Eating placenta, also called placentophagy, means consuming the placenta after birth. People may consume it in different forms, but the term describes the act—not one specific way of preparing or serving it. [1]
If you have heard the phrase and are trying to work out what it means for your family, the key distinction is between the practice itself and claims about what it might do. People may have different reasons for considering it, but those reasons are not the same as proof of a health effect. [2]
This overview gives you a starting point for understanding the practice and the questions that may come with it. It covers why some parents consider placenta consumption, what to keep in mind when weighing claims, and how to bring your questions to a clinician. You do not need to arrive at a decision before asking for a conversation; you can begin by saying, “I’ve heard about eating the placenta—what should I know?”
What happens when someone chooses placentophagy?
The placenta is tissue delivered after your baby, and choosing to consume it can involve planning for what happens to it after birth. [2] Some people arrange to keep the placenta and have it processed or prepared for consumption; the details depend on the arrangements they make. [3]
Plan before delivery
If you are considering keeping your placenta, bring it up with your birth care team before labor if you can. Ask who handles it after delivery, what steps you need to take to request it, and whether the facility has policies about releasing it. These questions can help you understand the process in your planned birth setting.
You can also ask how the placenta would need to be handled and stored while you make arrangements. For example, clarify who is responsible for it between delivery and pickup, and whether the facility has specific storage requirements. Policies and procedures can differ by setting, so get instructions directly from your care team rather than assuming you can take it home automatically.
Make the handoff clear
If another person or service will process or prepare the placenta, decide in advance who will coordinate the handoff. Ask your care team what information they need from you and when they need it, then confirm the plan with whoever will collect or handle the tissue. A simple written plan can be useful when you are focused on recovery and caring for your newborn.
You do not have to settle every detail before talking with your care team. Start by saying that you are considering keeping the placenta, then ask about handling, storage, and facility policies. That conversation can help you understand what choices are available in your birth setting.
Why do some parents consider eating the placenta?
Some parents consider eating the placenta because they hope it will help with breastfeeding or mood after birth, while others are drawn to its perceived nutritional value or traditional use. These are reasons people give for considering it, not proof that it produces those outcomes.
Hopes for breastfeeding and mood
A parent who is worried about getting breastfeeding started might hear that placenta consumption could support milk production. Others may hope it will help them feel emotionally steadier after birth; beliefs about preventing postpartum depression are among the reasons people give. [2]
Those hopes can feel especially compelling when you are tired, adjusting to life with a newborn, or looking for something you can do to support recovery. But a reason to try something is not the same as evidence that it works, so keep these ideas separate from established results.
Perceived nutrition and tradition
Some people are attracted to the idea because they view the placenta as nutritious. The placenta contains protein, iron, and other nutrients, but that fact alone does not show that eating it provides a health benefit. [4]
Tradition is another motivation: some people describe placenta consumption as a practice used in traditional or modern settings. [5] A family member might share a personal story or recommend it as a meaningful postpartum choice, while another parent may simply be curious about the practice.
Keep the reason separate from the result
It helps to name what you are hoping for—such as breastfeeding support, a better mood, nutrition, or connection to a tradition—before deciding what questions to ask. People may consider eating the placenta for these reasons, but those motivations should not be treated as established outcomes.
You can bring your specific hope to a conversation with your clinician. For example, if you are hoping for breastfeeding support, describe the feeding concern directly; if mood is on your mind, say so plainly. That keeps the conversation focused on the help you are looking for, rather than assuming placenta consumption will provide it.
What should you know about the claims and safety questions?
Strong evidence supporting the claimed health benefits of eating placenta is lacking, and consumption is not risk-free. [3] If you are considering it, treat the possible benefits as uncertain rather than as a dependable way to support your health after birth, and discuss the choice with a clinician. [2][3]
How to weigh health claims
You may hear claims that eating placenta could help prevent postpartum depression or ease bleeding after delivery, but claims are not the same as demonstrated benefits. [2][3] Texas Children’s Hospital says there is no strong evidence to support placentophagy, so it is sensible to be cautious about promises that it will improve how you feel or recover. [3]
For example, if someone tells you that placenta consumption will prevent a particular postpartum problem, ask what evidence supports that specific claim and bring the question to your clinician. That keeps the decision grounded in your health needs rather than in an assurance that may sound certain but is not backed by strong evidence. [3]
Safety deserves a conversation
Eating placenta is not risk-free, so a conversation with a clinician belongs alongside any discussion of potential benefits. [3] You can raise the question during pregnancy or postpartum care and ask for advice that fits your situation, rather than assuming the practice is automatically safe because other parents choose it.
You do not need to settle the question based on general claims or pressure from others. If you want a closer look at potential risks or preparation choices, those topics call for their own focused discussion; here, the practical point is to consider both the uncertain benefits and the safety question with a clinician. [3]
What should you ask your clinician?
Ask your clinician specific questions about possible benefits and risks for you and your baby, and bring up any postpartum symptoms or concerns directly. A focused conversation can help you understand what is known and decide what questions need answers for your own situation.
Questions about benefits and risks
You might ask, “What benefits, if any, are supported by strong evidence?” and “Are there particular concerns for me or my baby?” Claims about preventing postpartum depression or easing bleeding after delivery are among the reasons some people consider placenta consumption, but the claims themselves are not proof of a benefit. [2] There is no strong evidence to support placenta consumption, and it is not without risk. [3]
If a benefit matters to you, name it clearly. For example, you could ask whether consuming the placenta is expected to address a specific concern you have, and what other options your clinician recommends discussing. Keep the conversation about your health and your baby’s needs, rather than relying on promises or anecdotes.
Questions about your birth setting
Ask how placenta handling fits your hospital or birth setting’s policies before you make plans. You can say, “What steps do I need to follow if I want to ask about keeping the placenta?” and “Who should I speak with about the facility’s rules?” Policies may affect what you can arrange, so raise the question with your care team rather than assuming the process is the same everywhere.
It may help to write your questions down before a prenatal visit or add them to your birth preferences. If you are unsure whom to ask, start with the clinician or team supporting your birth and ask them to point you to the right person.
Bring postpartum concerns to your clinician
Talk directly with your clinician about mood changes, bleeding, or feeding concerns instead of relying on placenta consumption to address them. For example, describe what you have noticed and ask what next step is appropriate for you. A clear description gives your care team a chance to discuss the concern itself and help you consider what support you need.
How can you decide what feels right for you?
You do not have to decide about eating placenta based on pressure or promises that it will improve your health. If the choice feels unclear, it is reasonable to pause, ask questions, and talk it through with your clinician.
You might hear confident claims about preventing postpartum depression, easing bleeding after delivery, or balancing hormones. Those claims are beliefs some people hold, not a reason you need to feel that you must choose placenta consumption. [2] Research on placentophagy has not provided strong evidence to support it, and it is not without risk. [3]
A useful next step is a focused conversation about what is known and what safety questions matter in your circumstances. You can say, “I’ve heard different things about eating placenta. What should I consider for my health and my baby?” Then bring up any personal concerns that shape your decision, rather than feeling you need to settle it immediately.
You can also ask for time to think or for a follow-up conversation if you are not ready to decide. A question such as “Can we talk about this again after I’ve had a chance to consider it?” is a practical way to keep the decision grounded in your needs. Asking questions is a reasonable first step, whether you are leaning toward eating placenta, leaning against it, or still unsure.