Saving the Placenta
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Are there any hospitals that might not let a couple bring home the placenta? Also, how does the placenta go home with a couple? Is it put into a bag or anything?
I have a client who just asked that question.
Aug 21, '02Occupation: L&D RN and Childbirth Educator Joined: Dec '00; Posts: 59We will let our patients take their placents home if they ask, as long as there is no reason to have them sent to pathology. It is kind of a hush hush thing though, dont ask, dont tell, gets it by administration. But we figure it is their property, if they want it, take it. Most will bring in a tuperware like container, if not we will send them home in a plastic bucket.Aug 21, '02Occupation: research nurse Joined: Oct '01; Posts: 1,878; Likes: 44Eeewwwww
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DennieAug 21, '02Joined: Jul '00; Posts: 11,351; Likes: 387If they want to they can take it. We double bag it in our biohazard bags, just like we do when we dispose of it. I had one couple who wanted to bless the placenta and take it home and plant a tree over the spot they burried it. I say whatever makes them happy is fine with me.
Aug 21, '02Joined: Apr '02; Posts: 38,756; Likes: 16,288It is very common for couples to desire a placenta be planted neath a tree or in a garden in a spiritual ceremony. I see nothing wrong w/this. But I agree, hospitals may balk due to "infection control" reasons, so if this is done, must be done cautiously ....I would let them have it in a PUNCTURE-PROOF container, double-bagged. And yea, I would not spread the word it was going home w/the family, either. But I do respect their traditions and spiritual needs whenever I can accomodate them.
Aug 21, '02Joined: Sep '01; Posts: 16,606; Likes: 680My sentiments exactly, Dennie! :chuckleOriginally posted by NurseDennie
Eeewwwww
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DennieAug 21, '02Joined: May '01; Posts: 2,979; Likes: 7I personally have wondered why more people don't use their placenta as a wall hanging.
Seriously, I understand that culturally some people have traditions that involve the placenta, and I think that's great. Whatever floats your boat.
I remember vividly one post conference:
Instructor: So what did you learn today, Rebecca?
Me: That placentas are SHAG-NASTY!Aug 21, '02Joined: Oct '00; Posts: 10,236; Likes: 64I know that it's important to some people to perform this practice, and I'm all for it if it's cared for properly and safely. But there's still a small shudder through my body when I see that white bucket with a biohazard sticker on it over in the corner of the room, or sitting on the dresser.
HeatherAug 21, '02Occupation: L&D RN and Childbirth Educator Joined: Dec '00; Posts: 59Gross but true....I have had more them one patient make placenta prints after delivery. Its kind of like stamp art....but with placentas. Actually, if done right they do look like oak trees, kind of pretty, but definately not for me. My husband would FREAK if I ever suggested such a thing.Aug 21, '02Occupation: RN Joined: May '02; Posts: 1,897; Likes: 2My next door neighbor brought her placenta home and dug a hole and put it in the ground and planted a tree on top of it. It grosses me out every time I look at that tree!Aug 22, '02Occupation: nursing student Joined: Aug '01; Posts: 26; Likes: 1My sister-in-law just did that. Had a baby on the 13th and they're planting a tree over it. I wonder what the EPA would say about buring a placenta??
Oh, well, I do like the idea of planting a tree for the baby. That's kinda neat. It's the whole placenta thing that's a little strange.Must Read Topics
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