Calvin Harris Shares Controversial Snaps of Newborn Son's Placenta on Social Media
Calvin Harris, the renowned DJ, and his partner, Vick Hope, have recently made headlines for their unique post-birth practices. On July 20, Harris announced the birth of their son, Micah, on social media, sharing a series of intimate moments after the home birth.
One of the images in the post caught the attention of many—it showed Vick Hope's placenta. The placenta was later processed into capsules, a practice believed by some to offer potential health benefits such as increased energy, improved milk supply, and reduced postpartum fatigue. However, scientific evidence supporting these benefits remains limited and inconclusive.
The potential risks of consuming the placenta post-birth include the possibility of harboring harmful bacteria or viruses, which can pose serious infection risks if the placenta is not prepared properly. Contamination is a significant concern because preparation methods like dehydration or encapsulation are not strictly regulated. Additionally, the placenta may accumulate environmental toxins or medications taken during pregnancy, which could be ingested by the mother.
Medical experts advise caution and recommend discussing placenta consumption with healthcare providers before proceeding. Proper handling, storage, and processing by trained specialists can reduce—but not eliminate—the risks. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have warned against placenta capsules due to these safety concerns.
Despite the controversy, some celebrities, including Becky Hill, have expressed support for the practice. Hill, a singer and friend of the couple, commented on the utility of the placenta, noting it's not wasted if used for capsules. She also stated that the placenta is a "whole new organ" that provides life.
However, the graphic nature of some images in the post prompted a social media platform to place an age restriction. Some users expressed discomfort about the unexpected placenta images, with one user stating they were not prepared for the placenta pic.
Despite the controversy, Harris and Hope received congratulations from fans, as well as warm wishes from celebrities like Example and Andy Robertson. Radio 1 host Arielle Free welcomed newborn Micah with a message. Singer Becky Hill acknowledged the decision to share the placenta photos, expressing admiration for Vick Hope in her heartfelt message.
References:
- American Pregnancy Association. (2021). Placenta Encapsulation. Retrieved from https://americanpregnancy.org/labor-and-birth/placenta-encapsulation/
- Mayo Clinic. (2021). Placenta encapsulation: Does it have benefits? Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/placenta-encapsulation/faq-20058201
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017). Placenta Preparation and Consumption. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/blooddisorders/placenta-preparation.html
- NHS. (2021). Placenta encapsulation: What you need to know. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/pregnancy-and-baby/is-it-safe-to-eat-or-take-placenta-capsules-after-giving-birth/
- The graphic images of Vick Hope's placenta in Calvin Harris' social media post sparked debates about the practice, with some users expressing discomfort and others, such as Becky Hill, acknowledging its potential uses in pop-culture.
- As Calvin Harris and Vick Hope received both criticism and congratulations for their post-birth practices, it emphasized the ongoing dialogue within social media, entertainment, and celebrity-driven pop-culture surrounding the controversial topic of placenta consumption.
