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Eating the Placenta: A Culinary Adventure?
by Jamie Lee
Updated: Aug. 31, 2023
Originally Published: Sep. 2, 2011
Motherhood has certainly taught me one valuable lesson: reserve judgment. I used to scoff at Nerf guns and character tees, but now my kids are rarely without them. The thought of using a leash to keep toddlers close at theme parks seemed outrageous once, yet it now makes perfect sense. Even toddler bikinis have grown on me over time.
That said, I’m not immune to the urge to judge. This morning, a friend shared an intriguing link from New York Magazine titled “The Placenta Cookbook.” I skimmed through it on an empty stomach and subsequently lost my appetite for breakfast entirely.
In the article, one mother, who previously followed a vegan and raw-food diet, expressed her cravings for organ meats during pregnancy. “I’d go to the diner and order beef hearts, marrow… so eating the placenta felt natural,” she explained. After giving birth, she blended a chunk of placenta with coconut water and banana, claiming it provided an exhilarating rush akin to drinking green juice on an empty stomach—only much more intense. One husband compared the taste to dry, gamey jerky. {Insert dry heave}
Naturally, I felt compelled to share this on Facebook so everyone else could experience my nausea. The overwhelming consensus? Disgusting. Nasty. Gag-worthy. My kind of crowd.
However, a few brave souls defended the choice to consume one’s placenta, asserting a woman’s right to do what she wishes with her body. They weren’t entirely wrong; after all, it’s your placenta—your choice. As long as it doesn’t end up in my stew, I suppose it doesn’t concern me.
One comment made me chuckle: “Honestly, I find eating the placenta, which developed inside YOU, much less disturbing than consuming another animal.” Because breastfeeding is, of course, exactly the same as eating placenta.
And to the individual who suggested I give placenta a shot, claiming it can be a delicacy when prepared correctly, I’ll graciously pass. I can barely tolerate chicken, so I’ll be steering clear of human organs, thank you very much.
In the meantime, I might just shed a few pounds since my appetite hasn’t returned. Anyone up for some stew?
This article was originally published on Sep. 2, 2011.
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Summary
This article humorously addresses the controversial topic of placenta consumption after childbirth, sharing personal anecdotes and reactions from social media. While some find it repulsive, others defend the practice as a woman’s choice. The author clearly opts out, reinforcing her discomfort with the concept while engaging readers with relatable parenting experiences.