Is your placenta in your birth plan?

Placenta encapsulation is a birth & postpartum option that may raise eyebrows with some, and in fact even my own husband thought it was a tad bit on the crazy side at first, but it should definitely not be ignored. Birthing persons of all walks of life enjoy the reported benefits their placenta capsules have to offer them during their transition into their postpartum period. For the last decade I have been honored to help during this important time as a local Certified Placenta Arts Specialist, known as 'The Placenta Mom'.

Placenta is a valuable tool for recovering from pregnancy and childbirth and many people worldwide report benefiting from the placenta’s healing properties. Though the placenta has been greatly valued by midwives and Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners for thousands of years, my personal placenta journey started back in early 2006 when I had extremely severe postpartum depression following the birth of our first daughter.

This experience led me to discover placenta encapsulation for myself in 2008 when I was surprised to find I was pregnant again; I knew I needed to explore all of my options in order to have a more balanced postpartum period the second time around.

When I found placenta encapsulation, it really did not even occur to me that it could be perceived as strange or even gross, since encapsulation is the most palatable form of ingesting the placenta. However, I do acknowledge that for most people there may be an “ick factor” and, as I mentioned before, it did take my husband a little more time to get on board with my plans to encapsulate. It literally was as I birthed the placenta that he realized it was much too important to not take advantage of its potential benefits, because once your placenta is gone it is gone for good.

Research has shown the placenta contains a rich array of the birthing person’s own hormones that may assist with milk production, bonding, and recovery. It also contains significant levels of iron, protein, nutrients, and minerals to help the mother recover and rebuild following pregnancy and childbirth. Past clients who take their placenta capsules report earlier and enhanced breastmilk production, less postpartum bleeding, more energy, and a faster, more pleasant postpartum recovery overall. Placenta capsules may also reduce the incidence and severity of postpartum mood disorders, and help the postpartum person to cope with stressful life transitions. Most people think placenta capsules only relate to postpartum depression, but as the above reported benefits show, it really involves both physical and emotional balance and general well being for the postpartum individual.

My PlacentaMom clients call their placenta capsules their “happy pills” and say they would never attempt a postpartum without them. Over 60% of my clients are first time parents, and despite not having a previous postpartum period for comparison, they comment on the noticeable difference in their whole self when they forget to take them or think they no longer need them too soon after giving birth.

As a professional placenta encapsulator, I solely specialize in the traditional method of placenta encapsulation. Working out of my dedicated work space, which I call my Placenta Workshop, the placenta is prepared following universal safety precautions. It is carefully steamed, dried, ground, and placed in capsules, following all applicable food safety times and temperatures throughout the process, to ensure the safest service possible.

Encapsulation offers proper preservation, allowing the placenta to be utilized for the first weeks postpartum until the body begins regulating itself again. Many of my PlacentaMom clients save any remaining capsules for when they go back to work, move, the stress of teething, their child’s start of kindergarten, menopause, and any other stressful transitions they may experience. Personally, I still have a few of my placenta capsules tucked away as a little insurance policy of sorts. My girls are getting older and graduations are approaching faster then I would like to admit, so it comforts me knowing I still have some placenta love tucked away in case I need it (which I guarantee I will).

Nature has provided a simple means to make the transition into the fourth trimester reportedly easier and more peaceful for the entire family. I tell clients that are on the fence regarding encapsulating that they have one placenta, take advantage of it. Every baby and every postpartum experience is different, so why risk having a rocky adjustment when the key to postpartum wellness is really inside you.

Is your placenta in your birth plan?

Tamara Morales, APPAC, 'The Placenta Mom'

Certified Placenta Arts Specialist, Placenta Encapsulation Specialist

Is your placenta in your birth plan?

Tamara works with clients in & around the greater Sacramento, CA area. To learn more about her professional placenta encapsulation service please visit www.PlacentaMom.com