Placenta Encapsulation
Placentophagy or the consumption of the placenta is a medical and health practice that has been documented numerous times throughout history and across many countries worldwide. It is thought to have been a practice in Ancient Greece, Jerusalem, India, Jamaica, and South America to name a few.
Placenta consumption in Traditional Chinese Medicine is prevalent today and is documented as far back as the 16th century.
Until fairly recently in the United States placenta consumption was seen as taboo and new age, but the perception of this ancient medicine is beginning to shift. Many people are seeing the incredible benefits of placenta encapsulation and sharing their experiences with all who will listen.
When women experience postpartum depression with their first birth they will try anything to avoid this incredibly challenging illness with their next baby. Many will turn to placenta encapsulation for their next birth for its known effects of helping with postpartum depression.
Your placenta is filled with hormones that are unique to your body and your needs. Throughout pregnancy your body has an increase in hormones and your hormone levels drop drastically after your baby is born. This drop in hormones may be a relief for some, but for many it is a hard adjustment.
The benefits of placenta consumption are both emotional and physical. Your placenta contains high levels of prostaglandin, a hormone that helps your uterus shrink back to its original size. Your placenta also contains oxytocin, which is commonly referred to as the love hormone. This hormone helps to reduce stress and supports milk supply.
Benefits of Placenta encapsulation include:
- Lessening or eliminating postpartum depression
- Balancing hormones after birth
- Gaining energy
- Reduction in fatigue
- Boost in milk supply
Kristen
10/2018 via Google
“The Chicago Family Doulas are wonderful! My OB recommended them for anything I needed pre and postpartum. I reached out about placenta encapsulation initially and they were quick to respond with information and pricing. We moved forward with using them and it was so great! They gave me all the details on how it would work before my birth and it went just as discussed. One of the doulas picked up the placenta from the hospital just after my birth and then dropped off the capsules with directions within 24 hours. I was so impressed!! You can trust that they will take care of you like family! I reached out again postpartum to get help with bottle feeding and the doula who helped me was fantastic! She was so patient and kind and even though it was a challenging process (I seem to have a pretty headstrong little guy!) she made me feel comfortable and confident in the approach. I highly recommend this doula practice for any help you need. It takes a village and they are a wonderful village to have!”