Placenta Perks: 5 uses for The placenta after birth

Let’s talk placentas. This overlooked and somewhat undervalued life support system to your growing baby does some heavy leg work in the nine months of pregnancy. So what happens to it after birth?  Forget the traditional hospital disposal route, there’s a whole world of options out there. Let’s wade through the placenta possibilities and stop seeing the placenta as medical waste and give it the kudos it deserves. In this article we discuss the various ways to repurpose the placenta and see what might be right for you.

Giving Back to Science

Feeling altruistic?  Donating your placenta to science could benefit future mamas and babies. Research is ongoing on the potential of placental stem cells, and contributing your placenta for medical use could be a way to give back. Check with your hospital about their donation program.

Placental tissue banking

Your placenta, that amazing organ that nourished your baby for nine months, holds incredible potential beyond its initial role. It’s a treasure trove of valuable cells, including amniotic and placental stem cells, which are being explored in cutting-edge medical research around regenerative medicine. And guess what? like most things it’s possible to store them up for the future.

These remarkable cells have already shown promise in treating serious conditions like burns, diabetic ulcers, and infected wounds. Scientists are actively investigating their potential to revolutionize treatments for a wide range of diseases, including cardiovascular conditions, brain injuries, and arthritis.

By storing your baby’s placental tissue and umbilical cord blood with Cells4Life, you’re safeguarding a valuable resource that could potentially benefit your child’s health in the future. As medical science advances, your child may have access to groundbreaking regenerative therapies that could change (and save) their life.

Cord Blood banking is fully compatible with delayed cord clamping and takes place after the third stage of Labor in another room so as not to impact the golden hour of bonding. Prices start from £550 ( with a yearly charge of £145).

Placenta Encapsulation

 Placenta encapsulation, where the placenta is dehydrated and turned into capsules, has become a growing trend in recent years. Proponents believe these capsules, packed with essential nutrients,  offer health benefits like increased energy levels, elevated mood and general postpartum recovery support.  While research is limited, some London clinics offer encapsulation services and there are many independent specialists who will happily collect your placenta from your place of birth and return days later with a batch of placenta capsules. 

Placenta Smoothie

Okay, this one might be a bit out there for some, but hear me out! Placenta smoothies are a thing, yes. Some believe they offer similar potential benefits to encapsulation by replenishing the mother, increasing milk supply and warding off postpartum depression. However, it’s important to note there’s little scientific evidence for this, and it can be risky as improper preparation could lead to infection. There is no substitute for a healthy diet but if you are keen to tap into the placenta’s potential perks, be sure to find a well recommended and certified specialist. Many birth centres will be able to recommend local services.

Lotus Birth

The lotus birth is a beautiful but less common option where the umbilical cord remains uncut until it naturally detaches, keeping baby connected to the placenta for a longer period. This is a deeply personal choice and requires careful planning and support from a midwife experienced in lotus births.

The Bottom Line:

There’s no “right” answer when it comes to your placenta just as there is no right way to give birth. All of the above option are available whether you have a vaginal delivery or cesarean birth.  Explore your options, ask questions, and do what feels right for you. Remember, placenta donation and encapsulation require planning with your healthcare provider,  so don’t wait until the last minute and make sure to make your wishes known in your birth plan.

Whether you choose science, supplements, or simply say goodbye in the traditional way, the most important thing is feeling empowered and supported in your post-birth journey.  I hope this article has given you some idea of your options and a starting point for your own research. As always consult your health care provider before making any decisions about your health and wellbeing.

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