Placentophagy, the practice of eating one’s own placenta -- either cooked, encapsulated, or raw, is becoming trendy among certain mommy circles. Health advocates and the media assert that the placenta retains hormones and nutrients that are beneficial to the mother and can aid in postpartum recovery. Some of the proposed benefits include prevention of postpartum depression, reduction of postpartum bleeding, more rapid uterine recovery, increased lactation, enhanced maternal bonding and boosting of the immune system.