Encapsulation

…and I am not talking about cryogenics…

I have decided to encapsulate my placenta after dude’s birth this week. Just the idea of it makes some people squeemish, but after researching and reading about the benefits, I believe that if in fact it weighs true, the benefits totally outweigh the ewness.

The placenta, dried appears to look very much like a tree, The Tree of Life to be exact (Adam has requested a picture of mine actually once it is dried)

How does it work? The nurse at the hospital must be told in advance that you are choosing to do this, and bring a cooler for storage. The nurse will place your placenta in a bag and store it in your own cooler (you provide) The Placenta Lady will come to the hospital to pick up your placenta (or you can bring it to her). She then steams it, dehydrates it, grinds it and then places it into between 100-150 capsules for you to ingest in your two weeks postpartum.

According to placentawise.com, the healing substances include

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.

So, like I mentioned before, why not?!