Placenta encapsulation is a process that has been gaining popularity among women who seek to reap the potential health benefits of their placenta postpartum. This practice involves steaming, dehydrating, and grinding the placenta into a powder, which is then placed into capsules for the mother to ingest. Here, we'll explore the potential benefits of placenta encapsulation and the various methods used to prepare these capsules.
Benefits of Placenta Encapsulation
1. Nutrient Replenishment: The placenta is rich in essential nutrients, including iron, protein, and vitamins B6 and B12. Ingesting these nutrients can help replenish those lost during childbirth, potentially aiding in faster recovery.
2. Hormonal Balance: The placenta contains hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, which can help balance the postpartum hormonal fluctuations that often lead to mood swings and postpartum depression.
3. Increased Energy Levels: Many women report increased energy levels after consuming placenta capsules. This boost can be attributed to the high iron content, which helps combat postpartum fatigue and anemia.
4. Enhanced Milk Production: Some mothers find that consuming placenta capsules supports lactation and improves milk supply, likely due to the hormone prolactin present in the placenta.
5. Reduced Postpartum Depression: Anecdotal evidence suggests that placenta encapsulation can help reduce the symptoms of postpartum depression. The placenta's hormone content may help stabilize mood and combat the "baby blues."
Methods of Placenta Encapsulation
There are two primary methods of placenta encapsulation: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and the raw method. Each method has its own process and potential benefits.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Method
The TCM method involves steaming the placenta with herbs, such as ginger, lemon, and hot pepper, before dehydrating it. This method is rooted in ancient Chinese medicinal practices and is believed to enhance the placenta's warming properties, which can be beneficial for postpartum recovery.
1. Steaming: The placenta is gently steamed with herbs to reduce its rawness and enhance its medicinal properties.
2. Dehydrating: After steaming, the placenta is sliced thinly and dehydrated until it is completely dry.
3. Grinding and Encapsulation: The dried placenta is ground into a fine powder and placed into capsules.
The TCM method is thought to provide a gentler, more balanced energy, supporting a smoother postpartum recovery.
Raw Method
The raw method skips the steaming process, preserving more of the placenta's nutrients and hormones in their natural state. This method involves:
1. Cleaning and Dehydrating: The placenta is thoroughly cleaned and then sliced thinly before being dehydrated raw.
2. Grinding and Encapsulation: Once dehydrated, the placenta is ground into a powder and encapsulated.
Proponents of the raw method believe that it retains higher levels of nutrients and hormones, providing a more potent boost for postpartum recovery.
Recap-
Placenta encapsulation offers numerous potential benefits for postpartum recovery, from nutrient replenishment and hormonal balance to increased energy levels and improved milk production. Whether choosing the Traditional Chinese Medicine method or the raw method, encapsulating the placenta provides new mothers with a natural option to support their postpartum health. As with any supplement, it's essential to consult with your provider and doula to ensure it's safe and suitable to consume once you deliver.Â
If you or someone you know is interested in encapsulating your placenta, please reach out to me in advanced at shira@abirthconnection.com. You have a variety of packages you can choose from in addition to the capsules.
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