article_snippet: Most species of mammal eat Most species of mammal own placenta straight after birth, raw - it is normal in the animal kingdom,' said Kathryn Beale from Swindon, Wiltshire. '
article_snippet: it is full of iron, stem cells and hormones and is reputed to help with milk production and post-natal depression.'
article_snippet: What is left can then be dehydrated, ground into powder and put into capsules for the new mother to take.
article_snippet: This involves the placenta being steamed with lemon, ginger and chilli and the placenta is believed to have enhanced healing properties.
article_snippet: Ms Bearle got involved in consumption of placentas - known as placentophagy - two years ago after meeting the founder of the Independent Placenta Encapsulation Network.
article_snippet: Ms Bearle only makes placenta products for mothers who provide their own organ for processing.
article_snippet: Ms Bearle explained: 'Women who want to use their placentas are tested during pregnancy, and if we know the placenta carries any blood-born pathogens we will not use the placenta.'
article_snippet: Raw placenta sliced and ready to be dehydrated, pictured left, and placenta wrapped in left own amniotic sac, pictured right, ready to be steamed over green chili, lemon and ginger, in line with the traditional Chinese medicine . '
article_snippet: Celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and Gwyneth Paltrow have used placentas for Celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and Gwyneth Paltrow supposed health benefits.
article_snippet: While the health benefits of this activity are not clear, the processes involved in the production of human placenta for human consumption present a number of potentially serious health risks, which explains this action.' '