What Is Placenta Encapsulation?
Placental encapsulation is the practice of ingesting the placenta after it has been steamed, dehydrated, ground, and placed into pills. Traditionally, this is taken by the mother and is believed to impart numerous health benefits. It is frequently taken shortly after giving birth, during a woman’s menstrual period, or during menopause with the belief that it helps counter some of the symptoms of menopause.
Possible benefits are:
Help for Postpartum Depression
The baby blues are very real — as many as 15% of postpartum mothers develop some form of depression that can make the everyday demands of nurturing a baby seem almost impossible. There is anecdotal evidence that consuming the placenta may help ease symptoms of postpartum depression. While it hasn’t been scientifically proven that popping a placenta pill will cure postpartum depression, many women swear by it, and it could be a natural remedy worth trying. But if your postpartum depression is severe and you’re having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, it’s critical that you seek immediate professional help.
Release of Oxytocin
According to the American Pregnancy Association, ingesting the placenta has shown in some cases to boost the release of the feel-good hormone of oxytocin. In addition to stabilizing your mood, oxytocin also helps return the uterus to its normal size while facilitating bonding with your baby. Placenta pills may supplement your oxytocin levels, but the best way to enrich your oxytocin and bond with baby is always through good, old-fashioned touch.
Increased Iron Levels
Iron levels are often depleted after pregnancy, which can lead to a profound lack of energy. Anemia, which stems from low iron levels, can be a problem for some new moms as iron has been lost through bleeding during delivery and through sharing with baby in utero. Iron deficiency can result in insufficient milk syndrome and can also lead to urinary tract infections. In addition to these physical symptoms, low iron levels can contribute to irritability and postpartum depression.
The potential benefits of placental encapsulation may be physical, mental, and emotional. Your experience will be a personal one, though, and the biggest benefit may simply be knowing that you’re carrying on the natural cycle of your life-giving placenta.
Placenta Encapsulation Risks
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently recommends against placental encapsulation, although there are few documented risks associated with the practice. Moms have reported sensations of dizziness, headache, and nausea after taking the pills. But there’s no medical evidence to support the onset of these symptoms, and they may represent a psychological reaction.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so you should consult with your doctor before taking any placenta pills and discontinue the pills immediately if you experience any symptoms.
The bottom line is that research is still emerging on placental encapsulation, and neither the benefits nor the risks have been officially confirmed.
What you can get:
For $250 Clients generally receive between 80-140 vegetarian or berry flavored capsules in a glass jar. The umbilical cord is dried as a keepsake and included in a bee-utiful little bag. 1-2 placenta prints are included free of charge on acid-free watercolor paper and an umbilical cord keepsakes can be provided in a requested shape as long as enough cord is available. These are both complementary inclusions in your placenta encapsulation services. Also included are directions and information about storage. I am always available for questions or concerns. I can also provide other placenta products if interested for an additional fee of $30 each. Doula clients receive a discount on encapsulation.
