Child

2. Source of Life

All around the world, the placenta is revered in rituals - but in many places it’s mainly seen as medical waste. What is this incredible organ, who does it belong to and how does it feed, grow and protect a baby? India Rakusen speaks to placenta expert Margherita Turco, before diving into the world of what the foetus is really protected from. When you become pregnant there’s a long list of things you apparently should and shouldn’t consume, but how much information are we given and what’s being left out? Philosopher Quill Kukla explains.Presented by India Rakusen. 
Producer: Ellie Sans.
Executive Producer: Suzy Grant. 
Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts.
Original music composed and performed by The Big Moon.
Mix and Mastering by Olga Reed. A Listen production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds

In this new look at the beginnings of life we tell the story of a child from fertilisation to first birthday through the lens of society, history, and science.