Reduced risk of postpartum depression
Mothers report the mood benefits of placenta consumption, due to its ability to help rebalance mood hormones. This helps reduce postpartum depression risk, which then allows for an enhanced bonding experience.
The Midwife & More offers new mothers the option of receiving their placenta in ingestible form within days of delivering.
Placenta encapsulation, or the placenta prepared in capsule form, allows the mother to consume the dehydrated placenta material for weeks.
To secure your spot, please complete the contract and email it to christy@themidwifeandmore.com
Placenta Encapsulation Explained
Placenta encapsulation refers to the process of transforming the mother’s whole placenta into a form that allows it to be consumed via oral capsules. While there are other methods for consuming placenta, or human maternal placentophagy, placenta encapsulation is the most widely practiced method.
Placenta encapsulation involves preparing the organ for consumption via oral capsules. This is accomplished through a process of cleansing the placenta, proper dehydration, and fine-grinding the dried placenta. Once a fine powder is created, it is encapsulated by hand and placed into an air-tight jar for storage and delivered to the postpartum mother with a guide for safe consumption.
Consuming the placenta in capsule form allows the mother to ingest the placenta daily for two weeks to three months. The number of capsules produced from the placenta will depend on the size of the organ.
Benefits of Placenta Encapsulation
The majority of new mothers cite their reason for choosing placenta encapsulation is to reduce the risk of postpartum depression. However, there are several other benefits mentioned as well. Here are some of the most commonly cited reasons for deciding to pursue placenta encapsulation:
Functions of the Placenta
The placenta is an organ that forms alongside the uterus that provides oxygen and nutrients for the baby and also filters any waste products. Placentas are connected to the uterine wall on one side and to the baby via an umbilical cord on the other.
The placenta plays several important functions during the pregnancy. These include:
- Secretes vital hormones for the baby
- Acts as a blood reservoir for the baby
- Transfers nutrients and oxygen from mother to baby
- Provides antibodies to protect the baby and build its immune system
A placenta averages about 8.6 inches in diameter and weighs about one pound. After the baby is delivered, the mother will also deliver the placenta within a few minutes. Unless the mother requests the placenta, it is treated as medical waste and discarded.
History of Placenta Consumption
In the animal kingdom it is common for the mothers to consume the placenta. It is understood that this is a protective mechanism to remove the scent of the offspring and reduce the danger of predators.
It is believed that the practice of human placentophagy dates back thousands of years to the ancient Chinese. There is historical evidence of indigenous Australians and also Vietnamese practicing placentophagy, too. In the modern era, the practice of consuming the afterbirth started gaining traction in the 1970s, and in recent years social media influencers have driven the trend.
What Causes Postpartum Depression?
Research into hormonal levels and fluctuations during pregnancy and in the months after delivery have begun to focus on the corticotropin-releasing hormone, or CRH. Usually it’s the hypothalamus that secretes the CRH, which is a stress-reducing hormone.
However, during the final trimester of pregnancy the placenta produces so much CRH that the levels in the mother’s bloodstream rise. Towards the end of the pregnancy, levels of CRH are three-times higher than the norm, so the hypothalamus stops producing it.
When the baby is born and the placenta is no longer secreting CRH, the hormone levels drop, which contributes to the postpartum depression. By consuming the placenta for weeks after the birth, the body has a chance to rebalance the hormones, reducing depression.
Is Placenta Encapsulation Safe?
Placenta encapsulation is well tolerated in general. As with all health-related decisions, it is wise to understand any potential risks, and speak with your health care provider regarding any individual concerns you may have.
At The Midwife & More, we prioritize proper storage and handling of the placenta, utilize aseptic technique and maintain a sterile environment with a dedicated space for placenta encapsulation.
The majority of women report having a positive experience with placenta encapsulation and say they will repeat it in the next pregnancy.
Midwife & More provides professional placenta encapsulation services. Please reach out to us today to learn more about placenta encapsulation and all our birthing services.
Placenta Encapsulation
Based on anecdotal evidence and personal experiences, placenta encapsulation is believed to offer several potential benefits such as balancing postpartum hormones, increasing energy levels and improving mood, restoring iron levels after childbirth, and enhancing breastmilk production. Some individuals also report experiencing a faster postpartum recovery. At the Midwife & More, we can start your placenta encapsulation on-site shortly after birth so it’s fresh and properly prepared, and will be delivered back to you the following day.
Schedule Your Appointment Online
You can now choose a time that works best for you using our secure online scheduling system.
