Archive | October, 2011

When I first heard about the idea of having my placenta encapsulated, I was completely turned off. After the birth of my daughter Karis, my mother-in-law put my placenta in the freezer in case I wanted to plant it under a tree. No thank you. Months later I found it tucked away back in my freezer. I transferred it to the trash immediately. I didn’t care to have that strange blob of an organ anywhere near me. SO if you are in the same boat right now, I give you complete freedom to ignore this post…it took me two babies to finally convince myself to try it.

After experiencing difficult postpartum blues after the births of my first two children, I knew it was time to do a little more research into helping prevent this for baby number 3. After discussion with my midwives, I asked myself, “could it really hurt to try it?” Low and behold, God had provided for my hormonal needs in the very process of preparing a baby in my womb. As I began researching it further, I have been fascinated again and again at the way God has beautifully designed this organ not only for the nourishing of our baby but for the health and healing of a mother’s body.

For thousands of years, the Chinese have upheld the value of the placenta for the postpartum recovery process. After birth, the majority of new mothers experience blood loss, fatigue, and a crazy influx of pregnancy hormones. 80% of women experience some level of postpartum blues or depression. Full of life energy, the placenta aids in postpartum wellness by replenishing your system with natural iron & protein and helps reintroduce these essential hormones back into your system.

Benefits of Placenta Capsules

The known ingredients that give the placenta its healing properties are:

Gonadotrophin: the precursor to estrogen, progesterone and testosterone,
Prolactin: promotes lactation,
Oxytocin: for pain and bonding; produced during breastfeeding to facilitate bonding of mother and infant. In pharmaceutical form this is a very addictive drug because it promotes a feeling of connectedness with others,
Thyroid stimulating hormone: boosts energy and helps recovery from stressful events,
Cortisone: combats stress and unlocks energy stores,
Interferon: stimulates the immune system to protect against infections,
Prostaglandins: anti-inflammatory,
Hemoglobin: replenishes iron deficiency and anemia, a common postpartum condition,
Urokinase inhibiting factor and factor XIII: stops bleeding and enhances wound healing,
Gammaglobulin: immune booster that helps protect against postpartum infections.
(Source)

I have had a completely different recovery experience with my third child then previously. I have always struggled with poor milk supply and have been forced to supplement by six months of age. This time I have experienced a significant increase in my milk supply than ever before. My baby has certainly increased in weight at a more rapid rate and is sleeping more peacefully. I also had a much faster recovery time, less bleeding and stress, and increased energy. Bonding with my baby has been such a beautiful process. I feel a real special unique bond with this little one, which I find difficult to describe. It’s deeper and more precious than I have experienced.

I have certainly had a few boughts of emotional challenges, but it has been nothing like the weepy nature of my prior recoveries. I cannot express how much I have appreciated the benefits of taking my placenta tablets. Whenever I was having a rough emotional day, my husband would ask, “did you take your placenta pills today?” The answer was always “no”. We knew firsthand that it was having a significant impact on keeping me balanced emotionally.

My midwives even shared with me that the placenta can be very effective in helping balance your body during menopause. They recommended saving a portion of the tablets in the freezer for later use.

“Giving…placenta to a new mother following birth has become standard protocol among a growing number of midwives in the United States. By nourishing the blood and fluids, endocrine glands and organs, Placenta will …reduce or stop postpartum bleeding, speed up recovery, boost energy and relieve postpartum blues.” Homes, Peter. 1993. Jade Remedies, Snow Lotus Press, 352.

How can I get my placenta encapsulated?

Encapsulation is a simple process of cooking, dehydrating, and blending the placenta prior to putting it into capsules. In a similar manner as you would consume any other vitamin or capsule, you swallow these pills with your choice of liquid. You can encapsulate your own placenta through an easy step by step tutorial. This of course is a more frugal option. I personally recommend hiring a certified specialist to do it for you. Encapsulation costs anywhere between $150-250 dollars. In my case, I didn’t even have to see or touch the placenta at all. My midwife took it immediately after the birth and returned it the next day in capsule form. What could be easier? Since I was in recovery, the last thing I wanted to think about was encapsulating it myself.

To find a certified placenta specialist in your area, or to find out more information on this process, visit:

Placenta Bakery
placentanetwork.com
Google Maps Placenta Directory
Placenta Benefits Specialists
International Directory

If you are having a hospital birth, learn how to get your placenta released here.

How do I take them and for how long?

It is recommended to take two tablets each day with meals for as long as you feel it necessary. I took mine daily for six weeks postpartum and continue to take a tablet or two on emotionally trying days. Store the rest in the freezer and use as needed for dealing with PMS or menopause.

Now this may have been just one of several factors that played into my superior recovery process, but taking these pills has not hurt anything, and what a blessing to see it reused for such a useful purpose. I have had the most peaceful and enjoyable babymoon with this baby then ever before. My husband and I would agree that it certainly was worth every penny to give it a try!

For further tips on postpartum recovery, check out Practical Tips for Postpartum.