What is the placenta?
The placenta is truly amazing! It is a specialized organ that develops in the uterus and is fully functioning by the 12th week of pregnancy. It’s job is to act as a physical and immunological protective filter between mama and baby. The placenta permits the passage of blood, nutrients, hormones, and steroids necessary for growth and development via the umbilical cord. During labor, the placenta is still being pumped full of bio-available compounds such as oxytocin, estrogen, progesterone, prostaglandin, corticotrophin, thyrotrophin, thyroxine, serotonin, Vitamin B6, copper, iron, selenium, zinc, endorphins, and natural opioids. After labor and delivery of baby, there is a 3rd stage of labor in which the placenta is birthed and still contains all these compounds. I view the placenta as sacred medicine your body creates to help you through the postpartum period. Your body has created the placenta for the baby and YOU. This is something the hospital might not inform you of, but you have the right to it after birth. I would love to help preserve it, however that may look to you.
Placentophagy
Placentophagy is the act of consuming the placenta. It has been practiced in various cultures for centuries around the world. It may be consumed raw, cooked, tinctured, or taken in capsule form. Encapsulation is the most popular form of consumption. Some incredible benefits of consumption are as follows, most mothers have experienced at least 3-4:
- replenishment and regulation of hormones
- alleviated postpartum bleeding
- improved and accelerated healing and recovery
- enhanced uterine involution (uterus returning to pre-pregnancy size)
- reduced maternal postpartum pain
- prevention and treatment of anemia
- improved lactation
- improved quality of sleep
- increased libido
- increased strength and vitality
- accelerated weight loss postpartum
- headache relief and prevention
- hypothyroidism relief and prevention
- facilitated bonding with newborn
| Detailed Benefits of Maternal Postpartum Placenta Consumption.docx |
Methods of Preparation
The Gentle (TCM) Method~ the placenta is steamed prior to dehydration and encapsulation. Traditionally, it is steamed with herbs and foods to balance the yin (cold) and yang (cold) energies within the body after childbirth. Lemon is used as antiseptic and to move the placenta through the body, and ginger used as a warming agent. This process yields a smaller amount of capsules as the steam shrinks the placenta. This method may be used if the birthing mother has a caffeine sensitivity, insomnia, hyperthyroidism, anxiety (for a more balancing effect), or if there is any concern of contamination.
The Raw Method~ consists of placing the placenta in a dehydrator without steaming prior to encapsulation. This method holds in more of the energy-boosting hormones & minerals and yields a higher number of capsules. This method is not recommended for a client with caffeine sensitivity, insomnia, hyperthyroidism, or anxiety.
Tincture~ a piece of the placenta is placed in a bottle and covered with a high-proof alcohol for lifetime preservation. Tincture can be used as a hormone therapy supplement through menopause or the biological daughter during puberty.
Salve~ prepared with the dehydrated placenta powder, herbs, oils, beeswax, and essential oils which may be applied topically. Salve can be used to alleviate cracked nipples, diaper rash, c-section scars, hemorrhoids, stretch marks, psoriasis, eczema, and even a hair/face moisturizer.
Smoothie Cubes~ slices of the raw placenta are set aside to be used in smoothies within the first 5 days postpartum. We can discuss how many you would like in our prenatal meeting/placenta pickup. Unused pieces may be frozen, but do lose some of the nutrients as the stem cells crystallize in the freezer.
Placental Art~ after cleaning, I will take a print of the placenta showcasing the Tree of Life, which symbolizes oneness and connection. I also love to make umbilical keepsakes using a piece of the cord, shaping it into a heart or the word “love,” and dehydrating the piece. These make for a beautiful baby room decorations and is a lovely way to honor the placenta.
The Raw Method~ consists of placing the placenta in a dehydrator without steaming prior to encapsulation. This method holds in more of the energy-boosting hormones & minerals and yields a higher number of capsules. This method is not recommended for a client with caffeine sensitivity, insomnia, hyperthyroidism, or anxiety.
Tincture~ a piece of the placenta is placed in a bottle and covered with a high-proof alcohol for lifetime preservation. Tincture can be used as a hormone therapy supplement through menopause or the biological daughter during puberty.
Salve~ prepared with the dehydrated placenta powder, herbs, oils, beeswax, and essential oils which may be applied topically. Salve can be used to alleviate cracked nipples, diaper rash, c-section scars, hemorrhoids, stretch marks, psoriasis, eczema, and even a hair/face moisturizer.
Smoothie Cubes~ slices of the raw placenta are set aside to be used in smoothies within the first 5 days postpartum. We can discuss how many you would like in our prenatal meeting/placenta pickup. Unused pieces may be frozen, but do lose some of the nutrients as the stem cells crystallize in the freezer.
Placental Art~ after cleaning, I will take a print of the placenta showcasing the Tree of Life, which symbolizes oneness and connection. I also love to make umbilical keepsakes using a piece of the cord, shaping it into a heart or the word “love,” and dehydrating the piece. These make for a beautiful baby room decorations and is a lovely way to honor the placenta.
Summation
I am very passionate about the placenta's value to mama, baby, and others supporting the two through this giant shift! I believe this sacred medicine deserves to be appreciated and celebrated. If you are interested in placentophagy and/or preservation art, I would be honored in helping you achieve your goals. You can find more packaging details under the "Placenta Packages" tab or click the button below.
