The consumption of the placenta is called Placentophagia.

For centuries women have enjoyed the benefits of consuming their placenta post-birth. A growing number of women in Western culture are now becoming aware of these benefits.

Clients have reported that placenta consumption may:

• Significantly reduce post-birth bleeding
• Encourage a quick and healthy milk supply
• Replenish essential hormones such as oxytocin and CRH (stress reducer hormone)
• Replenish essential nutrients such as Vitamin B6 and Iron
• Prevent the baby blues and post-natal depression
• Leave new mothers feeling calmer
• Give new mums the energy to cope with caring for a newborn

The known list of hormones and nutrients giving placentas their healing properties are:

• Hormone of Love – for pain relief and baby bonding. Is produced during breastfeeding to promote healthy bonding between mother and baby.
• Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG) – precursor to oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone
• Human Chorionic Somatommotropin (hCS) – stimulates mammory development
• Progesterone and oestrogen – support maternal endometrium (lining of uterus)
• Relaxin – softens ligaments
• CRH – stress-reducer found in high levels in later stages of pregnancy
• Growth factors – in the form of cytokins & hormones stimulate cellular growth. They have anti-inflammatory properties, aid blood circulation, wound tissue healing and has an analgesic effect
• Placenta Stem Cells – provide the new cells for regeneration of tissue and growth factors enhance their ability to multiply much faster
• Iron – essential for absorption of oxygen in the cells needed for cellular repair after childbirth
• Vitamin B6 – aids in the making of antibodies to help keep the immune system strong. It also promotes the production of red blood cells and helps in the normal function of the brain
• Vitamins A, D, E, K – all essential and needed for cellular metabolism, immune function and growth
• Vitamins C, B complex

There are many ways to consume the placenta after birth. The most modern and non-invasive way to consume the placenta is in capsule form.

The encapsulation process most popular in the Western world is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) techniques, where the placenta is considered a powerful and sacred medicine – full of life force. Putting dried placenta powder into capsules, known as placenta encapsulation, has become very popular in recent years and has now been available as a service here in Australia for some time.

I have completed the Placenta Encapsulation Specialist Training and also courses in Bloodborne Pathogens and Universal Precautions and Food Safety.

Important Disclaimer: We are not a medical body and do not claim to prevent, treat, or diagnose any illness or symptoms during pregnancy, birth or the post-natal period. Clients that choose to utilise our services assume full responsibility for their health and for researching information regarding our placenta services.