A week ago I had the privilege of attending a placenta encapsulation class. As a Doula, my goal is to learn more skills that will be valuable for my clients and potential clients. I came across a beautiful young lady by the name of Kaci on Instagram one day while looking through a Doula hashtag and I followed her and we became insta buddies. I checked out her site and saw she was offering a placenta encapsulation class. I had an idea of what it was but didn’t know as much then as I know now. I consider myself a professional student and I’m always willing to learn new things especially in this birth worker space.
In this post, I’m going to talk about placenta encapsulation and what are the benefits.
What is a Placenta?
The placenta is a temporary organ that develops in your uterus during pregnancy. This organ provides nutrients and oxygen to your growing baby during pregnancy, and it also removes waste products from your baby’s blood. The placenta attaches to the wall of your uterus, and your baby’s umbilical cord arises from it. The organ is usually attached to the top, side, front, or back of the uterus.
What is Placenta Encapsulation?
The custom of consuming the placenta which is known as placental encapsulation is centuries old and is often practiced in Chinese medicine. Placental encapsulation is the practice of ingesting the placenta after it has been steamed, dehydrated, ground, and placed into pills. Traditionally, this is taken by the mother and is believed to impart numerous health benefits. It is frequently taken shortly after giving birth, during a woman’s menstrual period, or during menopause with the belief that it helps counter some of the symptoms of menopause.
Benefits of Placenta Encapsulation
There is little evidence-based research available in regards to placental encapsulation and its consumption benefits. However, tradition and holistic customs embrace numerous potential advantages which come from ingesting the placenta.
Some of these benefits are:
- Increase production of milk
- Increased supply of Iron
- A decrease in post-partum depression levels
- Better Maternal bonding with baby
- Reduced PostNatal bleeding
- Reduce hair loss
- Increased in energy
- Increased release of the hormone oxytocin, which helps the uterus to return to its normal size
Making Your Decision:
There is limited research available in either support or opposition of placenta encapsulation, although there are many reported benefits. The potential benefits of placenta encapsulation include both mental and physical benefits. An individual’s experience with their placenta is a very personal one. Individual assessment of one’s risk of developing a postpartum mood disorder, having milk supply issues, or possibly struggling from blood loss after giving birth may be the most appropriate guide in determining whether or not placenta encapsulation is right for you.
I’m currently waiting on my official certification but if you’re in the Atlanta area and you’re interested in this service reach out to me via email and of course, reach out to my amazing instructor Kaci Griffin from Labor With Kaci, and also follow her on Instagram. We are committed to the safe preparation and storage of the placenta for those interested in experiencing the great benefits of placenta encapsulation.
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