I was notified last night that Swedish Hospital in Seattle, WA had begun refusing to release placentas to mothers. I just spoke with the Nurse Manager at the hospital, and found that this is NOT true. They are still, indeed, releasing healthy placentas upon request. Ms. Becky Means stated that the mother will be given a release form she can sign which states that she understands the placenta is medical waste and will take care of it properly (i.e., no throwing in the trash, flushing down the toilet, etc.).

So, you got that, Seattle mamas? No more flushing those placentas down the toilet! ;0)