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What is placenta encapsulation?
Placenta encapsulation (also known as placentophagy) is the practice of consuming the placenta after birth. The placenta is processed by steaming and dehydrating it before it is finely ground and placed into capsules. Some women also choose a raw preparation method.
The placenta is a remarkable organ that develops during pregnancy and attaches to the wall of the uterus. It provides your baby with oxygen and nutrients while removing waste products throughout pregnancy.
The practice of consuming the placenta after birth has been documented across various cultures for centuries and is also referenced in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Within TCM philosophy, the postpartum period is viewed as a time when a woman may have an excess of “cold” in her body following pregnancy and birth. Prepared or cooked placenta is considered a warming and nourishing remedy that may help restore balance and support recovery during the postnatal period.
You must ensure that your health care providers are aware of your decision to have your placenta encapsulated so that they can place the placenta in the fridge before collection or delivery.
The process of encapsulating your placenta needs to start within 48 hours of the birth and only if the placenta has been kept either on ice or in the fridge or even the freezer if delivery cannot be done straight after birth.
Your placenta is uniquely created for you and your baby during pregnancy. It contains a range of hormones, nutrients, vitamins, minerals and other biological compounds that supported your pregnancy and your baby’s development.
Many women choose placenta encapsulation because they believe it may support their recovery after birth. While scientific research on placenta encapsulation remains limited, women who have used placenta capsules frequently report a range of positive experiences during the postpartum period.
Some of the commonly reported benefits include:
Every woman’s experience is different, and not all women will experience the same outcomes. However, many mothers who have chosen placenta encapsulation describe it as a valuable part of their postpartum recovery and wellbeing plan.
While many women report positive experiences with placenta encapsulation, scientific evidence regarding its benefits remains limited. As with many traditional postpartum practices, much of the support for placenta encapsulation comes from maternal experiences, anecdotal reports, and cultural traditions rather than large-scale scientific studies. Women choose placenta encapsulation for a variety of personal, cultural, and traditional reasons as part of their postpartum recovery journey.
Small studies have been published determining the benefits of placenta encapsulation, and there is plenty of anecdotal evidence from mothers who have used the placenta capsules.
Here are some resources provided by Placenta Services Australia for you to read more about the research on placenta encapsulation.
In recent months there has been discussions on Group B Strep and placenta encapsulation. Here is some information relating to this so you have a better understanding:
GROUP B STREP & PLACENTA ENCAPSULATION
Some women have even heard that take placenta capsules can inhibit milk production so let’s look at an article about that:
CAN TAKING PLACENTA CAPSULES REDUCE MY MILK SUPPLY?
Due to my commitment to training and mentoring doulas through the Doula Training Academy, I am currently not taking on placenta encapsulation clients.
However, I regularly refer families to experienced professionals whom I know and trust, and who provide a high standard of care and service.
Their details are listed below:
Nicole Catalano – Perth Placentas
www.perthplacentas.com
Tara Ravaei – The Freo Doula
https://www.thefreodoula.com/placenta-encapsulation
Helena Hentz – Dreambirth
https://dreambirth.com.au/menu-placenta-encapsulation.html
Kristin Beckedahl
https://www.mamawise.com.au/
Angela Gallagher – Made4Mum
https://www.made4mum.com.au/
Kara Allan – Divine Mother Services
https://www.divinemother.com.au/placenta-encapsulation
If you have any questions or would just like more information please don't hesitate to get in touch by clicking the button below and filling out the contact form.
Contact Vicki