Myth Busting in the Birth World pt 3
- Sheila Brown LM, CPM
- Feb 23
- 2 min read
MYTH: The placenta doesn’t matter after birth.
TRUTH: The placenta is not just a temporary organ; it is, in fact, the baby’s first organ and serves as a crucial support system throughout the entire pregnancy. This complex organ plays an essential role in ensuring the developing fetus receives everything it needs to thrive.
The placenta is responsible for a multitude of vital functions. It facilitates the delivery of oxygen from the mother to the baby, ensuring that the developing fetus can breathe and grow efficiently. In addition to oxygen, the placenta also transfers essential nutrients such as glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids that are critical for the baby’s development. Beyond merely acting as a conduit, the placenta also produces hormones that regulate both the mother’s and the baby’s physiological processes, including hormones like human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), progesterone, and estrogen, which are pivotal in maintaining pregnancy and preparing the mother’s body for childbirth.
Moreover, the placenta plays a significant role in immune protection, acting as a barrier that helps shield the fetus from harmful pathogens while allowing the transfer of maternal antibodies that provide the newborn with some level of immunity after birth. This immune function is crucial as it lays the groundwork for the baby’s immune system, helping to protect it in the early days of life when it is most vulnerable.
Given its myriad functions and the vital support it provides, the placenta deserves not only respect but also careful consideration after birth. Many cultures around the world have traditions surrounding the placenta, recognizing its importance and often incorporating it into rituals or practices. For instance, some parents choose to keep the placenta in various forms, such as encapsulation, which is believed to offer postpartum health benefits, or even planting it as a way to symbolize the growth of their new family.
What did you do with your placenta after your baby was born? This question invites reflection on the significance of the placenta and encourages new parents to consider their options regarding this remarkable organ.
Save this information to help educate others about the importance of the placenta and its role in pregnancy and postpartum care.
Share to spread awareness about this often-overlooked aspect of childbirth and to inform others about the vital functions of the placenta, ensuring that more people understand its significance beyond just pregnancy.
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