Here’s the startling thing -- despite a lack of evidence-based research, some who consume placenta swear by its benefits. In fact, they say it helps with post-birth healing.
Houston resident Melissa Money told U.S. News & World Report she consumed placenta pills to treat postpartum depression and anxiety after the birth of her first child. And she tried it again after giving birth to a second and third child.
"My husband said it made a huge difference," she says in the article. "If it's something that can be used to stave off the depression that sometimes follows childbirth, I'd recommend it."
But not all moms have had positive experiences when it comes to placenta consumption. Take, for example, the story of Genevieve, a blogger at MamaNatural.com who created video blogs about the concept on YouTube. U.S. News & World Report says that Genevieve turned to placenta consumption following the birth of her second child after being told about the practice by her doula.
“She shared her mixed experiences with the placenta pills in a YouTube video, where she explains she took six pills a day – two after each meal – and became ‘engorged, leaking (milk) everywhere’ and began feeling depressed,” according to the U.S. News & World Report.
When a concerned reader shared a similar story, she discontinued the practice. “Within 24 hours her mood lifted and she felt like herself. The day after, her milk became more regular."