Working and working and working. My progress has been slow and steady up to this point, and will undoubtedly continue to be so for a while more. I'm finishing up my primary sources now, focusing on the 18th century documents at this point. But I'm also searching for references to modern day cannibalism. The most obvious case that I've found in consumption of the placenta (aka the afterbirth).
It's supposed to be very nutritious for mom after baby has been born, since the placenta is filled with nutrients used to feed the fetus since conception. And since the primary DNA component of this organ belongs to the fetus, mom (or any other person) eating it is CANNIBALISM!! There are actually instances of people eating the placenta in the 21st century. Below is a link to video documenting four different pregnancies. One of the mothers saved the placenta and consumed it via smoothie for the potential nutrients. Additionally, there is a BuzzFeed video where a person tries eating the placental via pills.
Childbirth: All or Nothing
BuzzFeed
Isn't it true that people also make teddybears out of the placenta? And if the child were to, say, try teething on the placenta-bear, would that be auto-cannibalism?
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