Placenta Encapsulation and Tinctures

 

Research on placentophagy is still in its infancy, although there is a large body of research beginning to develop on postpartum hormone fluctuations and health. Researchers from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) conducted a study that focused on CRH (Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone).

CRH is a stress reducer, and is generally produced by the hypothalamus. During the last trimester of pregnancy, the placenta secretes so much CRH that the levels in the bloodstream increase threefold.

What does a placenta look like? (warning: images are of a newly-delivered placenta and blood)

However, it was also discovered that postpartum women have lower than average levels of CRH, triggering depressive symptoms. Researchers conclude that the placenta secrets so much CRH that the hypothalamus stops producing it. Once the placenta is delivered, it takes some time for the hypothalamus to get the signal that the CRH levels are low, and to begin producing it again. This is just another sign that there is likely a biological cause for the baby blues, directly related to hormone levels.

Your baby’s placenta, in capsule form:

  • Contains your own natural hormones, and is perfectly made for you
  • Balances your system, aiding in a quicker healing after birth
  • Replenish depleted iron, decreasing chances of iron deficiency anemia
  • Give you more energy, and decreases insomnia and sleep disorders
  • Lessen bleeding postnatally
  • Increases production of breast milk
  • Decreases postpartum depression and aids in a happier postpartum period
  • Encourages return of uterus to pre-pregnancy state
  • Helpful during menopause

To prepare for placenta encapsulation:

  • Make sure that taking your placenta with you is a part of your birth plan, if having a hospital birth.
  • Please let your midwife know your wishes, if having a homebirth.
  • Call the center to schedule your due date so we can be prepared for your placenta.
  • Have someone at the birth place the placenta into a ziplock bag within another ziplock bag, and labeled with your name and babies date of birth. (Hospitals will have their own container to store the placenta)
  • Each hospital has its own policy on timing the release of your placenta. You have every right to it and should not be stopped from taking it home unless there is a pathological problem with it. Many hospitals are used to hearing this request and won’t be surprised when you say you want to take your placenta home with you.
  • Have your doula or your partner call me to make arrangements to pick up the placenta and the fee.
  • The placenta will be fine if stored a couple of days in the refrigerator, otherwise put it in the freezer.
  • Your placenta pills will be returned to you within a week with instructions and information about how to take the pills.
  • If you had a difficult birth (very long, blood loss, etc) please let us know and I will try to get it to you within 24 hours.

Fee: $150.00 for pills
Fee: $180 for pills and tincture