COLUMBUS, Ohio — When there's a baby on the way mothers have a lot to think about.
But, here's something new: some in central Ohio are now considering donating their placenta.
Riverside Methodist Hospital has joined 18 other hospitals across the state to offer this program. OhioHealth teams up with Lifeline of Ohio to make the Placenta Donation program happen.
One donated placenta can help up to 25 patients heal from surgeries, procedures or other medical complications.
"They're able to be used for grafting for wound care. So patients that have had burns or diabetic patients that have unhealing ulcers, or for other reasons, the placenta is amazing in helping those patients heal after other surgeries or after injuries,” explained Dr. Kellie Rath, Women's Health Clinical Operations Council Chair at Riverside.
"If I can find another purpose for it, and it can be another use after it served its purpose, helping me grow my baby, like why not?" said Brooke Englehart who donated her placenta.
Placenta donation does not change any part of the delivery.
This is an option only for women who undergo planned c-sections.