What is placenta encapsulation?

Maternal Placentophagy is the postpartum consumption of the placenta by the mother. The idea behind consuming your placenta goes back to the early 1900’s in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

In the 1970’s earliest North American literature reported that since virtually all other mammalian mothers consume the placenta, that it is a natural behavior that must be beneficial and therefore, should be incorporated into the birth process.

A recent study was done of 189 birth mothers, surveyed their self-motivations and experiences.

40% Improved Mood, 7% Alleviated Bleeding,

15% Improved Lactation, 26% Increased Energy

These findings were from women who consumed dehydrated, cooked placenta in capsule form.

Beneficial Minerals in Placenta:

• Iron- restoring hemoglobin, blood levels, help fatigue and symptoms of depression

• Copper- helps absorb iron, strengthens immune system, anti-inflammatory, thyroid support

• Selenium- protects cells from radical damage & aids in uterine recovery

• Zinc- antioxidant, hormone balance, anti-inflammatory agent, immune support, increased energy, wound healing/muscle growth and repair

Beneficial Hormones in placenta:

Oxytocin- Primary birth hormone, love hormone, stimulates uterus, aids in lactation, promotes bonding, reduces/prevents third stage hemorrhage

Progesterone (postpartum)- gives mental clarity, reduces anxiety, boosts energy & regulates immune system function

Prostaglandin- the healing hormone, hemorrhage prevention, important for uterine activity, regulate inflammation, regulate hormones, controls cell growth, produces fever response to infections in the body, promotes cell regeneration, promotes uterine contractions, minimizes nipple soreness from nursing

Estrogen- anti-inflammatory, helps heal, mobilizes white blood cells to fight infection, regulates menstrual cycle & reproductive system. The more estrogen reported the less reported mood disruptions like Postpartum depression and PMS

Corticotropin- helps one handle extreme amounts of stress, reduces brain fog

Prolactin- milk hormone, regulates immune system, supports reproductive system, metabolic influence, behavioral influence. When consumed it stimulates body to make more of itself.

Human Placental Lactogen- stimulates the productions of prolactin thus increasing breast milk production. Plays a vital role in blood sugars

Endorphins- Natural pain relief, found in high concentrate, gives good perspective

Placenta Opioid Enhancing Factor (POEF)- creates a greater bonding experience, allows clear thinking, promotes rest, and focus on baby, decreases PP pain. Mom’s need less pain meds if she consumes her placenta- she will then receive POEF.

Serotonin- Creates balance, promotes exercise and cleaner diet. Plays a key role in body functions as mood, sleep, digestion, nausea, wound healing, bone health, blood clotting, & sexual desire.