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To Encapsulate Your Placenta or Not; That Is The Question.
You ate what?!
When you first heard of placenta encapsulation I’m sure you were grossed out, or at least took pause. Perhaps you had little thoughts running around in your head. Why? How? Gross! I would never…
One thing I’ve learned as a parent is to never say never. I used to say I will never have THAT kid; you know, the kid who is bouncing off of the walls and screaming in a restaurant. The child who sleeps in my bed. The one who breastfed until age 3.
I was wrong. I was naive. It’s so easy to say “I will never” to anything you’re inexperienced with. The reality of the situation is this: you truly don’t know what you will do until you’re in it, wading through, surviving.
So yes, I’m sure the thought of placentophagy (ingesting your placenta) has at least been a little off putting to you. It’s not everyday someone exuberantly volunteers to eat their placenta. So who does it and why?
Who does it?
Anyone! That's right, anyone who wants to have a smooth and happy postpartum experience. I am not here to say that consuming your placenta is the be all, end all, but I am saying it can't hurt! I find that many people inquire about encapsulation for not only fighting postpartum depression, but also to replenish iron levels, help with breast milk output, give them more energy, or to increase healing time. We find that it is more common for second time parents simply because they want to have a better postpartum experience than they had the first time around. This says something. It says that the years and years of anecdotal evidence supports the improved postpartum when the placenta is consumed.
If you’re a first time parent, learn from the parents who came before you. It may be worth it to look more into encapsulation. It may be worth it if you have a history of depression in your family. There is a lot of anecdotal evidence that supports the positive benefits of placental consumption. Some of these benefits include:
Prevents or reduces the risk of developing postpartum depression.
Reduces or eliminates the risk of postpartum bleeding and hemorrhage.
Provides mom with a boost of Oxytocin to increase bonding experiences.
Increases energy levels
Helps uterus contract faster
Increases the production of milk and makes breastfeeding easier
Helps to restore the body's iron levels to normal limits
Helps to reduce the risk of insomnia
A natural pain reliever
Hormones that are found in the placenta are:
Oxytocin: natural pain reliever, promotes bonding, helps to increase milk supply.
POEF ( Pain reliever Opioid Enhancing Factor): Pain Reliever.
Cortisone: This hormone unlocks energy stored in the body and combats stress. (cortisol)
Interferon: This hormones stimulates the immune system to fight off infections while the mother is healing from birth.
Hemoglobin: Replenishes iron, stimulates iron production in blood.
Urokinase inhibiting factor and factor XIII: Lessens bleeding and promotes faster healing.
Prolactin/HPL: Stimulates healthy mammary function and milk production.
Prostaglandins: Acts as an anti-inflammatory.
You can also have a tincture (liquid extract) made with a small piece of your placenta. Your tincture will last for decades (if stored and handled properly) and can be replenished while still holding potency. The tincture can be used:
- During menstruation - For your teething baby - During times of stress and transition. - During menopause (helps with the hormonal hot flashes, mood swings etc.) - When weaning. A lot of people tend to feel the effects of weaning physically, mentally and emotionally.
What Other parents are Saying
“I was never moody, my birth high lingered for days, my lochia or postpartum bleeding stopped by 4 days postpartum, nursing was amazing. All I can say is that my baby moon was phenomenal with #2 and I was so very thankful for my pills. I NEVER experienced what I did with my first.” –
- Stacey, third time mom (1)