Why the Afterbirth Should Not be an Afterthought: Promoting Respect for Cultural Placental Practices

Abstract

Textbooks often restrict discussion about the placenta to its function, possible dysfunction, and expectant and active management, with little to no mention of cultural placental practices. Equally, midwives practising in hospital settings, where the placenta is viewed as clinical waste,1 afterbirth rituals than homebirth practitioners. are less likely to facilitate 1,2 This can lead to maternal requests for practices including placental burial, cord burning ceremonies2 and placentophagy being viewed as unconventional or incompatible with clinical guidelines. Yet since the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) assert that women and birthing people must be asked about their preferences for the third stage of labour,3 midwives and students should be prepared to discuss and facilitate culturally significant placental rites.