placentophagyn.
/ˌplas(ə)nˈtɒfədʒi/, U.S. /ˌplæs(ə)nˈtɑfədʒi/ The eating of a placenta, esp. by a mother after giving birth.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > food > consumption of food or drink > eating > eating specific substances or food > [noun] > eating of other substances
placentophagy1902
1902 Brit. Med. Jrnl. 12 Apr. 909 In certain parts of the Soudan, placentophagy is habitually practised.
1973 Obstetr. & Gynecol. 41 317/2 Readers are invited to send me information regarding authenticated incidents of placentophagy by the human female.
1987 W. R. Trevathan Human Birth iii. 74 The female usually lies down for actual delivery of the piglets but may stand between births... Consumption of the placenta (placentophagy) is common.
1994 Independent (Nexis) 3 Apr. 54 Another custom that is catching on with some exponents of natural childbirth is placentophagy—eating the placenta. Anecdotal evidence suggests that this can be a natural cure for postnatal depression.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2006; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.1902