Placenta Encapsulation

Placentophagy, or consuming the placenta, has been used in some cultures for thousands of years and is now increasing in popularity here in the U.S. because of the *potential* benefits and women's experiences with it.

What is it about the placenta that could make this possible:
The placenta is an amazing organ that carries out many biological processes during pregnancy.

The placenta includes:
 

~ Hormones: the placenta is a major producer of hormones during pregnancy and contains hormones at birth including estrogen, progesterone, prolactin, oxytocin, human placental lactogen (hPL), and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH).

~ Vitamins: The placenta contains high levels of various vitamins, like B6.

~ Nutrients: Iron and proteins are nutrients present in the placenta that are often depleted in the Mother after childbirth.

 

All together these beneficial materials may help to: 
~ Decrease postpartum bleeding 
~ Help the uterus return to it's pre-pregnancy size 
~ Increase the energy of the mother during the postpartum period 
~ Smooth out postpartum hormone adjustments 
~ Help to establish and boost milk supply 
~ Decrease likelihood of iron deficiency 
~ Decrease likelihood of sleep disorders
~ Decrease likelihood of baby blues and postpartum depression

 

In nature, almost all mammals consume their placentas immediately following birth. As my husband (quite non-judgmentally) pointed out, even herbivores display this behavior. Now, I know we humans are not concerned about cleaning up and getting somewhere safe quickly before "something smells us" after our births, but often nature has designed processes to pair together for biological benefit. So, it makes sense that mammals could have developed an extra advantage in this post-birth behavior that would promote better survival of the mother and therefore her young offspring. Could we, as mammals ourselves, be overlooking a good thing?

 

If this is the case, why does this seem so strange?
 

Here's the simple answer: because it is not common in Western culture. Our beliefs about what is "normal" come from society around us and, as history illustrates, this is a shifting sea. Other cultures around the world have very different views of the placenta, often it is revered for it's role and treated with great honor and respect and would never be thrown in with the trash. 

 

 

Service Details
 

I truly believe that placenta preparation is something that can and should be readily available to every Mother. I also recognize that the time for preparing the placenta occurs during one of the biggest transitions that a woman will ever experience, so I am very happy to offer this service to Mothers and their families to help take one thing off their minds and ease this transition time.

All placenta preparation is performed with designated and sanitized equipment. OSHA standards are strictly observed. Cleaning and sanitizing of the work space and all equipment occurs both before and after placenta preparation.

 

Placenta Encapsulation ($175): This preparation method is increasing in popularity because then you can "just take some pills" and still get the potential benefits of the amazing placenta. Service includes transport (if necessary) of your placenta to your home, careful cleaning and trimming of the placenta, preparing, drying, grinding, and putting into capsules. This technique typically produces between 100-200 capsules per placenta. The capsules are given in a cobalt blue jar for storage. Cord keepsake and placenta prints can be included at no cost. 

 

 

Please contact me for more information, the process of preparation of the placenta should ideally begin within 24 hours of birth. This process sometimes requires additional planning and considerations that should be addressed weeks to months before birth.

Note- For your safety and the safety of others, if you have ever had any of the following blood borne diseases, I will be unable to process your placenta: HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C or if an infection is present at birth.

 

Making an informed choice

Links to Research, Resources, and More Information:

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Evidence Based Birth: The Evidence on Placenta Encapsulation

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Placentophagia: Benefits of Eating the Placenta

 

Placenta Wise: Medical Research

 

Placenta Benefits: Placenta for Healing

 

Canada National News Video: Placenta Encapsulation