Placenta encapsulation

mrsmtothek

Apologies if this has already been discussed, I did a search and couldn't find anything on it yet. Any mamas planning on doing this? I found a local doula who does it, but it weirds me out to know she's not a medical professional and I'd be willingly taking something she's made herself. Anyone with any experience on this?

mrstrax

From the APA -
"The few scientific studies conducted on placental encapsulation have not conclusively supported the effects of this practice, nor have they completely dispelled the possibility of benefits from ingesting the placenta. However, it should be noted by expectant mothers that the majority of the information we have regarding placental encapsulation comes almost entirely from anecdotes of women who have tried it."

emgee27

Here's a pretty extensive discussion we had about it on the 2nd tri board that many of us A16s participated in:
https://forums.thebump.com/discussion/comment/88190792/#Comment_88190792

Also, you aren't going to find a 'medical professional' who does this because it's not a medical necessity and the research results on the supposed benefits are quite polarized. 

ETA: as with most of the threads on this subject, there's lots of comments flaming/making fun of the whole thing since it hasn't been solidly proven by science and many just see it as all-out gross.

Jules08

[flash=]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PB4Nby2Ai-g[/flash]

thaisac1

mrstrax said:

From the APA -
"The few scientific studies conducted on placental encapsulation have not conclusively supported the effects of this practice, nor have they completely dispelled the possibility of benefits from ingesting the placenta. However, it should be noted by expectant mothers that the majority of the information we have regarding placental encapsulation comes almost entirely from anecdotes of women who have tried it."

Amen!

bunnywahl

I'm totally doing it. My OB said that while it is still a widely debated subject, she doesn't think it can hurt. Our bodies will be so depleted of minerals and nutrients after birth and recovering for really about a year. She said if I'm thinking of getting pregnant again within a year or two it's a good idea (I'm undecided). She also recommended someone she believes encapsulates in a good sterile environment and with temperatures she approves of. 

mrstrax

thaisac1 said:

mrstrax said:

From the APA -
"The few scientific studies conducted on placental encapsulation have not conclusively supported the effects of this practice, nor have they completely dispelled the possibility of benefits from ingesting the placenta. However, it should be noted by expectant mothers that the majority of the information we have regarding placental encapsulation comes almost entirely from anecdotes of women who have tried it."

Amen!

In fairness, I should include that they also say that so long as it is done in a sterile environment and at proper temps (treat it like raw meat) that the risk is very low to Mom. 

Long story short, it probably won't hurt anything, but there's no research saying it actually helps, so I wouldn't personally pay for it. Also, be sure to confirm your state laws on taking "medical waste" from the hospital. 

thaisac1

mrstrax said:

thaisac1 said:

mrstrax said:

From the APA -
"The few scientific studies conducted on placental encapsulation have not conclusively supported the effects of this practice, nor have they completely dispelled the possibility of benefits from ingesting the placenta. However, it should be noted by expectant mothers that the majority of the information we have regarding placental encapsulation comes almost entirely from anecdotes of women who have tried it."

Amen!

In fairness, I should include that they also say that so long as it is done in a sterile environment and at proper temps (treat it like raw meat) that the risk is very low to Mom. 

Long story short, it probably won't hurt anything, but there's no research saying it actually helps, so I wouldn't personally pay for it. Also, be sure to confirm your state laws on taking "medical waste" from the hospital. 

It hurts... the pocket.

mrsmtothek

bunnywahl said:

I'm totally doing it. My OB said that while it is still a widely debated subject, she doesn't think it can hurt. Our bodies will be so depleted of minerals and nutrients after birth and recovering for really about a year. She said if I'm thinking of getting pregnant again within a year or two it's a good idea (I'm undecided). She also recommended someone she believes encapsulates in a good sterile environment and with temperatures she approves of. 

This is how I feel too. I had friends who felt they benefited from it. No evidence otherwise to support any real advantages to doing it, but even if I feel better because of a placebo effect, I'll take it!

ivyvines6

mrsmtothek said:

bunnywahl said:

I'm totally doing it. My OB said that while it is still a widely debated subject, she doesn't think it can hurt. Our bodies will be so depleted of minerals and nutrients after birth and recovering for really about a year. She said if I'm thinking of getting pregnant again within a year or two it's a good idea (I'm undecided). She also recommended someone she believes encapsulates in a good sterile environment and with temperatures she approves of. 

This is how I feel too. I had friends who felt they benefited from it. No evidence otherwise to support any real advantages to doing it, but even if I feel better because of a placebo effect, I'll take it!

I looked into doing it... Too much money in my book for a not sure thing, but for sure let us know how it works out!

bunnywahl

mrsmtothek said:

bunnywahl said:

I'm totally doing it. My OB said that while it is still a widely debated subject, she doesn't think it can hurt. Our bodies will be so depleted of minerals and nutrients after birth and recovering for really about a year. She said if I'm thinking of getting pregnant again within a year or two it's a good idea (I'm undecided). She also recommended someone she believes encapsulates in a good sterile environment and with temperatures she approves of. 

This is how I feel too. I had friends who felt they benefited from it. No evidence otherwise to support any real advantages to doing it, but even if I feel better because of a placebo effect, I'll take it!

Absolutely! I am with you. 

elasticheart13