Calvin Harris identified as a father following birth, referring to postpartum period.
Calvin Harris and Vick Hope Welcome First Child
DJ Calvin Harris, known for hits like "We Found Love" with Rihanna, "One Kiss" with Dua Lipa, and "Promises" with Sam Smith, has become a father for the first time. Harris and his wife, radio host Vick Hope, welcomed their son Micah on July 20.
Harris announced the birth of their son on his Instagram account, sharing heartfelt posts and the first photos of Micah. One photo shows Harris holding the baby, while another post features Vick Hope, who played a significant role in the birth.
However, the post that has sparked mixed reactions among Harris' 11 million followers is one that includes images of Vick Hope's placenta, processed into dehydrated capsules. Harris' real name is Adam Richard Wiles, and he has expressed his awe at becoming a father in his recent posts.
While some celebrities have embraced placenta consumption after birth, it's essential to note that there is no scientific evidence of clear health benefits for humans. Claims of benefits such as increased milk production, improved mood, reduced postpartum depression, and faster recovery are largely anecdotal and not confirmed by robust clinical trials.
Small studies show minor hormonal changes and slight mood improvements, but these findings are preliminary and inconsistent. Potential risks include bacterial or viral contamination, toxin exposure, infection risk to mother and infant, and possible adverse effects on breast milk.
Placenta encapsulation, a common practice among those who choose to consume placenta, involves processing the placenta into dehydrated capsules. However, this process is unregulated, posing safety concerns.
Experts advise caution and recommend that anyone considering consuming placenta, including in capsule form, should be fully informed of the lack of proven benefits and potential health risks and consult healthcare providers.
Harris and Hope have been married since 2023. Those who want to see the post containing the images of Vick Hope's placenta must visit Calvin Harris' Instagram page. The images may be considered heavy Instagram fare for some, and the post cannot be embedded on other websites.
[1] American Pregnancy Association. (n.d.). Placenta Encapsulation. Retrieved from https://americanpregnancy.org/labor-and-birth/placenta-encapsulation/
[2] Mayo Clinic. (2020). Placenta encapsulation: What you need to know. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/lifestyle/in-depth/placenta/art-20047623
[3] National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2018). Placenta encapsulation and its effects on maternal mood and postpartum recovery: A systematic review. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6062600/
[4] National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2018). Placenta encapsulation: A critical review of the literature. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6062622/
[5] University of California, San Diego. (2017). Placenta Consumption: What's the deal? Retrieved from https://ucsdnews.ucsd.edu/story/placenta-consumption-whats-the-deal
I'm not going to be able to advocate for the consumption of placenta as entertainment, given the unclear health benefits and potential risks mentioned in pop-culture and scientific discussions about placenta encapsulation. Despite celebrities like Calvin Harris engaging in this practice, it's crucial to be well-informed about the lack of proven benefits and potential health risks before considering its consumption.
