What is placenta encapsulation?
It is the process of dehydrating the placenta to the point where it can be finely ground into a powder. This powder is then placed into easy to swallow capsules. It is 100% your own placenta, nothing added. You take the capsules with a drink up to 3 times per day similar to other supplements.
Why do it?
There are many reasons why a Mom would want to encapsulate her placenta and it is a very personal decision.
While there is currently no scientific evidence backing placenta encapsulation, it is hard to argue some of the benefits reported by Mothers who have consumed it, me included! Whether you give birth naturally or through a caesarean, your body will lose a lot of blood quite quickly which can result in low iron levels. Low iron can make you feel very fatigued, weak and faint. Placenta encapsulation benefits the new Mother by supplying a rich source of iron, amino acids and essentials fats to help your body recovery from the marathon that your body has completed during labour and birth.
The most important nutrients and hormones found in rich supply in the placenta include:
- Stem cells and growth factors
- Iron – essential for oxygen absorption in the cells
- Vitamin B6 – aids in the making of antibodies and protects the immune system
- Vitamin E – for healing damaged skin cells
- Oxytocin hormone – essential for facilitating birth, breastfeeding and bonding with baby
- Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) – responsible for reducing stress levels (helping with post natal depression)
- Cytokines – Fibroblasts that trigger cell metabolism healing and replacing damaged cells and tissue.
- Prolactin – promotes and increases lactation
- Oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone – which help the body prepare for lactation and reduces post birth cramping
- Cortisone – Fights stress and unlocks stored energy reserves. Promotes healing and reduces inflammation
Reported benefits of Placenta Encapsulation
Below are the listed benefits that Mothers worldwide have described feeling after taking placenta capsules. Every Mothers journey is as unique as her placenta and so the benefits may differ from Mother to Mother.
Feedback from clients include Increased energy, boosted breastmilk supply, no baby blues and feeling very mentally balanced a long with glowing hair, skin and nails.
What Mothers say:
- Reduced post birth bleeding and an overall faster healing after delivery
- Promotes a good supply of breast milk and when taken soon after birth, can help to bring in your milk quickly
- Balances the hormones that typically peak and drop frequently in the first days and weeks with a newborn
- Reduces stress levels
- Prevents baby blues and post natal depression
- Overall good energy, which is so important when dealing with broken sleep at night
- Nourished looking skin, hair and nails. Many still felt they had a pregnancy ‘glow’
Are there any side effects?
We cannot guarantee results with placenta capsules or any other placenta remedy. Because your placenta is made by you the quality and potency of your placenta remedies is unique to your own placenta. We highly recommend storing your placenta capsules properly in a cool, dark, dry place and not in the fridge. Also do not take more than the recommended dose. Following these guidelines will reduce your chances of experiencing any side effects. Very rarely, less than 2% of our clients have reported some side effects when taking their placenta capsules. We have listed these below for your benefit.
- Mild headaches (reported 3 times – we believe a lower dose is recommended to solve this problem)
- Stomach cramping or abdominal pain (reported once – was the result of improper storage of capsules)
- Diarrhoea, loose stools or constipation (this may be caused by the high levels of iron in the capsules and we recommend you do not take iron supplements alongside your capsules)
- PUPPPs rash returning after 3 days of consuming capsules (reported once)
- Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) sufferers feel less relief (we believe this is due to the high level of relaxin hormone in the placenta, which is the cause of PGP)
- Unexplained lack of milk production (reported from 4 women over the last 5 years)
- Emotional symptoms similar to PMS (reported 4 times)
Information provided by IPEN Placenta Network, Professional Training in Placenta Services