module: 10

the placenta

The placenta is one of the most extraordinary organs ever created. A living bridge between mother and baby, body and spirit, nourishment and release. In this module, we’ll explore the placenta from both scientific and sacred perspectives, understanding its design, function, and deep symbolism in the continuum of life.

You’ll learn how the placenta forms, how it nourishes, and what its variations can tell us about the pregnancy and birth. We’ll also look at the historical reverence cultures have held for the placenta as a twin, a protector, and a sacred offering. We’ll also learn about the practical aspects of placental health, delivery, and postpartum care.

This section will guide you through:

• The formation and physiology of the placenta, its role in nutrient exchange, hormone production, and oxygen flow.

• Common and rare placental variations

• Signs of placental disease or insufficiency, and how these may present during pregnancy or birth.

• The third stage of labor, supporting safe and gentle delivery of the placenta in the homebirth setting.

• Postpartum care and traditions surrounding the placenta

• How to observe, inspect, and learn from the placenta as a storyteller of the birth experience.

• How modern medicine uses it and how its sacred energy has been destroyed hospitals