Calvin Harris
Vick Hope’s placenta pills, shared by Calvin Harris on Instagram Calvin Harris/Instagram

Vick Hope has revealed she plans to consume her own placenta in capsule form after giving birth to her son Micah – joining a growing number of celebrity mothers embracing the controversial practice. The placenta, which acts as a lifeline to the baby during pregnancy, delivering oxygen and nutrients through the umbilical cord, is increasingly being eaten after birth in the belief it can boost energy, improve milk supply, and ward off post-natal depression. But while the trend has been championed by stars such as Kim Kardashian, experts stress there is no scientific evidence to back up these claims.

In the UK, new mothers can take their placenta home if they inform midwives in advance, with placenta encapsulation services – costing around £250 – offering to dry, grind, and package it into pills. According to the Daily Mail, Vick's decision comes as placentophagy becomes increasingly mainstream, with some women also eating it raw or cooked. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has warned of potential health risks, citing a case in which a newborn contracted a strep infection linked to placenta capsules.

Vick Hope
Vick Hope weeks before giving birth to baby Micah Vick Hope/Instagram
Vick Hope
Vick Hope enjoying at the beach weeks before giving birth to Baby Micah Vick Hope/Instagram
Calvin Harris
Calvin shared a heartfelt pic of his wife and newborn in birthing pool Calvin Harris/Instagram
Calvin Harris
Calvin Harris sitting on couch while holding newborn baby Calvin Harris/Instagram
Calvin Harris
Calvin shared a photo of Vick’s placenta after it was dehydrated and made into supplements Calvin Harris/Instagram
Calvin Harris
Calvin shared the photo holding jar of placenta pills Calvin Harris/Instagram
@drjessicaknurick

Replying to @Amanda🤍 placentophogy is gaining popularity, particularly among women in the United States. But the lack of safety and efficacy research, along with the potential risks, means that it gets a no from me personally. 👎 #placentaencapsulation #placentapills #3rdtrimester #pregnancy

♬ original sound - Dr. Jess (PhD, RDN)
Dr Jessica Knurick warns placentophagy’s popularity grows, but safety concerns mean she does not recommend it.
@lactationhub

Lactation Consultant’s take on Placenta Encapsulation #placentaencapsulation #placentapills #postpartum #newmom #breastfeeding #milksupply #lowmilksupply #undersupply #breastmilk #breastpump #pumpingmom #ibclc #lactationconsultant

♬ original sound - Karolina, IBCLC | LactationHub
LactationHub shares expert advice on placenta encapsulation’s effect on breastfeeding and postpartum recovery.
@doctorsood

Some believe eating the placenta boosts energy, prevents postpartum depression, and improves iron levels—but research shows no proven benefits. In some cases, it has even been linked to a higher risk of postpartum depression. 🩸 The placenta can also carry bacteria, toxins, and hormones, posing serious risks to both mother and baby. Due to infection and contamination risks, the potential harm outweighs any unproven benefits. What are your thoughts? #medical #health #postpartum #womenshealth VC: @mommymadeencapsulation

♬ original sound - DoctorSood, M.D.
Dr Sood warns placenta eating lacks proven benefits and poses infection risks to mother and baby.

Medical professionals, including GP Dr Ellie Cannon, have urged caution, warning there is 'no proof' that placentophagy delivers any of its claimed benefits and stressing that new mothers should focus on safe, evidence-based postpartum care. While Vick has yet to respond to the medical debate, experts maintain that for now, the placenta's only proven value lies in the womb – not on a dinner plate or sealed inside a pill bottle.

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