The many benefits of placenta encapsulation
So you've heard of placenta encapsulation and you're intrigued. But what actually is it and why would we consider consuming it in the postpartum period?
Placentophagy is the act of consuming one's own placenta after birth. It is growing increasingly popular and there's no wonder why with all of the reported benefits that mum's are experiencing.
As a mama myself, who has reaped the rewards of my own placenta, I can definitely recommend that you are on the right track to optimising your postpartum journey by consuming your placenta. While it's certainly an option to eat your placenta raw (placenta smoothie anyone?), most women who consume their placentas choose to have it encapsulated (Selander et al. 2013).
At a high level overview, the process is simply taking the placenta and either steaming it or leaving it raw, slicing it into very thin strips, dehydrating it, grounding it down into a powder and placed into capsules.
So what are some of the benefits we are seeing out of this space?
Restored or balanced hormones and nutrients
Higher energy levels
Quicker recovery post birth
Reduced bleeding
Quicker uterine involution (the uterus contracting back to it's usual state after birth)
Decreased postnatal mood disorders
Enhanced mood
Increasing breast milk supply
Facilitates bonding with your baby
Much of the evidence surrounding these benefits can be attributed to the plethora of hormones, minerals and elements contained within the organ (Young et al. 2016). For example, there is evidence to suggest that placenta capsules contain enough iron to positively effect a mothers' iron stores when consumed (Gryder et al. 2016). Since iron deficiency can be a real issue for postpartum mums, and linked to many consequences such as impaired physical activity, deficits in mood and cognition and reduced immune function (Beard et al. 2005), this is a really positive finding.
Aside from iron, we also know that there are other presence of trace minerals and elements in encapsulated tissue such as, Copper, Manganese, Molybdenum, Selenium and Zinc to name a few. Some of which are at high enough levels to contribute to recommended daily allowances (Young et al. 2016).
While there are some studies to support the benefits of placenta encapsulation, which I have listed here, it is important to note that it isn't a field of study that is supported with the necessary funding it requires to explore deeper.
In many ways, this really resonates with me, as there is so much around the placenta, and the birth realm that remain as women's mysteries, that really don't need much explanation at all. And, there is simply no denying the overwhelming anecdotal evidence supporting the benefits of this practice.
Where relevant, research articles have been cited to support this text. As always, it is encouraged to do your own research into this topic to decide whether this practice will be right for you.
Selander, J., Cantor, A., Young, S. M., & Benyshek, D. C. (2013).Human maternal placentophagy: A survey of self-reportedmotivations and experiences associated with placenta con-sumption. Ecology of Food and Nutrition, 52 (2), 93–115. http:// dx.doi.org/10.1080/03670244.2012.719356
Young, S., Gryder, L., David, W., Teng, Y., Gerstenberger, S., & Benyshek, D. (2016). Human placenta processed for encapsulation contains modest concentrations of 14 trace minerals and elements. Nutrition Research, 36(8), 872-878. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.nutres.2016.04.005
Gryder, L., Young, S., Zava, D., Norris, W., Cross, C., & Benyshek, D. (2017). Effects of Human Maternal Placentophagy on Maternal Postpartum Iron Status: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study. Journal of Midwifery and Women's Health, 62(1), 68-79.
Beard, J., Hendricks, M., Perez, E., Murray-Kolb, L., Berg, A., & Vernon-Feagans, L. et al. (2005). Maternal Iron Deficiency Anemia Affects Postpartum Emotions and Cognition. Journal of Nutrition, 135(2), 267-272. Jn.nutrition.org. Retrieved 27 October 2017, from http://jn.nutrition.org/content/135/2/267.full
Hayes, E. (2016). Consumption of the Placenta in the Postpartum Period. Journal Of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing, 45(1), 78-89. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jogn.2015.10.008