New Mom and Placenta Reunited
A new mom has won a court fight to get back her placenta from the hospital where she gave birth.
The mom, Susan Johnson, said she wanted to grind up her placenta and eat it as a way to fight postpartum depression.
The hospital said uh-uh. It considered the placenta to be contaminated biohazardous waste, like a brain tumor. This meant the only way it could leave the building was in one of those red boxes with the symbol for the artist formerly known as Prince stamped on the side (see right).
Ms. Johnson sued and won. Now that she's got her placenta back, she says she's changed her mind, and plans to bury it. But she has high hopes for the wider impact of her victory:
I hope this brings about a better awareness about the benefits of placenta.
Sounds nutty, but consider this: The placenta is chock full of progesterone with a little feel-good oxytocin thrown in, both of which are supposed to help the post-partum blues. Plus, all mammals 'cept humans do eat the "afterbirth." (Of course, many also lick their own butts.) There's even an official scientific term for the phenom: placentophagy.
Feeling adventurous? Here's a few recipes, including placenta lasagne, placenta pizza, and placenta stew. Recommended sides: fava beans and a nice chianti.
Comments