The placenta is the organ surrounding the fetus in the womb and allows for the exchange of nutrients, blood, and waste with the mother. It is expelled from the uterus after the birth of the child.
The custom of consuming the placenta, often done as placental encapsulation, is centuries old, practiced most often in Chinese medicine. It is a controversial tradition that has been gaining traction in the United States for several decades.
Placental encapsulation is the practice of ingesting the placenta after it has been steamed, dehydrated, ground, and placed into pills. Traditionally, this is taken by the mother and is believed to impart numerous health benefits.
It is frequently taken shortly after giving birth, during a woman’s menstrual period, or during menopause with the belief it helps counter some of the symptoms of menopause.
There is little scientific research available regarding placental encapsulation, consumption and its benefits. Tradition and holistic medical customs embrace a number of potential advantages which come from ingesting the placenta.
Among these possible benefits are:
- Increased release of the hormone oxytocin, which helps the uterus return to normal size and encourages bonding with the infant
- Increase in CRH, a stress-reducing hormone
- Decrease in post-partum depression levels
- Restoration of iron levels in the blood
- Increase in milk production
Source: http://americanpregnancy.org/first-year-of-life/placental-encapsulation/
About video: Kelly Sunshine, birth doula, explains the benefits of placenta encapsulation.
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