Why should I encapsulate my placenta?

 

The placenta is composed of beneficial hormones, chemicals, iron and proteins. By encapsulating your placenta and consuming it, your body will be able to utilize the wide variety of nutrients present in the placenta. It will assist in the transition into the "fourth trimester" and will provide the body with the necessary substances to recuperate properly and efficiently. The healing substances in placenta include:

 

Estrogen, Progesterone, Testosterone - Contributes to mammary gland development in preparation for lactation; 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; has 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.

 

 

 

 

Placenta Benefits & Uses:

 

Decreased Risk of Postpartum Depression

A mother’s hormones, progesterone in particular, plummet after birthing her baby. Placentas are filled with this hormone and can help compensate for this loss (as well as the other hormones created through pregnancy and labor that are present in the placenta). The placenta also secretes a significant amount of Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone (CRH), which is a stress reliever, during the third trimester.

 

Increase in Breast Milk Production

Placentas contain prolactin-like hormones at birth, so they are thought to be a lactogen. They have small amounts of oxytocin, which not only eases birth stress but also causes the smooth muscles around the mammary cells to contract and eject milk. Researchers conducted a study on 210 women with insufficient milk supply. These women were given dried placenta to consume; in just a matter of days, 86% of them had a positive increase in milk supply.

 

Reduction in Postpartum Bleeding

High levels of prostaglandins exist in the placenta, which stimulates involution (the shrinking of the uterus to its former size). This may help reduce or stop postpartum bleeding (also reducing anemia) and clean out the uterus. The oxytocin in the placenta may also be a factor in reducing or stopping bleeding.

 

Pain Relief and Improved Healing

Since the placenta still contains opium-like substances from childbirth, it may reduce the level of pain a mother feels during the postpartum period. The amount of blood, vitamins, minerals and protein in the placenta may be of great benefit to the mother consuming it, as it will give her more energy and replenishment. This can be particularly helpful to vegetarian mothers.

 

Reduced Risk of Postpartum Anemia

Women lose blood following birth and continue to lose blood for several more weeks. Placentas are a blood-filled organ, so encapsulation may help increase blood iron levels.

 

Continued Assistance for Future Use

Placenta pills can also be stored in the freezer or a cool, dry area for later use. Some mothers have reported that the capsules have helped them get through emotional struggles in the years following their births, hormonal fluctuations when menstruation resumes and the effects of menopause.

 

More Energy Sooner after Giving Birth

 Due to the numerous hormones, chemicals, proteins, etc that are present in placentas, it is incredibly nourishing and nutrient rich, which helps restore energy levels more rapidly.

 

 

 

Encapsulation Method:

 

The method used is a Traditional Chinese Medicine version of placenta encapsulation. First, the placenta is examined and then thoroughly cleaned with cold, filtered water. It is then steamed. **NOTE: The original TCM preparation calls for using herbs as well as ginger root and chili pepper during the steaming process. This method is used at the patient's request, if it seems appropriate. Once it is done steaming, it is sliced extremely thinly. After slicing, the strips are placed in an oven to be dehydrated over a period of several hours up to overnight. Once fully dehydrated, the placenta strips are ground into a powder and encapsulated in non-gelatin, vegetarian capsules. The prepared pills are then packaged and ready for delivery to you.

 

 

 

Additional Information:

 

What supplies do you use and how are they stored and sterilized?

All supplies used during the encapsulation process are stainless steel. Equipment is washed with antibacterial soap and sanitized with a bleach solution. Stainless steel equipment is boil-sanitized. The preparation area is fully cleaned and sanitized with a bleach solution prior to and after processing of the placenta. All equipment is thoroughly washed and sanitized prior to storage and again before use.  All OSHA & EPA guidelines regarding blood-borne pathogen transmission, infection prevention, standards for sanitation and safe food handling are adhered to during the entire process of placenta encapsulation.

 

How do I obtain my placenta following the birth?

If you are having a hospital birth, be sure to tell your primary care provider that you intend to take your placenta home after birth. Find out what your hospital’s policy is for the release of the placenta. You may also need to sign a release/waiver in order to take your placenta home. If you are having a home birth, your midwife or doula will typically bag it and ask if you want it refrigerated, frozen or thrown out. Follow the guidelines mentioned below for handling and storage guidelines.

 

How should my placenta be handled from the time of birth until time of processing?

If you are having a hospital birth, ask your nurse or doula to double bag the placenta in a biohazard bag or ziplock bag. It is recommended you bring two of your own zip lock bags and/or a plastic food storage container. Do not rely on the hospital to provide a container. The placenta should be put on ice and refrigerated immediately after it's delivered. Bringing a small cooler to transport the placenta to your home from the hospital is ideal. The placenta must be properly refrigerated or frozen until preparation. If the placenta will be prepared within 72 hours after delivery, then it may remain in the refrigerator. If the placenta will not be processed until later than 72 hours post-delivery, it should be placed in the back of the freezer where the temperature is most consistent. If you are having a home birth, ask your midwife or doula to double bag your placenta and refrigerate or freeze it. Storage is the same as mentioned above.

 

How many pills will I have and what is the shelf life?

A placenta will make between 75-200 capsules depending on the size of the baby, gestation and capsule size. The average amount of capsules from a placenta delivered at 40-42 weeks gestation is 120, size "0" capules. Placenta capsules should be refrigerated or stored in a cool, dry area while being consumed. They can also be stored in the back of your freezer indefinitely and used in the future, such as during menopause.

 

When will my pills be ready?

Your placenta pills will be ready for your consumption about 48 hours after I have received it. Once prepared, it can be picked up or delivered straight to you depending on your location and preference.