Actress Danica McKellar, best known for her role on the classic television sitcom The Wonder Years, has made a startling and deeply personal revelation about her postpartum experience. The 51-year-old star confessed she felt "embarrassed" after discovering she loved the taste of her own placenta, which she vividly compared to a premium "filet mignon."
A Candid Podcast Admission
McKellar shared this intimate detail during a recent appearance on The Bobby Bones Show podcast. Recalling the moment shortly after giving birth to her son, she described being offered a piece by her doula. "I'd just given birth, and I'm like, 'Sure.' I mean, you’re not in your right mind," McKellar explained, highlighting the vulnerable state many new mothers experience.
'The Best Filet Mignon I Have Ever Tasted'
Her reaction to the taste was unexpectedly positive. "Bobby, it was like the best filet mignon that I have ever tasted. But more," she told the host. This surprising comparison led to feelings of confusion and shame. "I was embarrassed about how much I loved it. It was bizarre. I thought, 'What is this, some sort of weird satanic… Am I a cannibal?'" McKellar admitted, before rationalizing, "[But] we are meant to have that."
The Growing Trend of Placentophagy
McKellar's experience touches on a practice known as placentophagy, which has seen a significant rise in popularity among new mothers, particularly in celebrity circles. High-profile figures such as Kim Kardashian, Hilary Duff, Alicia Silverstone, and Mandy Moore have all previously admitted to consuming their placentas in various forms.
The placenta is an organ that develops during pregnancy to provide oxygen and nutrients to the baby via the umbilical cord. Advocates of placentophagy claim it can offer numerous postpartum benefits, including boosting energy levels, aiding recovery, and improving lactation. Some believe it contains essential nutrients and hormones that support the body after childbirth.
Medical Perspectives and Practices
While the practice has roots in traditional medicine and is becoming more mainstream, the medical community remains divided on its effectiveness. Some studies suggest potential benefits, but conclusive evidence is limited. Many hospitals allow mothers to take their placenta home if they express this intention beforehand, though guidelines vary. Proper hygiene is emphasized, with advice to store it frozen and separate from other food to prevent bacterial infection.
A common method is placenta encapsulation, where the organ is dried, powdered, and placed into capsules for easier consumption. This process has gained traction among women seeking a discreet way to incorporate placenta into their postpartum routine.
Danica McKellar's Personal Life
McKellar is a mother to 15-year-old son Draco, from her previous marriage to composer Mike Verta. The couple divorced in 2012, and she later married attorney Scott Sveslosky in 2014. Her revelation adds a personal dimension to her public persona, which has been shaped by her early fame.
From Child Star to Hallmark Favorite
McKellar rose to prominence at just 13 years old, starring opposite Fred Savage on the beloved ABC series The Wonder Years, which aired from 1988 to 1993. Her career has since expanded to include roles on The West Wing and numerous made-for-TV movies on networks like Hallmark and Lifetime, endearing her to generations of viewers.
By sharing this unconventional story, McKellar joins a growing conversation about postpartum practices and the often-taboo topics surrounding motherhood. Her honesty sheds light on the complex emotions and experiences that many women face but seldom discuss publicly.
