Placenta: The Gift of Life by Cornelia Enning

This book is rather interesting. I realize it is not going to be a book everyone is going to be interested in reading. There are parts of this book that were a bit slow paced and a little boring to read. I feel the wording will make it difficult for some people to want to continue reading it. It is also only available from Midwifery Today and will cost you $26.90.

If you can get past those things, the book does have some things going for it. For one, it is very short and can be read quickly. Contained within the shortness, though, is a vast amount of knowledge regarding the placenta that is mind blowing. One thing is for certain; the placenta is an amazing organ. The book contains information on what other cultures do with the placenta. It quickly becomes clear that that United States is one of the only countries that treat the placenta a waste and consider it gross. Other cultures honor and respect the placenta. The many things cultures figure out what to do with the placenta is astounding. They use it for all sorts of rituals, medicine, and as a protection. Many cultures feel that because the placenta is made from the same tissue as the baby, it is closely connected to the baby. Reading all the things other cultures do with the placenta makes me feel disappointed in our culture. The section for the United States is very short and states something to the effect of the placenta not being recognized as having any medicinal effects. Placentas are thrown out as “medical waste”. I know a lot of people are thinking, “Well, no kidding, placentas should be thrown out; they are gross or could potentially transmit diseases.” I know our culture finds placentas gross, but that is what I find so sad.

Besides rituals, the placenta supposedly has many medicinal properties. A little research into placentas will reveal that they are great for warding away postpartum depression, increasing milk supply, and recovering from birth more quickly. These things are the obvious things. This book goes way more into depth as to all the amazing things a placenta can do. It is very interesting, although some things I found myself surprised that the placenta could possibly be responsible for, and I did wonder if all of the things mentioned were actually true. The book is very well referenced, however, so it is possible.

I bought this book particularly because I was interested in finding out how to make “placenta pills”. This book has recipes for all types of things that can be done with the placenta. Some people eat the placenta raw. Other people cook it. Apparently, the aroma of the placenta is inviting when cooked. Other women mention they felt drawn to ingest the placenta. I realize this is too far out for most in our culture, but placenta pills are typically more accepted.

I personally felt this book was very enlightening regarding the placenta. It can certainly change a person’s opinion. After reading this book, it will become obvious the placenta is an organ that deserves respect and reverence. Hopefully, our culture will begin to make changes in the way it is treated.