What is placenta encapsulation and is consuming placenta capsules safe?
What is Placenta Encapsulation?
Placenta encapsulation is a practice where the placenta is cleaned, dehydrated, and encapsulated into pills. It has been gaining popularity in recent years as a way to help postpartum women recover and replenish their nutrient stores.
A Brief History
The practice of placenta consumption dates back centuries in various cultures around the world. However, placenta encapsulation, as we know it today, emerged in the late 20th century. It was popularized by a doula and herbalist named Robin Lim.
Is Placenta Encapsulation Safe?
I use a multi-step preparation in order to ensure the safety and maintain the integrity of your placenta capsules.
Steaming:
Anecdotal evidence suggests potential benefits, such as:
The Latest Research on Iron Levels
A recent study published in the journal Nutrients investigated the impact of placenta encapsulation on iron levels in postpartum women. The study found that women who consumed encapsulated placenta had significantly higher iron levels compared to those who did not. This suggests that placenta encapsulation may be a beneficial way to replenish iron stores after childbirth.
Important Considerations
While placenta encapsulation is generally considered safe, there are various contraindications for placenta encapsulation. Together we can navigate your individual options.
What is Placenta Encapsulation?
Placenta encapsulation is a practice where the placenta is cleaned, dehydrated, and encapsulated into pills. It has been gaining popularity in recent years as a way to help postpartum women recover and replenish their nutrient stores.
A Brief History
The practice of placenta consumption dates back centuries in various cultures around the world. However, placenta encapsulation, as we know it today, emerged in the late 20th century. It was popularized by a doula and herbalist named Robin Lim.
Is Placenta Encapsulation Safe?
I use a multi-step preparation in order to ensure the safety and maintain the integrity of your placenta capsules.
Steaming:
- Reduces microbial load: Heat from steaming can kill many harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites that may be present on the raw placenta.
- Coagulates proteins: The heat denatures proteins, making the tissue more stable and less prone to spoilage.
- Further reduces microbial growth: High temperatures during dehydration can kill any remaining microorganisms.
- Lowers water activity: By removing moisture, dehydration inhibits the growth of bacteria, mold, and yeast.
Anecdotal evidence suggests potential benefits, such as:
- Increased energy levels: Many women report feeling more energized and less fatigued after consuming encapsulated placenta.
- Reduced postpartum bleeding: Some women claim that placenta encapsulation helps to reduce postpartum bleeding.
- Improved mood: Anecdotal evidence suggests that placenta encapsulation can help alleviate postpartum mood swings and depression.
- Increased milk supply: Some women believe that placenta encapsulation can help boost milk supply. (It is important to note, however, that some studies suggest that consuming placenta may inhibit milk production. This is because the placenta contains hormones, including progesterone, which can suppress lactation. For this reason, I suggest waiting until your milk supply has been established before beginning your placenta capsules regimen.
The Latest Research on Iron Levels
A recent study published in the journal Nutrients investigated the impact of placenta encapsulation on iron levels in postpartum women. The study found that women who consumed encapsulated placenta had significantly higher iron levels compared to those who did not. This suggests that placenta encapsulation may be a beneficial way to replenish iron stores after childbirth.
Important Considerations
While placenta encapsulation is generally considered safe, there are various contraindications for placenta encapsulation. Together we can navigate your individual options.
Placenta Salve
$35.00
Some of the placenta powder is infused into a high quality salve base. Used for: Cesarean scars, perineal tears, itching, hemorrhoids, burns, eczema, sunburn, diaper rash, and as a general healing and skin-care salve for mother, baby, and family.
Placenta Tincture
$50.00
A concentrated alcohol solution that contains the powerful nutrients and hormones of your placenta to provide balance when your body needs it. The placenta is also a brilliant source of stem cells and a tincture allows for perfect preservation without cooking or dehydration.
The final product is ready six weeks of birth and if stored properly can last a lifetime.
The Placenta Tincture can stabilize hormones and increase energy levels. It can be used during times of stress or transition.
It is an excellent option for those wanting a remedy to support them through PMS and menopause.
Placenta Tincture is an extra bonus in that it can be used in addition to your capsules and brings different healing properties.
Placenta Encapsulation
$225.00
Choose your preparation method. Includes capsules, and complimentary placenta print, & cord keepsake.
Gentle Method -
This method is what most are referring to when they invoke TCM, because it draws on principles of balance between warm and cold forces. Steaming the placenta tempers the hormones it contains and allows for a more gentle reintroduction and reabsorption into the body over time. Most placentas are prepared using this method.
I may recommend steamed prep if you usually run cold, are having a fall or winter (or cold-weather) birth, or often crave salads and fresh fruits and vegetables. For those who have pre-existing mental health struggles, or have experienced postpartum mood disorders before, this is often the better choice — capsules created with the raw method may be overwhelming to some people with a history of depression or anxiety. People who choose this method often report a smoother emotional transition and a stronger, more stable milk supply.
Steaming the placenta does cause it to shrink a bit in size, so I often expect that a steamed preparation will yield slightly (not significantly) fewer capsules as an end result. The difference is not enough to deter people from choosing this method, but it is worth noting.
Another consideration: this is the only way I will process a placenta if the birthing person has a positive Group B Strep status, because steaming is an added layer of assurance that the bacteria will not be passed along. Being GBS+ is not a contraindication to encapsulation, but I do require that you are transparent about your health history so that I can assist you in making the best, safest choice for your placenta.
Raw Method -
This method essentially skips the steaming step above and, as such, does not impart additional warmth to the placenta. The placenta is still dehydrated to food-safe internal temperatures, killing off any residual bacteria or junk, but this process does not temper the hormones and nutrients as thoroughly as does the steamed method.
I may recommend this method if you usually run hot, are having a summer birth, or often crave spicy dishes, soups, and warming foods. Raw prep is useful for blood building and returning iron stores, especially in the early days after birth. People who choose this method often report a smoother physical recovery and more energy in the postpartum period.
Placenta Print Keepsake
$25.00
A Placenta Print Keepsake is a print made from the placenta; a lifelong memento of your child’s birth. Placenta prints are made by taking the placenta coloring, using organic natural food safe dyes and pressing it, along with the umbilical cord, onto acid-free paper. The result is a unique work of art that looks something like a tree, which makes sense as the placenta is sometimes referred to as the “Tree of Life.” Once the print has dried, families can frame and display it as a conversation starter or keep it tucked away as a personal keepsake.
***FREE WITH ENCAPSULATION***
I am a trained and certified placenta specialist through Brilliant Birth Academy.
