Yummy placenta? (Yup this is kinda gross)

Negams45

Either I'm weird, or I didn't find anything on this because it's early. So maybe this is because I know some seriously hippie people, but my boss's wife said that eating the placenta after you give birth can help prevent (or lessen) things like postpartum depression - which I happen to be at high risk. While SHE has done the whole "cool, put it in the freezer for now and we'll make lasagna with it later!" I know you can also get pills.

The idea super grosses me out, but if she's right I'm thinking it might be worth it? I'm going to ask OB, but this might be a little too nontraditional for a Southern woman. Has anyone heard anything about this or know anyone who's done it? Does it belong among crystals and essences or is this a hippie thing that works but hasn't been accepted because most people (including myself) get a bit skeeved out at the idea?

Hopefully none of you have a "Crying Game" moment after reading this post

Rose0825

Yuck I joke about it but never ever seriously consider it. Plus I don't think Dh would ever kiss me again if I did.

Mamamads

Yep we talked about this already. I am doing placenta capsules which my doula makes. The benefits are great such as emotional like you mentioned, helps with bleeding, helps your milk supply, energy, better sleep, accelerated recovery and more. I've spoken to a few people who have done these and they all have great things to say and wish they'd known about them with all their kids. It's worth a shot in my opinion, just make sure you find someone who is certified in encapsulation.

Eta: I doubt your ob would have any information on this, look for midwives or doulas in your area though who might

Negams45

"Encapsulation". Definitely not a word I would've thrown into a search bar on a Sunday morning haha

I think I'll look into it. @mamamads Is this something that you can opt for no matter where you give birth?

Negams45

junedear67 said:

Negams45 said:

"Encapsulation". Definitely not a word I would've thrown into a search bar on a Sunday morning haha

I think I'll look into it. @mamamads Is this something that you can opt for no matter where you give birth?

The discussion was interesting, but not something I think I'll be into. I understand the thought process regarding the hormones in the placenta (specifically CRH) helping with postpartum stress. The general concern I have with it is whether the benefits are lost with the "cooking" process of encapsulation since CRH is a protein and proteins are usually altered with heat. Also, if I was having someone else do the encapsulation, I wouldn't be able to get past the concern of cross-contamination from other people's placentas. But some people mentioned making "placenta smoothies" in raw form. More power to ya if that's your thing, but I wouldn't be able to stomach it.

Honestly? Before I made this point I had zero idea what might be involved when it comes to making the pills.  If it's a "lay person" I'm not sure I'm really down.  And I thought it was freeze-dried or something to that effect - not cooked. So yeah, protein degradation. If I'm going to do something nasty I at least want to be getting the intended effect! I'm green enough about it that I didn't even know the answer to the question of who grabs it when it comes out.

Don't think I need to do any more research! I think I might need to go have that moment myself....if only I could find that Boy George song...

Negams45

point/post....my brain today? Ooof!

kacdanz

I'm not against it but I'm sure I would chicken out towards the end. Costs and whether or not it would make me nauseous if consumed via pills would be the deciding factors for me.

Negams45

No I'm thankful! I was hoping that someone knew more than I did and thankfully I was right. I wasn't even sure where to start looking as a general internet search. I wouldn't trust someone to be as uptight and sanitary about it as I would be (not that I necessarily would be, it's just that whole idea of at least if I did it I'd know exactly what happened to it). You just provided more information that allowed me to come to a conclusion myself about what I would be comfortable doing

WafflesFriendsWork

I'm honestly pretty interested in this. I'm not sure if it's a possibility in my area but I don't think it's that weird or gross. The few midwifed and doulas who offer it seem to stick around a $250 range. I'm wondering if I could get the same benefits from vitamins and a specific diet? Does anyone have any personal experience?

Mamamads

Negams45 said:

"Encapsulation". Definitely not a word I would've thrown into a search bar on a Sunday morning haha

I think I'll look into it. @mamamads Is this something that you can opt for no matter where you give birth?

I believe so, they just need to know to save the placenta for you and whoever is doing it for you will put it in a little cooler.

elride

I started to look into this around my area and have known a few people to do it. Unfortunately they don't live near me to recommend anyone. They loved the benefits they received from it and swear by it. Yes, the thought grosses me out, but I think I'm def going to go for it.

Mamamads

WafflesFriendsWork said:

I'm honestly pretty interested in this. I'm not sure if it's a possibility in my area but I don't think it's that weird or gross. The few midwifed and doulas who offer it seem to stick around a $250 range. I'm wondering if I could get the same benefits from vitamins and a specific diet? Does anyone have any personal experience?

From what my doula told me you would have to take like 30-40 different supplements to mimic the benefits of your placenta so definitely more cost effective to just get the capsules lol. I'm not sure on specifics on this but maybe try looking into it and see what you find.
Also anyone who is doing the capsules its recommended to not do the Chinese method were they mix it with herbs because if you react badly to the herbs your whole batch is basically garbage. You want them as pure as possible, most offer two different methods.

Edited to clarify

mommywagner

I had every intention of keeping mine and figuring out what to do with it later. DH was totally grossed out but when I birthed my placenta, he reminded me to get it since I was in lala land. I asked my midwife to show it to me and once I saw it, I told her to pitch it. lol