Nikki Reed Sad About Last Placenta Pills Intake; What Are Its Benefits?
Nikki Reed, who gave birth to a daughter with husband Ian Somerhalder three months ago, is sad about ending her placenta pills intake. Like many celebrity moms, she apparently had her placenta manufactured in pill form after having her baby so that it can be eaten.
Reed revealed in an Instagram post that she ate her placenta as pills as recommended by her doula after giving birth. She was on her last pill over the weekend and she said she was not ready to say goodbye just yet.
"Last day of placenta pills. Not ready to say goodbye," Reed wrote in the photo's caption. "This was recommended to me by my doula but that does not mean it's for everyone."
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So, why do some women choose to eat their placenta? What are the medical benefits of doing this?
Celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Alicia Silverstone, and January Jones have eaten their placenta in pill form after giving birth as well. The process is termed as placentophagy, which supposedly helps moms feel more energized after going through the tremendous physical strain of having a baby. It's also supposed to help level off the mom's postpartum hormones faster to lessen postpartum depression, improve breastmilk supply and reduce body pains.
Other mammals apparently eat their placenta after giving birth, but some medical experts say that the benefits to humans have no scientific basis. It might also lead to GBS infection since placenta could contain salmonella.
As Reed pointed out, however, the choice is still up to moms. Some hospitals might support the mom's right to choose what's best for her but there are also necessary protocols before this is undertaken. Moms must also make sure that the people preparing the placenta in pill form observe the guidelines carefully. For the best advice, consult with a doctor first before deciding to take placenta pills.
