Placenta Encapsulation
Why encapsulate my placenta?
The body undergoes some intense changes during pregnancy, birth, and immediately postpartum. After delivery, many nutrients are lost and the body must restore balance. Consuming your placenta aids and quickens this important process.
What are the benefits?
The placenta contains amazing “ingredients” that are customized to your body, and each one helps in its own way:
Estrogen, Progesterone, Testosterone: Stabilizes postpartum mood; regulates post-birth uterine cramping; decreases depression; normalizes and stimulates libido.
Prolactin: Promotes lactation; increases milk supply; enhances the mothering instinct.
Oxytocin: Decreases pain and increases bonding in mother and infant; counteracts the production of stress hormones such as Cortisol; greatly reduces postpartum bleeding; enhances the breastfeeding let-down reflex.
Placental Opioid-Enhancing Factor (POEF): Stimulates the production of your body’s natural opioids, including endorphins; reduces pain; increases well-being.
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone: Regulates the thyroid gland; boosts energy and supports recovery from stressful events.
Corticotropin Releasing Hormone (CRH): Low levels of CRH are implicated in postpartum depression. Regulation of CRH helps prevent depression.
Cortisone: Reduces inflammation and swelling; promotes healing.
Interferon: Triggers the protective defenses of the immune system to fight infection.
Prostaglandins: Regulates contractions in the uterus after birth; helps uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size. Anti-inflammatory effects.
Iron: Replenishes maternal iron stores to combat anemia, a common postpartum condition. Increases energy; decreases fatigue and depression.
Hemoglobin: Oxygen-carrying molecule which provides a boost in energy.
Urokinase Inhibiting Factor and Factor XIII: stops bleeding and enhances wound healing.
Immunoglobulin G (IgG): Antibody molecules which support the immune system.
Human Placental Lactogen (hPL): This hormone has lactogenic and growth-promoting properties; promotes mammary gland growth in preparation for lactation in the mother. It also regulates maternal glucose, protein, and fat levels.
In other words, consuming your capsules promotes faster healing, increases energy, improves milk production, decreases likelihood of postpartum depression, and relieves pain.
What does the research say?
While anecdotal evidence on the benefits of placentophagy abounds, scientific research is still quite minimal. That said, the research that is available is promising.
189 women over age 18 responded to a 21 question survey conducted in 2010 by the University of Las Vegas Anthropology Department. Of those surveyed, the most commonly reported benefits of placentophagy were improved mood (40%), increased energy (26%), improved lactation (15%), and alleviated bleeding (7%). Of the most commonly reported negative effects, 69% reported no negative effects, unpleasant taste (7%), and headache (4%). (Selander )
Researchers have also discovered processed placenta contains many nutritive minerals providing, on average, 24% RDA for iron, 7.1% RDA for selenium, 1.5% RDA for zinc, and 1.4% RDA for copper. (Young)
In a review of maternal salivary hormones, researchers found “detectable changes in circulating hormone concentrations that could potentially impact a mother’s hormonal physiology.” (Young)
A link between decreased maternal exhaustion and high quality sleep was found connected to mothers who ingested their placenta.(Selander)
When researchers looked for 17 specific hormones in processed placenta, they discovered estradiol, progesterone and allopregnanolone were found in high enough levels to reach physiological effect thresholds at normal (3,300 mg) dosages. Incidentally, Allopregnanolone is the active ingredient in the recently approved Brexanalone, a promising pharmaceutical treatment of postpartum mood disorders.
Two Methods of Preparation
I offer both methods of encapsulating your placenta, including the Raw Method and Gentle Method. I complete these services in my home, and you’ll receive the finished product within a few days of birth.
NOTE: These services can be separate OR in addition to doula services.
Raw Method
The raw method of placenta encapsulation includes taking your placenta and dehydrating and encapsulating it in its purest form. Nothing is added or taken away before preparing it. This way is recommended if you really want to stretch out the time that you take your capsules, since they’re generally stronger and you get more pills.
Gentle/Traditional Method
This method begins with added warmth by steaming your placenta before dehydrating and encapsulating it. This is also the recommended method for mothers who struggle with PPD, those who test positive for Group B Strep or other illnesses, or those who want a more gentle transition.
What You’ll Get:
The capsules you will receive will be in a glass jar and should be stored in a cool, dry place. Dosage instructions will be included, but most people find that customizing the dosage to fit their body’s needs is most beneficial. Start with the recommended dose and see what works for you!
There is no set number of capsules that you’ll receive since every placenta is a different weight and size, but it averages between 100-200.
* PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING/HAVE A COOLER AT YOUR BIRTH LOCATION *
“I take them every day and I couldn't be happier with the result. My healing process seemed much quicker, I have no signs of PPD, and when I take them first thing in the morning, I feel like I have enough energy to conquer the world.”
— Alli
Investment Details and Next Steps
The fee for this service is $250 (Add $25 for each direction if the pickup/dropoff location is greater than 20 miles from the Grand Blanc, Michigan area).
I accept PayPal (debit or credit), Zelle Quickpay, CashApp, Venmo, Cash, or Check.
I ask for at least a 20% ($50) non-refundable retainer with the signed contract. Most people prefer to do 50% now, 50% upon completion, and others would rather not worry about money with a newborn so they pay up front. I'm completely flexible so whatever's best for your family works for me.
Think you’d like to talk more?
Give me a call or submit a contact form submission online. Let me know when you’re due, where you’re delivering, and that you’re interested in placenta encapsulation services!
Paperwork. Sign a contract and pay a retainer fee (deposit) to be put on my calendar.
Keep in touch. Send me questions, inform me of early labor symptoms and choose your method of preparation (raw or gentle).
The birth day! Let me know when the placenta is ready for me to pick up! MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A COOLER TO PUT THE PLACENTA IN. I’ll pick up during daytime hours and bring the capsules to you typically within a few days after retrieving the placenta.
Receive the capsules. Get started on your enhanced healing by beginning to take your placenta pills!