The placenta is an organ created by the body during pregnancy, serving as the connector between mother and baby by nourishing, oxygenating, and enabling life in the womb. The third stage of labor is the birth of the placenta, an essential part of the process for both mother and baby, as the birth is only complete once the placenta is delivered. Unfortunately, in modern hospitals, the placenta is often treated as medical waste.

Honoring the placenta is not a trend; in many Indigenous traditions, the placenta is seen as the guardian of the baby and a twin soul. Rituals surrounding the placenta have been practiced for centuries.

It can be consumed directly after birth, buried in the earth to return it to nature, or used to create meaningful keepsakes.

As a doula, I offer different options to honor this sacred organ, which has been the baby’s guardian in the womb.

My offerings to honor the Placenta:

• Placenta Print: El árbol de la vida. A print of the placenta on A3 watercolour paper. A meaningful way to create a unique piece of art from your baby’s placenta in its original form.

• Amniotic Moons: Moon shapes delicately crafted from your baby’s "first home." These are beautiful keepsakes made from the amniotic sac that surrounded and protected your baby during pregnancy. The amniotic membrane is dried, shaped, and carefully framed to keep it it forever.

• Placenta Burial Ceremony: Burying the placenta is a way to return it to the earth and express deep gratitude for the vital role it played in nourishing the baby during pregnancy. Together, we can create something special for this ritual, perhaps planting a fruit tree or a plant to watch it grow. This ceremony is a beautiful way to reconnect with the significance of honoring this sacred organ, and in doing so, express our gratitude for the entire birthing and life-creating process.