Vick Hope has revealed she plans to consume her own placenta in capsule form after giving birth to her son Micah – joining a growing number of celebrity mothers embracing the controversial practice. The placenta, which acts as a lifeline to the baby during pregnancy, delivering oxygen and nutrients through the umbilical cord, is increasingly being eaten after birth in the belief it can boost energy, improve milk supply, and ward off post-natal depression. But while the trend has been championed by stars such as Kim Kardashian, experts stress there is no scientific evidence to back up these claims.
In the UK, new mothers can take their placenta home if they inform midwives in advance, with placenta encapsulation services – costing around £250 – offering to dry, grind, and package it into pills. According to the Daily Mail, Vick's decision comes as placentophagy becomes increasingly mainstream, with some women also eating it raw or cooked. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has warned of potential health risks, citing a case in which a newborn contracted a strep infection linked to placenta capsules.
