Placenta Encapsulation…Wait…What?!
Placenta Encapsulation. Placenta Encapsulation?? Yes! You might be thinking right now, wow that’s just so…well…, weird right?! As a modern woman of the 21st Century, yes it sounds strange that we would consume our own placenta. That’s stone age style isn’t it? Trust me, it may sound completely different from anything you’ve ever experienced or even heard of before, but if you don’t at least continue reading, you’re REALLY missing out.
When discussing the benefits of placenta encapsulation with my clients (many whom have not previously encapsulated their placenta before) I often tell them about my own experience with it. I didn’t try placenta encapsulation with my first baby, I did hear about it but I opted not to do it. By the time I became pregnant with my second I knew it was something I was absolutely doing this time. Although the extra support with my first baby would have been helpful, I am glad that I have two different postpartum experiences to share.
So why are people raving about placenta encapsulation? Are there any real benefits to taking it?
Up to 80% of women experience the baby blues within the first week of birth. That puts your chances as more than likely to experience baby blues! However, mothers that consumed their placenta reported less emotional issues and a more enjoyable postpartum experience compared to mothers that didn’t.
So what are all the benefits of placenta encapsulation? Even if you’ve had successful milk supply with previous pregnancies and think you wouldn’t need it, encapsulation offers a lot more that can benefit your body postpartum. For example:
· Preventing and lessening the risk of postpartum depression or “baby blues”
· Replenishing your iron from blood loss during birth and to prevent postpartum anemia
· Lending you a consistent flow of oxytocin long after your birth euphoria ends
· Providing the HPL hormone to help establish early and healthy milk supply
· To stabilize your ever-changing hormones post birth
· To replenish your B vitamins and energy that were used during the labor and birthing process
· Protection from infection and bleeding due to retained placenta tissue or membranes
· Natural pain relief from the labor and birth of the baby
· Increased release of the hormone oxytocin, which helps the uterus return to normal size and encourages bonding with your baby
Placenta Encapsulation from a Placenta Encapsualtor’s Perspective
As a first-time mom, or even just experiencing pregnancy for the first time, it can be SO overwhelming. I clearly remember learning about and making decisions on things I never thought about ever in my life before. After all, bringing another life into this world, I wanted to make sure I was doing the best for this new tiny person. I heard about placenta encapsulation during the last couple months of pregnancy, and I even contacted a placenta encapsulation specialist in my area. I inquired about pricing, and how the process would work. I was prepared. But I didn’t do it. Looking back, I think I just didn’t see the value in the service. I didn’t have any friends that had done it and no one to speak with that had done it to get an idea of their experience.
My first postpartum experience with my son was rough. I would definitely define myself in that period of my life as a hot mess mom. I didn’t know what I was doing (why don’t babies come with a legit manual?!) I had a lot of postpartum anxiety, I was overwhelmed, I was tired, my mood wasn’t great, I felt irritable, frustrated, and I felt like no one was there to support me. I did have my husband and he was wonderfully supportive, however when he had to return back to work, it was HARD. Looking back, not only should I have encapsulated my placenta, but I definitely needed a Postpartum Doula.
A couple years later with my second pregnancy things were a bit different because I was now a Birth Doula, Postpartum Doula, and a Placenta Encapsulation Specialist and Trainer. After working with many clients and encapsulating their placentas and hearing about the wonderful postpartum recoveries they were having, I KNEW this time I was encapsulating my own placenta.
So after the birth of my daughter, I was excited to encapsulate my own placenta. Note to future self, do not try to encapsulate your own placenta right after having a baby. No really, you can encapsulate your own placenta but let me just tell you, it is NOT easy to do when you have a cluster feeding adorable bundle of joy wanting your every moment of attention. I remember it took me way longer than it ever would with a client because I couldn’t finish it straight through. I had to stop many times to nurse, my bottom was sore sitting right after birth (ouch), I was exhausted from being up for days, and yes, next time I will hire a colleague!
But do you know what WAS great about encapsulating my own placenta? I kid you not the difference was clear. My milk came in within 30 hours (I contribute that to MotherTea and my placenta smoothie, followed up by placenta capsules) and it was plentiful! I remember the amount of energy I had surprised me. I felt like I wanted to start reorganizing and cleaning my house and have company over! This was just a day after birth. I felt so good! My mood was AMAZING. I didn’t get any baby blues, any postpartum depression or anxiety, and I didn’t get overwhelmed like I did with my first. It was as if I had this inner calming ability that prevented me from getting flustered and I was able to cope with each situation (i.e. diaper blowouts in places when you forgot your diaper bag) calmly and in complete control. I was even able to just laugh at a disaster in the making rather than just let it ruin my whole day. I also felt like I had a faster recovery with a lot less postpartum bleeding, that didn’t last as long as it did with my first too.
