January Jones says eating placenta pills prevented baby blues

The trend of eating placenta is becoming more popular with celebrities. Is it really a health booster, or a step too far?

By

07 March 2013

Would you eat your own placenta? January Jones did, and US reality star Holly Madison plans to after she gives birth any day now.

Rather than eating it raw or frying it up with chips, the TV stars are taking advantage of a new process in which the placenta is dehydrated and taken in the form of vitamin capsules.

January Jones said, in response to criticism, that eating placenta “is not gross or witch craft-y” and pointed out that we are the only mammals who do not routinely consume placenta.

She said, “I was never depressed or sad or down after the baby was born, so I’d highly suggest it to any pregnant woman.”

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Eating the placenta is thought to stave off baby blues as it contains high levels of vitamin B6, a vitamin known to curb postnatal depression. It is also thought to replenish iron, increase production of breast milk and energy and boost faster recovery post birth.

The placenta pill was developed two years ago by placenta expert Lynnea Shrief. She founded The Placenta Network, and there are now around 40 placenta specialists across the UK providing placenta encapsulation and other goodies such as tinctures and even placenta smoothies.

However, not all mothers are jumping on board. While many women credit eating the placenta with their recovery or avoiding baby blues, there is no conclusive evidence to show the consumed placenta is what prevented PND or helped them recover quickly post birth.

There are those who actively oppose the practice. Author Nancy Redd claims after just one dose of placenta she had a manic episode of tears and rage. She urges mothers not to be “gullible” when it comes to the trend, but admits the episode and the placenta may not be connected.

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