Photograph by Meghan Harlow

Possible Benefits

  • Replenish maternal iron due to blood loss during birth; reducing anemia and enhancing "quality of life" (study here) Postpartum anemia (iron deficiency) has been linked to postpartum depression (Corwin, Elizabeth, Megan Arbour. “Postpartum Fatigue and Evidence-Based Interventions”. MCN. 2007 July-August; Vol 32. No 4. 215-220.)

  • Reduces postpartum bleeding (lochia) and promotes uterine contractions

  • Providing oxytocin to mother to enhance and promote mother-baby bonding, assistance in wound healing (vaginal tearing/Cesarean incision) (study here)

  • Lessening the risk of postpartum depression or 'baby blues'

  • Providing the HPL hormone to help establish early and healthy  milk supply ( Basel, Karger. “Placenta as a lactagogon”. First Obstetric Clinic.. 1954 . Charles University, Prague. Vol 138. No 6. 617-627.)

  • Replenish B vitamins and energy; helps fight fatigue and postpartum depression'

  • Offers natural pain relief via Placental opioid-enhancing factor (POEF) from the labor and birth ( study here )

Questions & Facts

  • GBS+ ... is it safe for me to encapuslate?
    • The CDC's 2017 article over a case on a newborn who had a recurrent GBS infection after the mother had her placenta encapsulated has brought upon a lot of questions. Although there is currently no standards set for placenta encapsulation, APPA holds their graduates to the highest protocol and level of standards and safety. You can rest assured that your placenta will be handled with the utmost safety. Please take time to review this article for more answers and understanding of what GBS is and how it can affect you.
    • https://placentaassociation.com/group-b-strep-placenta-encapsulation-safety-gbs/
  • What use is it to me, it's the baby's organ? 
    • The placenta is unique and grown specifically for EACH new pregnancy. This beautiful organ is the life line from the mother to the baby, bringing nutrients and oxygenated blood to the baby while simultaneously removing baby's waste. The nutrients necessary to grow the baby are available postpartum to help support momma during her 4th trimester (3 months + after baby is born)
  • What if I have a cesarean? 
    • You can still have your placenta!! Research has shown that ingesting placenta increases the effectiveness of opiods, allowing  a more natural way for pain management; this benefit of consuming the placenta could be especially helpful for mothers who have cesarean births, mothers with episiotomies or severe tears.
  • If the placenta is the "filter" for the baby, why would I want to ingest that?
    • The placenta is a filtration for the baby, however it does not "store" the waste of the baby. The waste of the baby is transferred to the mother's blood where then her liver, kidneys or urinary systems removes them from the body.