“You’re going to eat what!?” That was my initial reaction when I first heard about people eating their placenta. I was open to the idea, but still skeptical.
When I got pregnant the first time, I did some research on placenta encapsulation and ultimately decided against it (which I’ll share more about later). Although my pregnancy was wonderful, postpartum hit me like a ton of bricks. My emotions felt like they were on a never-ending rollercoaster, and my milk supply was anything but strong. Fast forward to my second pregnancy, and I remember thinking, ‘Hmm, I wonder if consuming my placenta could actually be worth the hype.’ Well, as it turned out, it definitely was! The benefits I experienced were just too good not to share with you all. In this blog, I’m sharing what placenta encapsulation is, the potential pros and cons according to research, and my own personal experience. If you’re curious about placenta encapsulation, you’re going to want to keep reading…
What is Placenta Encapsulation?
Placenta Encapsulation is the process of preparing the placenta after childbirth by cleaning, dehydrating, and grinding it into a powder, which is then placed into capsules for you to consume to help aid in postpartum healing. Placenta encapsulators can typically be found by asking your healthcare provider, midwife, or doula for recommendations. Additionally, you can find placenta encapsulation services online or through local wellness and holistic health providers.
What are the pros and cons?
According to research, the pros are:
- Can help with postpartum depression: using placental hormones to prevent postpartum hormone withdrawal.
- Lactation: increased milk production.
- Reduced bleeding / accelerated recovery: effect of oxytocin on the uterus (contraction).
- Improved mood and subjectively more energy during the postpartum period.
According to research, the cons are:
- There could be potentially toxic trace elements below the toxicity threshold present in your placenta pills (Cd, As, Hg, Pb).
- There could be potentially pathogenic bacteria (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus) and associated transmission of infections from mother to child if not handled properly.
- If you had to take drugs of any kind, there could be questionable accumulation of drugs (anaesthetics, antibiotics from Caesarean section) present in your placenta pills.
- Lack of scientific evidence. A review published in the Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing in 2017 found that there is not enough evidence to support the safety or efficacy of placenta consumption.
Sharing My Experience with Placenta Encapsulation
When I gave birth to my daughter, it was May of 2020, shortly after COVID first happened, and I was skeptical about everything. The thought of my placenta leaving my sight, being in a hospital with COVID patients, and ending up somewhere safe, for me to then consume just felt like I would be taking a huge risk. I didn’t trust it enough, so ultimately, I decided against it.
As I mentioned before, during my first postpartum, I had a really hard time with my milk supply, and my emotions we’re all over the place. I’m definitely someone who will try just about anything if I think it will help improve my life. I heard so many positive stories from women who said their milk supply increased, and their mood was improved from taking their placenta pills. This was really what inspired me to try it for myself.
Although we were still somewhat in the middle of the COVID pandemic, my second birth was very different from the first. The second time around, I was planning a home birth, which meant I had complete control over every aspect of the process, including the handling of my placenta. From the very beginning, my birth team and I had multiple conversations about this topic, and we were all on the same page regarding my concerns. After feeling reassured and supported, making the decision to consume my placenta was a no-brainer for me – the benefits far outweighed any potential cons.
I went into it with an open mind and listened to my intuition throughout the process. I knew that if either my baby or I experienced any negative reactions from me taking the pills whatsoever, I would stop immediately.
The Placenta Encapsulation Process
My doula & midwife both used the same encapsulator in my area, so I knew she was extremely trusted. Her name is Katie Richardson for anyone wondering. You can find her here. After I birthed my placenta, my midwife and her team followed protocol. My midwife had very specific steps she took to make sure it was handled/packaged safely to be picked up. Katie picked up my placenta the day of my son’s birth, and then delivered my placenta pills and tincture the very next day. It was such an easy process.
How did the placenta pills make me feel?
If you read my son’s birth story, you know I bled a lot. Not only did my placenta pills help with this, but I could tell such a huge difference in my mood and milk supply. My mood was positive and balanced. My milk supply was strong, which honestly, kind of blew my mind. I’ve been able to nurse my son this entire time (11 months so far), and it has been a dream. I know there’s limited research out there, but what I experienced was powerful. It was so very positive, and I would 100% do it again.
Final Thoughts
I want to remind you that every woman’s postpartum experience is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Placenta encapsulation may not be for everyone, but for those considering it, I hope my personal experience and the information I’ve shared has been helpful.
Ultimately, it’s important to do your own research, consult with your healthcare provider, and make the decision that feels right for you and your baby. Whatever you choose, I wish you a happy and healthy postpartum journey!
xo – Chelsea
~ Want to make your postpartum journey easier and more enjoyable? Check out “Healing And Thriving: Essential Items For Your Postpartum Journey” for my personal tried and true recommendations.
