So aside from the fact that it’s been done for hundreds (if not longer) of years, what would even make the placenta appealing to consume?
- First off, the placenta is packed full of rich nutrients. After all, it sustains the life of your baby in utero.
- It can help balance postpartum hormone levels.
- Helps the uterus get back to its pre-pregnancy state.
- Boosts energy levels.
- Increases milk supply.
- Reduces healing time and postpartum bleeding.
- Helps to replenish iron levels to avoid an iron deficiency. I’ve also heard from other ladies that the placenta pills can help with postpartum depression, or baby blues, which would make sense given that low iron levels can contribute to mood change and depression.
Placenta capsules should be stored in the refrigerator while you are taking them. Keep capsules dry. Store any remaining capsules in the freezer for long-term use. Placenta capsules will last at least 1 year if stored properly and possibly longer.
So, have you ever consumed your placenta, do you know someone who has, or is it something you would even consider?
My hat is tipped to you; however no this is not something I personally ever consider.
I applaud you! I could see me *maybe* doing this in the future – I’ve certainly surprised myself with my crunchiness before! But for now…well…I’m still too “Westernized.”
I did the same thing because an encapsulation service was way too expensive. I even shot a video about it but I haven’t posted it because I wasn’t sure how my audience would react.
Now I may go ahead and post it thanks to you!
No so certain I could do this – quite honestly until I read your post, I had no idea this existed.
I really wanted to do it with my last pregnancy, but unfortunately I wasn’t able to keep my placenta. Part of it was left behind, lots of heavy bleeding, and it was whisked away to be examined. Next time! Although, I’ll pay someone to do it. 🙂
Do you just take one a day then?
You take 1 at a time, but you can take a few per day if you feel like you need them. It’s really just a nutrient boost more than anything and they’re made for you by you, so it can’t really hurt.
I just… couldn’t. Honestly, until I saw pics, it was something that I might have entertained the notion of… possibly. But the pics just did me in because I am too squeamish. (I’m a big wuss. I own that.)
Ya, I’m not quite there. I see the benefits, but I am just not convinced, yet. I also said I would never cloth diaper (7 years and 4 cd’ed bums later…)
I’m pretty sure that I am going to do this, just not sure if we will do it ourselves or if we will pay the midwife to do it. It sounds pretty easy, if you have the little pill-filler-upper! 😉
Oh my goodness. I thought I read your title wrong. Never even heard of this!! I’m quite sure that I wouldn’t be able to do it, although I do appreciate the nutritional benefits. More power to you!!
Way to go Kassie! But I’m not sure I would ever do this. I really didn’t feel postpartum was difficult. After a few days I was fine bed I didn’t really have crazy hormones or ppd or anything. I did ask to see my placenta after I delivered it and I will say it looks a lot cooler before its cooked!
I didn’t really feel all that bad after either girl. They are great for a boost in milk supply and energy though and with my second girl I only had 5 days of postpartum bleeding.
Wonderful post! I really wanted to encapsulate my placenta with my last baby but I didn’t think I’d want to do the work myself (although I ended up cooking thanksgiving dinner the day after so apparently I could have!) and it costs a lot to have someone else do. Maybe next baby I’ll do my own!
I though to eating my own, but I think that I would be sent to the mental ward from my family. With that being said, we are the only mammal that doesn’t eat our placenta, normally. I actually, for both pregnancy, requested to see my placenta. It is very neat looking.
Sadly, I’m not as close with my family since moving to Idaho 4 years ago, so I’m not sure that most of them even knew what my plans were. They probably would think I was off my rocker though. Lol
I hired someone to do mine because I didn’t have a steamer. I wish I’d found out about this tin foil pie plate business. Oh well… you live and learn.
I had enlisted my mom to help out and we had to get it done before she went back to Missouri. The foil and pie tin idea was a last minute thing. I seriously googled how to steam food without a steamer and after looking at a few different ideas, went with the foil.
We are doing this with the next baby, but I’m going to do the raw method (cut into strips and right into the dehydrator). I had bad PPD with my 2nd child and researched encapsulation. I wanted to do it with my 3rd but couldn’t find anyone to do it for me. Just going to do it myself next time.
Are there additional benefits to not steaming and doing the raw method?
I would love to do this!!
I paid a midwife to encapsulate my placenta after my second birth. I wish I’d known about it with the first! I had much less PPD and anemia, and my milk supply was significantly better the second time around. I took one capsule/day for the first few weeks, with a second capsule if I was having a rough day. I think it helped.
I am doing this with my 4th baby.. I was supposed to with my 3rd but i didnt have the money and the patience to do it on my own or pay someone. Also i am doing RAW not with herbs even though that sounds good too. RAW has more energy and works more into Hormonal inbalance, post partum depression, up the milk supply. It also works for healthy skin, growing nails and hair.
Thanks so much! I’m sending this to a friend who really wants to encapsulate her placenta but is torn about whether she wants to pay so much money to have it done!! You rock for figuring this out and thanks so much for sharing!
My midwife showed me the placenta after my son’s birth. It was… interesting. But no, I don’t think I could ever eat it lol. It’s great that you found a way to encapsulate this yourself! I know some people charge an arm and a leg to encapsulate your placenta for you.
i understand the health benefits but I don’t think I could bring myself to do it. Though capsules are not as bad as making a smoothe with it. I know someone who did that. The thought kind of makes me feel ill.
In all honesty, that even makes me feel ill. lol.