[EBmel]

This is the best explanation I've read about the whole eating-your-own-placenta-in-capsule-form thing (and no, I didn't write it!). What do you think - is it no big deal, or would you steer clear?

http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/birth/afte...0328-1vxj7.html

The idea behind eating the placenta is that it contains high levels of the fatty acid prostaglandin, which stimulates the shrinking of the uterus, and small amounts of oxytocin, which may improve mood and help milk production. Proponents of placentophagy also claim it contains essential nutrients such as iron, vitamin B6, amino acids and essential fats.

Several Sydney doulas and naturopaths offer placenta encapsulation, charging around $250. The whole process takes about 24 hours and ideally begins within the first 24-48 hours after the birth.

[PippityRoo]

While I have never tried it, nor do I plan on it. I think it definitely has it's advantages though.

Taking it in pill form wouldn't bother me, and if I were in a position that it would help me after a birth, then I'd be happy to try it. But of course, only in dried pill form.

[Sam Wheat]

Each to their own I guess, but for me ewww gross

[jacqg]

My high school biology teacher ate his wifes placenta after she had their 4th child. But then he had also drank his own urine and had kept the piece of tube that was removed after he had his vasectomy.... He cooked the placenta in a pan like any other piece of meant.

[PurpleChicken]

Not my sort of thing, but I have no issues with others doing it.

That being said, like Pip said, if it was something that would greatly benefit me after birth for whatever reason it wouldn't bother me to take it in pill form.

[follies]

Is it strange that I am slightly offended by the father eating the placenta but not by the mother?

The whole point of the eating the placenta is to benefit the mother for the reasons listed in the OP, for the father to eat it instead I find unnecessary.

[PurpleNess]

My high school biology teacher ate his wifes placenta after she had their 4th child. But then he had also drank his own urine and had kept the piece of tube that was removed after he had his vasectomy.... He cooked the placenta in a pan like any other piece of meant.

Gosh we may have had the same teacher - my biology teacher ate his wifes placenta too, in a pan etc ..gross

[jill1972]

It seems to be the latest fad for the shall we say adventurous types.

mmmmmm.....yummy with a nice chianti & fava beans - can't spell that sound.




______________

[jacqg]

Gosh we may have had the same teacher - my biology teacher ate his wifes placenta too, in a pan etc ..gross

Purplesness, you aren't from the Yarra Valley area are you?

[GoneWithTheWhing...]

I don't like the idea of it, fascinated by the workings of the placenta and happy to have a good poke and look at it after the birth but eating it is just not for me.

However if someone told me they were intending on eating theirs or had indeed eaten it then I would probably be secretly intrigued and ask all sorts of questions about how they cooked it, what it tasted like and so one.