A court order was required for the delivery. The 25-year old, who is slender and thin, said that some people might think she’s crazy or don’t know what she’s doing. Her fingers were entwined underneath her large belly. It’s all about what is best for me, my baby. It’s part my body and my right.” The baby’s placenta, the blood-rich organ that connects mom and baby, allows for oxygen and nutrition exchange and helps to support baby’s growth. Thiering is a Wisconsin native. She joins an increasing number of women in the U.S. that keep their placentas. Some women believe that the discarded tissue has nutritional or hormonal value. This may help with post-partum depression, fatigue, nausea, and discomfort associated with returning menstrual cycles. Some women also eat the dehydrated tissue as a capsule. Others use it for food, such as spaghetti sauce. Placenta has been embraced by some celebrities, including January Jones, Mad Men’s star who spoke out about placenta encapsulation, and Kim Zolciak (a former Real Housewife) who consumed a placenta smoothie on an episode of her spinoff reality series. Thiering was required to obtain legal possession of Thiering’s placenta in Mississippi. She spoke to Dr. Shea Moses, her doctor, and he suggested that she contact the hospital about her wishes. Thiering stated, “They said that I would need a court order.” Thiering said that it seemed strange because it was my placenta. But River Oaks’ contact explained that they had to follow a Mississippi Department of Health directive which classified placentas in biological waste. Jacqueline Hammack (33-year-old Rankin County lawyer and mother to a 16-month-old active Morris) had met Thiering on a Facebook page about breastfeeding and birthing. Thiering stated that Jacqui had said she would be able to help. “I felt like, if she is required, she needs some assistance,” Hammack recalled, as they discussed the legal and personal journeys in Thiering’s Flowood house near Ross Barnett Reservoir. “When it comes down to court, you always do better with representation.” Hammack was new to the idea of seeking a court order for a placednta. However, she did not let that stop her. Hammack stated that she had briefed the Rankin County Chancery Court regarding the matter and Thiering and she went to court before Chancellor John McLaurin Jr. on May 17. Thiering recalled that the process was painless and quick – Jacqui did all of the work. “Judge McLaurin seemed to have no issues with it, just like River Oaks did not.” River Oaks’ attorney Katie Gilchrist also attended to ensure River Oaks was protected. She said that River Oaks was just trying to do the right things and comply with Department of Health guidelines. This was her first appearance in court regarding a placenta. Gilchrist said that Thiering, Hammack and Hammack assured McLaurin the release of tissue was safe for the public as the public would not come in contact with it. She said that she was certain that the judge gave her permission. Liz Sharlot, communications director at the State Department of Health said that a court order guarantees the public that the state will properly dispose of waste. The hospital then decides how to deal with individual requests. Thiering and Doug, a U.S. Air Force pilot with the 172nd Airlift Wing prepare for a new chapter in their lives. Thiering believes that consuming dehydrated placenta has no scientifically supported benefits. However, she says that it is her right to do so and will use it in any way that will benefit her. She also said that her husband is on board. She laughed and said, “If it helps me, then it helps him too.” The rules for bringing your placenta home vary from one state to the next. Hammack and Sheri advise other women who have similar interests to speak with their doctors about the regulations.