Consuming the placenta after birth is something that has been done for centuries by humans and mammals. Although it may not be as common in western medicine, placenta encapsulation is becoming a growing practice because of the astounding benefits. Placenta encapsulation is a more modern way to ‘consume’ your placenta.
Consuming the placenta can have amazing benefits for women in the postpartum time period, including:
- Lower risk of postpartum hemorrhage
- Decreases postnatal bleeding/shorter lochia phase
- Increase in milk production, as it provides the hormones placental lactogen and prolactin
- Restoration of iron lost at birth/prevents postpartum anemia
- Helps fight the ‘baby blues’, PPD (postpartum depression), PPA (postpartum anxiety)
- Replenishment and regulation of hormones; helps balance hormone fluctuations
- Improved and accelerated healing and recovery
- Provide natural pain relief from soreness/tenderness from birth
- Helps return your uterus to pre-pregnancy size
- Helps return your body to pre-pregnancy weight as it aids in hormone regulation
- Facilitates oxytocin production (the happy hormone)/encourages bonding with baby
- Prevention and relief from headaches
- Treatment and prevention of hypothyroidism
- Increased energy, as it replenishes several B vitamins
- Increase in CRH (Corticotrophin Releasing Hormone), a stress reducing hormone
- Improved quality of sleep
- Increased libido
These main benefits and others have been reported widely and even stated in the 2013 study “Human Maternal Placentophagy: A Survey of Self-Reported Motivations and Experiences Associated With Placenta Consumption”1 The most cited benefit was improved mood, the second was increased energy and decreased fatigue. Scientist are continuing to discover compounds, hormones, bioavailable substances, nutrients, etc. in the placenta and linking them to consist results perceived from placenta consumption.
I’ve had lots of past clients write reviews about how awesome they’ve felt taking the capsules. Read for yourself from real moms, real past clients of Midwest Placenta Encapsulation on the Testimonials Page.
1 “Human Maternal Placentophagy: A Survey of Self-Reported Motivations and Experiences Associated With Placenta Consumption” from Jodi Selander, Allison Cantor, Sharon M Young & Daniel C. Benyshek. 52:2, 2013, pp 93-115 and 51:3, 2012, pp 177-197
No official health benefits may be claimed as this is not an FDA approved process. Benefits are not guaranteed and mothers may need additional support. Some mothers may have underlying disruptions to hormones and/or hormonal imbalances, placental consumption can not adequately address the previous hormonal imbalances. Specific hormonal imbalances may require a medical diagnosis and specific treatment. Please be informed there are different spectrums of vitamin, mineral, etc. depletion in the body that may need diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring from professional/medical council. In severe cases of PPD (postpartum depression) mothers should seek immediate medical care. Postpartum placenta encapsulation and consumption is just a small part of the complex care a newborn and a new mother needs from friends, family, and beyond. A new mother should acknowledge that and have a larger postpartum care plan for a successful recovery.
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