What is done with one’s placenta after giving birth is definitely cultural. Within our green parenting community, especially if one gave birth at home, it is not unusual for mothers to eat or bury their placentas (or store them in the freezer). What to do with my placentas was not really part of my birth plan. I had thought of almost everything up to the point of the midwife asking this question. The freezer was the best option until I could make a decision.
While reading [amazon_link id=”B00005NIOH” target=”_blank” ]National Geographic magazine[/amazon_link]’s July 2012 issue, the idea of the cultural significance, or lack there of, placenta traditions struck me. In the article titled, “Vanishing Voices“, languages at risk of being extinct are explored. One such language Seri has a phrase that struck a cord with me and left me thinking:
What a beautiful tradition!
Where are you from? Of course, you are from where your placenta is buried. Unfortunately, my own placenta was discarded as biohazard at some hospital in Ohio.
As children, we learn that Eskimo languages have 40 different words for snow. Our own language seems so limiting in comparison. Language obviously reflects cultural values.
The Seri language is spoken by 650-1000 people in Mexico. They have no greetings like handshakes or waves, but they use a gesture of arms open and a phrase that means, “one who strongly greets with joy/peace/harmony”. I love the Seri speakers!
I don’t think my children know where their placentas are buried. I will amend that today. My daughter’s is buried under a yew tree in a very special place. My son’s placenta was hurriedly buried when a forest fire came across our land, and our hydro power went down. We had to clean out the freezer. I had evacuated with the kids, including this newborn baby, and I am not sure where it was buried. This too will be amended.
Where is your placenta buried? Does your family have a personal tradition of honor for afterbirth? I believe our culture needs a placenta tradition.
Great post. I thought about this a lot before my son was born. We planted John’s placenta in our garden under a tree. I actually haven’t told him about this but this reminds me I really must take him to his tree and let him know that it is his tree. I did a post on this. Thanks for sharing. M xx
http://www.nzecochick.com/2011/07/johns-tree.html
This is a new concept to me in recent months. When my children were born, it never occurred to me to do anything with the placenta; it was just taken away by the midwife. I find this practice very interesting…maybe something to think about for my grandchildren some day.