Placenta Encapsulation
I am a qualified and trained Placenta Encapsulation consultant with IPEN Placenta Encapsulation Network. I have seen first hand what a difference Placenta Encapsulation can make to a new mother's emotional and physical healing. There is lots of very useful information about placenta encapsulation service on my website, which will help answer any questions you may have http://www.earthboundbaby.co.uk/placenta/ There is also a comprehensive FAQs section put together by myself here http://www.earthboundbaby.co.uk/faqs/
Why is the Placenta so important for post-birth healing?
During and after a normal vaginal delivery (including post-natal bleeding) a new mother will lose between 1/8 to 1/10 of her body’s blood supply, with caesarean section births blood loss can be significantly more. Losing a large amount of iron so quickly can cause anaemia, leaving a new mum feeling tired, faint and exhausted. The blood needs high supplies of iron to carry oxygen to the cells – low supplies of oxygen leave your cells starving and less able to heal after trauma. The placenta benefits the new mother by supplying incredibly rich meaty iron, amino acids and essential fats which we believe is the perfect replenishment following the ordeal of birth.
Stem cells and growth factors (which repair damaged cells or replacing dead cells) in the placenta play a key role in healing the wound left inside the uterus after birth by the separation of the placenta from the uterine wall. A mother will typically bleed for 3-6 weeks after birth, blood loss stemmed from this wound. I have found however that mothers who consume their placenta after birth, particularly after consuming raw placenta in a smoothie or other bleed significantly less, usually much lighter bleeding for just 5-10 days after birth.
Placenta capsules have been reported by mothers to:
significantly reduce post-birth bleeding
encourage a quick and healthy milk supply
replenish essential hormones such as oxytocin and CRH(stress reducer)
replenish essential nutrients such as vitamin B6 and iron
reduce stress levels
prevent the baby blues and post-partum depression
leave new mothers feeling calmer
give new mums the energy to cope with a busy day
Why should pregnant mothers consider consuming their placenta after birth?
Decreased Risk of Post-Partum Depression
How does placenta encapsulation reduce the risk of postpartum depression? One theory is based on the fact that the mother's hormones, progesterone in particular, plummet after birthing her baby. Placentas are filled with this hormone, and can help replace and re-balance this loss (and all of the other hormones created through pregnancy and labor that are now present in the placenta). The placenta also secretes a significant amount of Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone (CRH), which is a stress reliever, during the third trimester.
Reduced Risk of Post-Partum Anemia
We lose blood after birth, and continue to lose blood for several more weeks. Some women hemorrhage. Placentas are a blood-filled organ, so encapsulation may help increase blood iron levels.
Increase in Breastmilk Production
Placentas contain prolactin-like hormones at birth, so are thought to be a lactogen. They have small amounts of oxytocin, which not only eases birth stress, but also causes the smooth muscles around the mammary cells to contract and eject milk. In fact, in 1954 researchers conducted a study on 210 women with insufficient milk supply. These women were given dried placenta to consume, and in just a matter of days, 86% of them had a positive increase in milk supply. (Placenta as a Lactagogon; Gynaecologia 138: 617-627, 1954).
Reduction in Post-Partum Bleeding
High levels of prostaglandins exist in the placenta, which stimulates involution (the shrinking of the uterus to its former size). This may help reduce or stop postpartum bleeding (also reducing anemia), and cleans out the uterus. The oxytocin in the placenta may also be a factor in reducing or stopping bleeding.
Pain Relief and Faster Healing
Since the placenta still contains opium-like substances from childbirth, it may reduce the level of pain a mother feels postpartum. The amount of blood, vitamins, minerals, and protein in the placenta may be of great benefit to the mother consuming it, as it will give her more energy and replenishment. This can be particularly helpful to vegetarian mothers. Yes, vegetarians consume their placentas too!
Continued Assistance for Later Use
Leftover Traditional Chinease Method (TCM) placenta pills can also be frozen for later use in life. Some mothers have reported that the capsules have helped them get through emotional struggles that come into their lives years after having a baby, hormonal ups and downs when they begin to menstruate again, and even with the hormonal fluctuations of menopause. Also leftover capsules can be posted back to me so that I can make you placenta tincture, placenta creams and placenta balms. Please email me for a booking form.
The placenta is composed of beneficial hormones, chemicals, iron, and proteins which include the following:
Estrogen, Progesterone, Testosterone: Contributes to mammary gland development in preparation for lactation; stabilizes postpartum mood; regulates post-birth uterine cramping; decreases depression; normalizes and stimulates libido.
Prolactin: Promotes lactation; increases milk supply; enhances the mothering instinct.
Oxytocin: Decreases pain and increases bonding in mother and infant; counteracts the production of stress hormones such as Cortisol; greatly reduces postpartum bleeding; enhances the breastfeeding let-down reflex.
Placental Opioid-Enhancing Factor (POEF): Stimulates the production of your body’s natural opioids, including endorphins; reduces pain; increases well-being.
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone: Regulates the thyroid gland; boosts energy and supports recovery from stressful events.
Corticotropin Releasing Hormone (CRH): Low levels of CRH are implicated in postpartum depression. Regulation of CRH helps prevent depression.
Cortisone: Reduces inflammation and swelling; promotes healing.
Interferon: Triggers the protective defenses of the immune system to fight infection.
Prostaglandins: Regulates contractions in the uterus after birth; helps uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size. Anti-inflammatory effects.
Iron: Replenishes maternal iron stores to combat anemia, a common postpartum condition. Increases energy; decreases fatigue and depression.
Hemoglobin: Oxygen-carrying molecule which provides a boost in energy.
Urokinase Inhibiting Factor and Factor XIII: stops bleeding and enhances wound healing.
Immunoglobulin G (IgG): Antibody molecules which support the immune system.
Human Placental Lactogen (hPL): This hormone has lactogenic and growth-promoting properties; promotes mammary gland growth in preparation for lactation in the mother. It also regulates maternal glucose, protein, and fat levels.
The most important nutrients found in rich supply in the placenta include:
Stem Cells and Growth Factors
Iron – essential for oxygen absorption in the cells
Vitamins B6 – aids in the making of antibodies
Vitamin E – for healing damaged skin cells
Oxytocin hormone – essential for facilitating birth and breastfeeding
Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) – responsible for reducing stress levels
Cytokins – Fibroblasts that trigger cell metabolism healing and replacing damaged cells and tissue
Should you like to chat please do call me on 07515123124.
Regards
Amanda
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