Hilary Duff once revealed a surprising detail about what she did after giving birth to her daughter, Banks Violet, in October 2018. The actress shared that she actually consumed her own placenta following the birth, a practice that might sound unusual to many people but has become a topic of curiosity among some celebrities and new mothers. She discussed the experience on Dr. Elliot Berlin’s *Informed Pregnancy* podcast, just two weeks after welcoming her little girl into the world through a home birth.
During the conversation, Hilary explained that she decided to try something different by blending a small portion of her placenta with juice and fruit to create a smoothie. Although the idea might seem difficult for some people to imagine, she admitted that she was pleasantly surprised by the taste. In fact, she described it as “the most delicious smoothie I’ve ever had.” She even compared the experience to a childhood memory, saying she hadn’t tasted a smoothie that good since she was around 10 years old.
What makes the story even more interesting is that Hilary initially had some hesitation about consuming her placenta. She had heard that taking it in capsule form could cause unpleasant burps with an unusual taste and smell, something she definitely wanted to avoid. Instead, she preferred the idea of mixing it directly into a smoothie, where the fruit and juice could blend together with it.
She also revealed that she didn’t want the remaining placenta to go to waste. Her solution was to have it frozen and divided into small ice cubes that she could add to future smoothies whenever she wanted. By the time she spoke about the experience on the podcast, she had already used three of those frozen portions. For Hilary, it was a personal choice that she felt comfortable experimenting with during the weeks following childbirth.
The actress also explained that part of her decision came from things she had read about the possible benefits of consuming the placenta. She had come across claims suggesting that it could help reduce postpartum bleeding, improve energy, and potentially lower the risk of postpartum depression. Like many new mothers, she was interested in finding ways to support her body during recovery after pregnancy and childbirth.
However, there is an important distinction between personal experiences and scientifically established medical benefits. Despite the popularity of placenta consumption among some celebrities, research has not demonstrated that eating the placenta provides reliable health benefits. Medical specialists have also raised concerns about possible risks, including bacterial contamination and infection, particularly when the placenta is not handled or processed safely. Health professionals therefore do not recommend relying on placenta consumption to prevent postpartum depression or other complications after delivery.
Interestingly, when Hilary shared all these details, even Dr. Elliot Berlin seemed surprised by how much information she was willing to reveal. After listening to her explanation, he responded with a humorous comment: “I wish I hadn’t asked.” His reaction added an amusing moment to an already unusual conversation.
Hilary’s story quickly became a talking point because it offered a glimpse into a very personal decision surrounding motherhood. While some people found the idea fascinating, others admitted they could never imagine trying something similar. Regardless of people’s opinions, her experience sparked conversations about postpartum traditions, celebrity parenting choices, and the different approaches women take when recovering after childbirth.
Ultimately, Hilary Duff’s experience was a personal decision, not a medical recommendation. Her story reminds us that celebrities sometimes make unconventional choices when it comes to pregnancy and motherhood, but it is always important to separate individual experiences from practices that have been proven safe and effective.