Placenta Encapsulation
What is it? The process of encapsulating (putting into capsules) the mother’s own placenta after birth. The mother can do this herself or her doula or midwife can do it for her. Most mammals consume their placenta after the birth journey. Some think that this is because of the nutritional benefits that consuming the placenta has to offer Mama after the birth journey. Anecdotal evidence on placenta encapsulation is very positive. How long have humans been consuming their placentas? Placenta consumption has long been used in ancient traditional Chinese medicine and other cultures. What are the possible benefits of placenta encapsulation? Boosts mood and improves neuroplasticity. Decrease in postpartum mood disorders. Reduces stress, anxiety, and depression. Lessening risk of postpartum hemorrhage and lessening the lochia phase. Help uterus return to pre-pregnancy state and promotes a quicker recovery after childbirth. Providing hormones human placental lactogen and prolactin to help with breastmilk coming in sooner and keeping a healthy supply throughout the breastfeeding relationship. Helps balance hormones naturally. Less severe baby blues and postpartum depression. Replenishing iron lost from birth and preventing post-birth anemia. Low iron levels can lead to feelings of grief in the new mother. Balancing out hormone levels until the body is able to regulate on its own. Providing natural pain relief after the birth journey process and birth Helps boost a consistent flow of oxytocin (love, bonding, euphoria, trust hormone). Replenish B vitamins and gives body protein to increase energy levels. Boosts energy, Chi, Prana, and increases concentration, memory and productivity. Decreases likelihood of insomnia and sleep disorders by improving the body’s circadian rhythms. Help manage chronic pain in the body. Protection from infection due to retained placenta or bacteria in the uterus. Helps fortify hair, prevent hair loss, and promote hair growth. Promotes healthy skin, anti-aging and boosts collagen production. Improves skin elasticity and helps prevent wrinkles because of the antimicrobial and high antioxidant qualities. The placenta is uniquely created by your body to help nourish your baby. It is unique to you. It is an organ that is truly amazing and can help nourish Mom now that it has nourished baby. What a wonderful gift made by the body for your baby’s benefit and now you can experience the gifts your own placenta has to offer you. Is it evidence based? What is the evidence for placenta encapsulation? Some studies have come out that show that placentas do contain some amount of iron. This is especially good for mothers who have anemia after the birth journey as it is a natural way to help boost their iron levels. Another study showed that placentas do contain about 15 different hormones, including high levels of esteriol (the most potent estrogen found in the female body) and high levels of progesterone. Dr. Sharon Young who was the lead author in one of the studies says “there are small impacts on hormone levels for women taking placenta capsules, and small improvements in mood and fatigue in the placenta group.” The American Pregnancy Association states that placenta encapsulation has been shown to help with mood stabilization by helping oxytocin levels. Some feel that this is evidence for a potential regulatory effect on postpartum hormones. These can have an effect upon both postpartum milk supply and mood. There is little research done on placenta encapsulation. Each mother must assess herself and choose what she feels is best for her unique situation. Dosage and Storage Instructions: Keep placenta capsules sealed in a jar. Keep away from moisture and direct sunlight. They are shelf stable. If feeling great postpartum: Take during the postpartum menstrual cycle. Take 10-20 pills and store in freezer. Start with one capsule per day. Never exceed 9 pills in 24 hours. This can create an oversupply issue that could lead to clogged ducts and even mastitis. Never stop taking pills abruptly. This sudden decrease in the oxytocin that the capsules provide could bring on the baby blues. Reduce the amount gradually over a few days, if needed. For a Challenging Postpartum: 3 capsules three times a day for the first week. For weeks 2 and 3 take 2 capsules 3 times a day For the remaining weeks take 1 pill three times a day or as needed. Listen to your body. Listen to your intuition and own voice. You know best because you are the expert of you. Does Dancing Doula of the North do placenta encapsulation? Yes I do. How long does the placenta encapsulation process take? The process is usually started 24 hours after the birth journey. It can take two days to complete the process. What does the process involve? First the placenta is cleaned and then the membranes are removed. From there the placenta is cut thinly on a sterile surface. Then it is placed on a food dehydrator on low. This means that the placenta is still considered raw by the time that it is dry. This is important because the important hormones, nutrients, vitamins and minerals are still in the placenta because a low temperature has been used. The placenta is then ground to a fine powder. The powder is carefully placed into size 00 capsules. The capsules are stored in a clean container and are stored in the fridge or somewhere cool until they are consumed. Are there any side effects? On rare occasions some women report feeling jittery or having increased anxiety such as can occur with too much caffeine after consuming their placentas. Some women experience a decrease in milk supply after consuming their placenta. Should I have my placenta encapsulated? Each unique individual Mama must evaluate the potential benefits and then potential risks and decide whether placenta encapsulation is right for her. I would like to have my placenta encapsulated by you, what now? Please send email me at [email protected] Subject: Placenta Encapsulation or text me at 907-750-8421 if you are interested in experiencing the awesome benefits of placenta encapsulation. I am committed to safe preparation, proper storage of the placenta of the placenta, and mindfully and with gratitude preparing your amazing placenta. Love, Dancing Doula of the North References: Evidencebasedbirth.com Placenta Consumption University of Nevada, Las Vegas. hearthandhomemidwifery.com vitaminplacenta.com Katia Lemone, CPM
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