Placenta Encapsulation
The process of consuming a placenta is centuries old and has been steadily gaining popularity within the United States. So what is it about this seemingly cannabalistic act of consuming one of your own organs that has got people so excited?
Do any quick google search and you’ll soon learn that the possible benefits of placenta encapsulation include: a decrease in postpartum mood disorders, increased production of oxytocin, a decrease in stress hormones, restoration of iron levels following bleeding after birth, and increased milk supply.
But why did I use the word ‘possible’? Well that’s simply because no clinical studies have ever been conducted to determine the statistical benefits of placenta encapsulation. Which means that all the evidence we have in support of this as a helpful nourishment for newborn mothers is purely anecdotal. While this anecdotal evidence is overwhelmingly positive, it isn’t possible to say with scientific accuracy that these benefits are conclusively known.
So here’s what we do know.
With the exception of a few species, all mammals consume their placenta after birth. Humans are one of the very few that don’t. Many speculate that the reason most mammals do this is because of the nutritional benefits that consuming a placenta can offer after giving birth. The placenta is full of vitamins and minerals such as B6, B12, and iron. The placenta is also hormone rich with progesterone and estrogen.
But how do we know if there are any hormones still present after a placenta has been dehydrated, ground up and encapsulated? Well, a small study was conducted on the processed pills which showed that progesterone and estradiol hormones do remain present within the pills, at a high enough level that could cause significant physiological effects when consumed. In other words, you’re not just eating dry dust.
According to the APA (American Pregnancy Association), placenta encapsulation has demonstrated to assist with mood stabilization through supplementing oxytocin levels, which in turn has a potential regulatory effect on postpartum hormones, which can affect both postpartum mood and milk supply.
On the flip side…
While no large randomized study currently exists to suggest that there are any risks associated with placenta encapsulation, on rare occasions some women report feeling jittery or anxious after consuming their placenta, like they’ve had too many cups of coffee. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently warns against placenta encapsulation, however there are limited documented risks in order to support this recommendation.
Making your decision about whether placenta encapsulation is right for you may depend on your personal situation, beliefs, concerns about postpartum depression, or breast milk supply. The conclusion is that it’s up to each individual to weigh up the benefits and risks and make a decision that feels right to them.
If this option seems worth exploring then feel free to check out the link below which gives details on the placenta encapsulation package I offer that includes pills, placenta tincture and a placenta print as a keepsake.
Of course, the animalistic alternative is that you could really go full carnivore and just dive right in with a knife and fork after delivery. This option is not for the faint hearted, but it’s definitely still an option. Because once you birth your baby you’ll have the placenta, but the question is, do you have the stomach?