at this time and look at it, asking for photos if you wish. It should be a deep reddish-purple. There will be a smooth side, called the Shultz or the fetal side, where the cord is attached, most often in the middle but could be off to the side, a variation of normal. The chord should have 2 arteries and a vein. You should be able to see the 2 sacs, called the chorion & amnion, one thicker than the other. If you look at the sac and find where the hole is you may be able to see or guess where the placenta was attached based on where the bag opened, opposite the placenta it may have been on the top, closer to the placenta, it could have been lower-lying. Then the Duncan, or maternal side is rough, it has hills (cotyledons) & valleys (sulci) and was attached to the uterus.
Hormones in the placenta are essential for pregnancy and to prepare you both for birth.
Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibiodies: Protect the fetus in the womb.
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG): is the hormone that gives a positive pregnancy test. it ensures the placenta will continue to produce estrogen and progesterone, essential to fetal development.
Human Placental Lactogen (HPL): The placenta will release this to stimulate prolactin, the milk hormone. It also regulates maternal glucose, protein and fat levels for the baby.
Estrogen: Promotes the production of prolactin and stimulates uterine growth as the baby grows.
Progesterone: After 8 weeks the placenta takes over production and protects the mothers uterus from shedding its lining like it would do during menstruation.
Ocytocin: Regulates pregnancy, stimulates hormone changes for contractions, promotes lactation and bonding.
What can you do with your placenta? From Cultural traditions to modern keepsakes-
~Keep it attached for a partial or full lotus birth. With this some of the following may still be able to happen. Though the placenta does need special care during this time.
~Bury placenta, returning it to earth. Often done with a plant and part of a ceremony.
~Burn the placenta.
~Prints with the blood of the placenta or with colour.
~Cord keepsakes can be a heart, letter, name, or even dream catcher.
~Salve/balms made from placenta.
~Placentophagy- is the act of consuming part or all of the afterbirth following parturition in mammals.
~Consuming it raw, alone (in bite-sized "pills") or in smoothies, most often with other nutrient-rich foods, such as berries & spinach.
~Consumed in chocolate truffles, pudding, pate. lasagna, pizza, or alone with veg & potatoes...what recipes have you heard of?
~Consuming it in a tincture (Tinctures are made in alcohol and can be made with many different herbs. Tinctures can be taken in small doses, last infinity, taken under the tongue they go directly into the bloodstream helping them act quickly.)
~Have it encapsulated- This may vary depending on the person encapsulating it. Most often it is done raw, cleaned, cut, dehydrated and ground into a powder to put it into capsules. TCM can also be done, steamed, often with herbs then sliced, dehydrated, and ground into capsules.
~Having some broth made from steaming the placenta.
*Heather Baker, a traditional midwife, and mother writes about placenta consumption, it not being new, just taboo.
"The placenta is full of vitamins, hormones, minerals & nutrients including:
Oxytocin: a powerful hormone that decreases pain. It's often called the "cuddle hormone"
Cortisone: helps reduce inflammation and swelling.
Iron: Helps with anemia.
Prostaglandin: Helps return uterus back to original size. (Anti-inflamitory)
Prolactin: Increases milk supply and maternal instinct.
Estrogen, progesterone, testosterone: Regulates hormonal imbalances, mood and insomnia after pregnancy." *
Other hormones known to be in the placenta according to International Placenta and Postpartum Association (IPPA)-
Interferon: Stimulates the immune system.
Urokinase inhibiting factor and factor XLLL: Promotes healing and lessons bleeding.
Some possible benefits reported from IPPA
~Offer natural pain relief.
~Lessen the risk of PPD or "baby blues".
~Replenish Iron.
~Support the flow of oxytocin.
~HPL hormone for milk supply.
~Stabilize other hormones after the sudden change of labour & delivery.
~Replenish B Vitamins and energy.
~Protection from infection and bleeding due to retained tissue.
Risks of Ingesting your Placenta-
~Unsanitary conditions.
~Improper sanitizing.
~The placenta being sent to pathology and being contaminated with chemicals.
~Improper Dehydration, low temps, mold, or contamination.
Contraindications-
~ Contamination.
~ Not preserving it correctly, out too long, not cold enough, in the fridge too long.
~ Infections or abnormalities with the placenta.
~ Some pharmaceuticals or recreational drug use.
The process depends on the person you are working with, there are variations. I ask that you or a trusted family are the only ones to handle the placenta. I give a transportation cooler with guidelines and come to your home. There have been situations where this is different and can be discussed as each case arises. Please contact me if you are interested in my services or more information about the process I use. I do hold a Bloodborne Pathogens and Serve Safe Certifications.
More to explore about consuming your placenta- With TONS of links available in both.
*There are many more details & information out there, this is just a start. Please explore the information here and anything else you come across to get the information you need to make an informed choice for you and your family.*
Photo Credit: Jesi Smith with So Smith Photography and myself.