The Disposal of Placenta among Indigenous Groups Globally: An Integrative Literature Review

Abstract

Introduction. The placenta, or afterbirth, plays a vital role in supplying nutrients and oxygen via the umbilical cord. Western medicine sees the placenta as a medical waste and discards it after delivery. Meanwhile, indigenous groups observe rituals or ceremonies prior to their disposal since it bears sacred importance. Aim. The aim of the literature review is to review the current literature on indigenous methods of disposing placenta. Methods. Through the EBSCOhost search engine, the authors had access to the following databases: CINAHL; MEDLINE; E-Journals; Health Sources: Nursing/Academic Edition; Scopus; and African Journals Online. A manual search of the grey literature through Google Scholar and Google Search engines, as well as citation searching using reference lists, was also used. The following keyword searches came up: placental disposal, placental waste, placental release, indigenous placental disposal, traditional placental disposal, cultural placenta, and placental rituals. The authors followed the inclusion criteria of qualitative, quantitative, or mixed research articles or reports from experts and different organisations published between 2013 and 2022 in English. Findings. The following three themes with subthemes emerged in the context of this review paper: (1) placental consumption (increases milk production, prevents postpartum depression, and prevents postpartum bleeding); (2) placental burial (burial site determines the child’s fate, protection of the child, and fertility); and 3). artifacts (memorabilia). Conclusion. Indigenous placental disposal methods have a significant value to Indigenous women globally. The rituals performed have a special meaning attached to them. It is important for Western medicine to respect and support indigenous placental disposal methods and ensure safe handling from the healthcare facilities to their homes.

Returning ʻŌiwi Birthing Practices to Hospitals in Hawaiʻi

“…That connection does not end after the cord is cut. Hawaiians and many other Indigenous peoples believe that whatever one does to the placenta, they do to the child (Moeti, 2023). The best way to care for the placenta is by planting it.…”

Fetus Exposure to Drugs and Chemicals: A Holistic Overview on the Assessment of Their Transport and Metabolism across the Human Placental Barrier

“…The placenta exerts a crucial impact in supplying nutrients and oxygen to the fetus through the umbilical cord, which acts as a membrane barrier between the maternal and fetal bloodstream [1]. This organ possesses important roles during gestation, such as fetal nourishment with glucose, amino acids, fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, and oxygen, as well as support and protection, gas exchange, and the production of several hormones and other mediators [1,2]. Furthermore, several steroids and polypeptide hormones and placental galactogen are produced in the placenta, which can effectively contribute to the survival and growth of the fetus [3].…”