Would you like to know accurate, evidence based information regarding the safety of placentophagy? This course will...           

  1. Identify the reasons why parents choose to consume their placentas.
  2. Identify what research outcomes have shown for neonatal safety.
  3. Identify what research outcomes have shown for maternal safety.
  4. Describe the potential mechanism of action for benefits.
  5. Identify what is not known regarding placentophagy/in need of more research.                                                                         


This course was originally designed for midwives, but is important information for any parent who is considering consuming their placenta, and for doulas who want to provide their clients with evidence based information!


(Looking for the MEAC Approved continuing education version? You'll find that here.)


Photo credit:

Photographer: Brittany Noelle

The Joyful Tree Placenta Encapsulation & More



Course curriculum

  • 01
    1: History of Placentophagy
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    • Video 1.1 The CDC Warning: How Did We Get Here?
    • CDC Warning
    • Video 1.2 Study Design: What Do We Know? What Do We Want To Learn?
    • PubMed: Placentophagy in Wild Chimpanzees
    • PubMed: In Search of Human Placentophagy
  • 02
    2: Anatomy of the Placenta
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    • Video 2.1 Anatomy of the Placenta (model)
    • Video 2.2 Anatomy of the Placenta (real human organ)
  • 03
    3: Previous Research
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    • Video 3.1 Analysis of Capsules, the First RCT, and Survey Results
    • PubMed: Analysis of Capsules
    • Randomized Controlled Trial (Abstract)
    • PubMed: Placentophagy Survey Results
  • 04
    4: The MANAStats Placentophagy Study
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    • Video 4.1 Study Methods
    • Video 4.2 Analysis
    • Video 4.3 Neonatal Outcomes
    • Placentophagy among women planning community births in the United States: Frequency, rationale, and associated neonatal outcomes (MANAStats Study)
  • 05
    5: Real World Implications
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    • Video 5.1 Safety Considerations and Implications for Practice
    • Video 5.2 Conclusions
    • Video 5.3 Q&A with the Live Audience
  • 06
    Additional Resources
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    • Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale

  • Instructor(s)

    Instructor Bio:

    Melissa Cheyney PhD CPM LDM is Associate Professor of Clinical Medical Anthropology at Oregon State University (OSU) with additional appointments in Public Health and Women Gender and Sexuality Studies. She is also a Certified Professional Midwife in active practice, and the Chair of the Division of Research for the Midwives Alliance of North America where she directs the MANA Statistics Project. Dr. Cheyney currently directs the International Reproductive Health Laboratory at Oregon State University where she serves as the primary investigator more than 20 maternal and infant health-related research projects in nine countries. She is the author of an ethnography entitled Born at Home (2010, Wadsworth Press) along with dozens of peer-reviewed articles that examine the cultural beliefs and clinical outcomes associated with midwife-led birth at home in the United States. Dr. Cheyney is an award-winning teacher, and in 2014 was given Oregon State University’s prestigious Scholarship Impact Award for her work in the International Reproductive Health Laboratory and with the MANA Statistics Project.

    Melissa Cheyney

    Midwife, Researcher, Professor

Instant Unlimited Access

Take the course at your own pace, retain access for later reference.

Reviews

  • By Januarie Strong

    “As a placenta encapsulation Doula, I was able to understand the research part of things and better educate my clients in these field. I feel better equiped from this class. Its a must do if you are a Placenta Encapsulator. ”

    “As a placenta encapsulation Doula, I was able to understand the research part of things and better educate my clients in these field. I feel better equiped from this class. Its a must do if you are a Placenta Encapsulator. ”

    →Read Less

  • By renee sicignano

    “well presented. Very easy to incorporate information into my conversations with my clients.”

    “well presented. Very easy to incorporate information into my conversations with my clients.”

    →Read Less