spoiler alert: im about to post about consuming your own placenta. if the idea of doing so makes you want to reach for the nearest barf bag, do it, but continue reading because you may be surprised by what i've found.
powdered placenta has been used in traditional chinese medicine for centuries. almost every mammal ingests their own placenta after the birth. so why is the concept so alien to most of us? placenta encapsulation is a common topic when midwives or doulas are present during birth. i've only delivered in hospitals but had heard the topic brought up at a baby shower. lets google.
this link states that placenta encapsulation is an invaluable part of postpartum healing for both mother and child and lists the following benefits:
· Balance your hormones
· Increase milk supply
· Combat Fatigue
· Increase your energy
· Prevent signs of aging
· Recover more quickly from childbirth
· Replenish what was lost during childbirth
· Bring the body back into balance
· Prevent and treat the “baby blues”
· Shorten postnatal bleeding time
· Increase postnatal iron levels
· Regulate hormones during menopause
this link explains why to encapsulate the placenta and provides an explanation of how it's done.
this link lists multiple articles stating scientific research regarding placenta encapsulation.
this link takes you to an instructional post on how to encapsulate your own placenta with step-by-step instructions and photos.
i've commissioned sara from mommy feel good to turn my placenta into capsules and a tincture. read more about placenta tinctures here. i'll be sure to create a follow-up post describing my experience.
Comments