Yes, my first reaction when I first heard the term was "is that what I think it is?" And yes it was exactly that. But as a local Midwife continued to tell me more about the benefits for postpartum moms, it all started to make sense.

Birth and After-Birth

You see, Traditional Chinese Medicine has been using placenta medicinally for thousands of years. The placenta is rich in hormones and iron that leave the body once the placenta is born. Humans are one of the few land mammals that do not regularly eat their placentas also known as phacentophagia. But when moms consume the placenta in any form it helps them maintain hormone and iron levels in just a few weeks after giving birth.

The Placenta

The Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology shows that fatigue is one of the major causes of postpartum depression. Phacentophagia helps reduces fatigue and speeds up the healing process. Some midwifes say that it can help promote the uterus to shrink back to size which prevents excessive postpartum bleeding.

Another big advantage is an increase in milk production for moms consuming dehydrated placenta. There is a good amount of oxytocin, which is responsible for the milk ejection reflex known as “let down.” In 1954, researcher’s conducted a study on 210 women who were expected to have insufficient milk supply. But once given dried placenta to the women, 86% of them had a positive increase in their milk production within a matter of days.

The encapsulation process is done in two steps. First the placenta is steamed using herbs that lend their healing properties then dried. Next the placenta is ground and encapsulated and Mom can begin taking them right away for maximum postpartum benefits. From what my midwife friend has experienced, women who have taken placenta capsules report positive effects as quickly as the same afternoon.

One placenta can produce 75-200 capsules and freezing some for the menopause years is not unheard of. You only get one placenta so why not use it for the healthful benefits! For more information about Amy and her services for placenta encapsulation, please contact her at 760-521-4651.

Author: Unique Ultrasound