Encapsulating Your Placenta: Postpartum Insurance
It's becoming more and more popular. Celebrities like Kim Kardashian are doing it. Women from all walks of life are looking into it. And even dads and partners are encouraging it. You might have heard of it, and maybe you haven't. But we're talking about: eating your placenta.
If you're first response is somewhere along the lines of "EWWW!", stick with me for a minute. First things first: while eating your placenta in the way that it sounds (like a cooked steak, or put inside a smoothie) is something that some people do, most people encapsulate their placenta; it is prepared and powdered by a professional and put into capsules for you to take just like you would a vitamin. The concept of mothers consuming their own placentas has been around for centuries; but for many westerners especially, this new way of doing it really helps take the "gross" factor out of it.
But why would someone do it???
Women through the ages have experienced many benefits from ingesting their placentas. Through balancing the hormones after birth, placenta consumption has made a notable positive difference in women's milk supplies, energy levels, and emotions, all making for a much smoother transition into the postpartum period. With such incredible potential benefits, it's not hard to see the appeal!
But here's the thing to remember: much like with many things in life, you can't always know exactly how things will turn out. All expectant mothers hope for the smooth sailing after their baby arrives (and some lucky ones do); but as I'm sure many know, milk supply problems happen, exhaustion happens, mood swings happen, and postpartum depression happens. Placenta encapsulation, while it can't guarantee to help with all the possible problems that happen after birth, can be like a sort of postpartum insurance. It's a small investment to make to ensure you have the resources you need at hand to help when things are a little rougher than you anticipated. If you decide not to use it right away or at all, then little was lost; but if the placenta was thrown out, it's gone forever.
"Placenta encapsulation, while it can't guarantee to help with all the possible problems that happen after birth, can be like a sort of postpartum insurance. It's a small investment to make to ensure you have the resources you need at hand to help when things are a little rougher than you anticipated."
Having the assurance that life after baby could be a little easier with the help of placenta encapsulation is a relief, not just for moms, but for dads and partners too! Naturally if mom is feeling confident, healthy, and well taken care of, the partner usually feels pretty good too. And who doesn't want that happy little family?
If you're considering placenta encapsulation, but hestitating for any reason, consider what you've read here. There's so much potential good to gain, and little to lose. Contact VOICE Birth Options at info@voicebirthoptions.com or visit our page on Placenta Services for more information on placenta encapsulation and other placenta services. Give yourself the peace of mind for a great start!
Tell me what you think in the comments!
Have you ever thought about having your placenta encapsulated? Did you do it? If so, are you glad you did?
