ENCAPSULATION
Cultures across the world have different ways of using the placenta- the organ in the uterus which nourishes the baby through the umbilical cord. These traditions vary, but all share one thing in common: the placenta is never casually discarded.
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One of the main ways to preserve the placenta is through placental encapsulation.
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What exactly is placental encapsulation?
Encapsulation involves the cleaning, (steaming), dehydrating, grinding and encapsulation of the placenta in capsules for consumption.
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Why would you want to eat your placenta?
Humans in the Western World are one of the few land mammals that do not regularly eat their placentas- also knows placentophagia.
There have been few formal studies conducted on placental encapsulation, but most available research does suggest benefits associated with taking placenta capsules. There have however also been studies that claim placental encapsulation offers no health benefits. It is mostly mothers' own experiences that determine the individual benefits of placental encapsulation.
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What are the potential risks and benefits?
By consuming the placenta in capsule form, new mothers can maintain their hormone and iron levels in the first few weeks after birth, which may help postnatal healing, stabilise mood, and combat fatigue and anxiety.
The placenta contains many beneficial hormones, iron and proteins to help a new mum heal more quickly in the postnatal period. These hormones can help boost the immune system, promote lactation, lower stress and anxiety levels, encourage the uterus to shrink back to its original size and prevent excessive postpartum bleeding. There are few documented risks associated with placental encapsulation.
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The bottom line is that research is still emerging on placental encapsulation, and neither the benefits nor the risks have been officially confirmed.
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Essentially it is your happy hormones in a capsule!
If you feel that placental encapsulation is right for you, please send us a message for more information.
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* Placental encapsulation (including tincture) $350.
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