[mily1234]

How do I explain to my friend to not eat her placenta

[tickle]

Where would she have an opportunity to do this; if delivering in a hospital, this is not possible? It isn't like a doctor or nurse would turn around and say, 'hey, here is your afterbirth, have a snack'.

Please explain. Why does she feel she has to do what cats do.

The culture of eating placenta is called placentophagy, and although it does have some notoriety, doesnt mean it is good to do.

[J_9]

This is nothing new, but has gained more popularity as of late. The actual term for this is placentophagy.

The placenta is loaded with vitamins and minerals such as B12, B6, Iron, and hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.

I have had patients request to keep their placenta. The majority of these women are American Indians.

There is a school of thought that doing this prevents post-partum depression and can increase breast milk supply. Most often, recently, the placenta is dehydrated and placed into gel caps, which are then taken on a daily basis much like a vitamin or nutritional supplement.

However, there is no scientific evidence that this is beneficial in any way.

It isn't like a doctor or nurse would turn around and say, 'hey, here is your afterbirth, have a snack'.

No, we would never say that, but we would respect their wishes and/or culture.

although it does have some notoriety, doesnt mean it is good to do

It doesn't mean it's bad to do either.