Postpartum Placenta Rituals in Türkiye: A Qualitative Study of Mothers’ Experiences

Purpose: This study aimed to explore mothers’ experiences, meanings, and ritual practices related to the placenta after childbirth in Türkiye.Methods: A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted between April and June 2024 using in-depth online interviews. The study included 25 mothers who had requested and obtained their placentas after childbirth. Data were collected using a demographic information form and a semi-structured interview guide. Interview transcripts were analyzed using a phenomenologically informed qualitative content analysis approach.Results: Four main themes were identified: emotional and symbolic meanings of the placenta, types of ritual practices, purposes attributed to rituals, and seeking information and recognition. Mothers described the placenta as “the tree of life,” “the baby’s first home,” and a visible symbol of the mother–infant bond. Ritual practices included burial, tree planting, placenta printing, freezing, encapsulation, and ingestion. These practices were associated with gratitude, spiritual respect, continuity, transformation, connection with nature, and reclaiming childbirth experiences.Conclusion: Placenta rituals were emotionally, culturally, and symbolically meaningful postpartum practices for some mothers. The findings indicate the need for culturally responsive maternity care in which healthcare professionals provide respectful, evidence-based information while acknowledging women’s symbolic practices surrounding childbirth.