Placenta Products for the Modern Woman…
So when it comes to consuming your placenta, what are your options you might ask? Well, we’ve come a long way from the ancient tribes and cultures that participated in this practice. Here’s how the modern woman can reap the benefits of her placenta.
· Placenta Pills: Placenta capsules can be prepared using the Traditional Chinese Medicine method, steaming with lemon and ginger before dehydration, or the Non-steamed (Raw Food Movement) method which skips steaming the placenta and dehydrates the placenta in its natural state.
· Placenta Smoothies: Placenta smoothies involve putting a small piece of raw placenta in a fruit smoothie. They are great right after birth for an immediate boost in energy and nutrients. They are meant to be used short term as they help with postpartum bleeding and aiding the uterus in shrinking back to its normal size. Some women enjoy adding a placenta smoothie in addition to their capsules for an extra boost before your capsules are ready. You may also opt for a complete smoothie preparation and enjoy your placenta raw in smoothies for the first couple weeks after birth
· Placenta Tinctures: A tincture is an alcohol extraction of your placenta - the alcohol extracts the medicinal constituents of the placenta, resulting in a concentrated medicinal liquid. Placenta tinctures help you prolong the benefits of your placenta hormones after your capsules are finished. Tinctures are great for use during emotional distress, times of transition or trauma, and during menopause to ease your symptoms. Tinctures can be taken a drop at a time directly under your tongue, or put a few drops in a juice of your choice.
· Placenta Balms: The placenta has been used in skincare since the ancient times and was especially favored by the Romans in lotions and creams for its amazing benefits to the skin. It is still used today in the cosmetic and skin care industry primarily with sheep placenta. Instead of spending a fortunate on the highly revered placenta skin care lines, you can take advantage of using your own placenta which is the closest to your infant and your own biology. Placenta balms help to heal, renew, and protect you and baby’s skin with c-section incisions, perineal scaring and trauma, diaper rash, cracked nipples (it’s THE BEST nipple cream), burns, cuts, sores, dry skin, eczema, acne, and so much more!
· Umbilical Cord Keepsakes: Some women love to have a memento or a keepsake of their birth. A keepsake involves shaping the baby’s umbilical cord into a shape (typically a heart) or a word like love, if the cord is long enough. It is then dehydrated and placed in a beautiful keepsake bag. This service is free and optional. If you choose not to have a keepsake, the cord is encapsulated with your placenta often aiding in a higher yield of capsules.
To learn more about the different products we offer click here
As the owner of a Placenta Encapsulation business, what placenta products would I highly recommend?
My goal when I started Lancaster Placenta Co. was to take the placenta encapsulation service to a whole new level for my clients. Before launching my business, women were not given many options or choices, and were basically charged a steep price, and told “this is what you get”. I’ve always seen business as being in the customer service industry. I recognize that you cannot have a business without the support of your customers or clients! With that said, I felt it was my duty as a placenta encapsulation specialist to not only offer the service, but get to know each one of my clients, and truly help personalize the experience for them. I decided that I would offer as many options and products as I could, and then just listen. After listening and getting to know each person I can figure out what products would best aid them the according to their postpartum goals. This service is all about helping you have the best postpartum journey possible.
If a client isn’t -sure what they are looking for, or just wants the most well rounded or long- term support, I always suggest 1 placenta smoothie at birth, placenta capsules, and a larger tincture. This is the marathon package as far as placenta products go because you are getting support from day 1 all the way through the first year.
Whether you’re a first time mom, or a seasoned pro, considering placenta encapsulation for your postpartum wellness is a big decision. In my opinion, it can be one of the best investments you make in yourself, ensuring the best postpartum outcome for you, your baby, and your family. Your postpartum recovery doesn’t have to be anything less than what you imagined. If you’re considering placenta encapsulation give me a call, or send me an email. I’d love to get to know more about you and your wishes for your postpartum months! Click here to get in contact with us!
If you’re interested in learning how to start a career as a professional placenta encapsulation specialist, we off training for professionals through IPPA. Contact us for more information!
References:
https://www.bellybelly.com.au/birth/placenta-encapsulation/