Poll: What are your thoughts on Placenta Encapsulation?

rm2013 · December 2014

Just wondering where everyone else is on this topic. At first I was like "Hell no!" but now I'm kinda considering it. I know we've talked about it back in September / October so not trying to rehash the pros and cons discussion, just curious as to what you guys have decided.

Unknown · December 2014

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Whitfry · December 2014

Considering. I have chronic depression, and the hormones from the placenta are supposed to be great for helping with PPD, which I am at very high risk for.

My mom really wants me to do it and has offered to pay (because I balked at the price). My DH thinks it is creepy, but if I did it would probably just roll his eyes and go with it.

So if my mom wants to help me out with it, I'll do it. If she changes her mind, I probably won't.

ngolimento · December 2014

I think the whole thing is another new age bogus fad, personally. "Animals do it" seems like a shady reason to do something. Also, animals can't pick up multivitamins at the store to replace lost resources.

071115 · December 2014

No I will not be doing it. Seems so creepy.

PHNJenna · December 2014

My doula offers it as part of her services, she is also one of my friends so I trust her processing is safe and the many potential benefits. If there is even a possibility it will help prevent PPD/mood changes and also increase milk supply, I'm down.

rm2013 · December 2014

Peledreamsofrain said:

I think the whole thing is another new age bogus fad, personally. "Animals do it" seems like a shady reason to do something. Also, animals can't pick up multivitamins at the store to replace lost resources.

LOL! I can promise that animals do it is NOT any reason I'm considering it. When people say that I do roll my eyes. They also lick their butts and eat poop so not really a good role model IMO I really think they eat it because a) they need all the sustenance they can get at that moment and b) to clear up the evidence to deter predators. Nothing applicable to humans.

Honestly, I'm surprised I am even thinking about it, I still gag at the thought but another part of me wonders if I should.

JennyP0222 · December 2014

It is not something I myself can stomach, but I think the anecdotal info about the potential benefits is interesting. I definitely do not side eye any mom that does it, but, not for me.

sathena · December 2014

Well, there went my lunch. $:\$

But for real, I would never be able to get past the part where I would feel like I was cannibalizing myself.

To each their own.

Edit: Posted too soon.

Whitfry · December 2014

I've never heard the animals do it argument, lol.

But I was raised by hippies and my mom is a midwife. And I'm grateful they encapsulate it now, because back in the day they would do other things that I think are more disturbing. Like freezing it into cubes and then, when the mother needed one, blending the cube into a smoothie. Women have been eating placenta for a long time.

That said, there is no actual peer reviewed research studies on whether it actually is as beneficial as some people believe.

I've eaten weirder stuff, though. If my mom wants to pay for it I'm not grossed out and I'll take it.

rm2013 · December 2014

Shanniegal said:

I would really like to seriously consider it, but every time I bring it up DH gives me this look like I'm crazy.

Ha! Yes this definitely falls into the category of "DH has no vote on this". Mine would do the same but I feel it's totally my decision.

janda426 · December 2014

The only reason I'm considering it is after hearing from women who have say how much it helped with PPD. It's often STMs I've spoken to who did it as a last resort to not have to deal with PPD again. However, it's all anecdotal. I know a doula who charges $200 to do it and I'm back and forth

Unknown · December 2014

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Whitfry · December 2014

For people considering it, make sure you're familiar with hospital policy regarding taking and transporting the organ.

Where I live, there is one place that does encapsulation. You have to transport the placenta there yourself, and the hospital I'm delivering at will let you take it, but won't offer any assistance. So you have to provide your own cooler and everything. Plus there's a time limit on how soon you have to take it in to the place (within a certain number of hours after delivery. I think it's 2).

So if you do end up deciding to do it, make sure you've researched your hospital policy.

Bostonchelle · December 2014

I accidentally looked and saw what the placenta looked like after my daughter... I would not be able to get the capsules down!

Ardmhs83 · December 2014

Didn't do it last time, wish I would have! 100% definitely doing it this time! If their is a small chance it can help with PPD then I'll try anything.

MalVough · December 2014

My urge to eat lunch is fading, especially as we casually chat about transporting your own placenta. I get the idea behind all of it, but I'd be the one who goes through with the process and then gags and convulses every time it's time to take a pill. My brain can't let certain things go. It's kinda like how I can't eat fish with heads still attached or if I see their faces before they are butchered. NOPE. NOPE NOPE NOPE. My stomach immediately freaks out.

rm2013 · December 2014

I feel you ladies on the ick factor.

Also, I don't think I could get down with having to take it and transport it. Around here, a specialist would come to the hospital, pick it up, take it to their facility to process it, and then bring it back (likely while you're still in the hospital).

drudolph11 · December 2014

I voted SS because i would def love to give it it try. I have taken meds for anxiety for a long time and my family has a crazy high rate of depression and PPD and my mom keeps giving me horror stories about what her and my grandmother went through (thanks mom) and it scares the shit out of me and if there is even a chance that it will help then i want to try it. It doesn't gross me out in the slightest. I voted SS because my SO and my mom are both big side eyers of this and im not sure why i care so much considering i have thwarted a lot of their other comments and opinions. In the end though i know that if i really want to do it then i will. Just like delayed cord clamping. My SO is totally against this for some reason and no matter what i say i can't seem to get him on my side on it meh although i know if i actually sit down with him and have a serious talk about the subjects and explain to him why it is so important to me i know he will respect that. So far my tactics have sorta just been off handed comments usually resulting in some joke being thrown in by him that makes us both crack up laughing and therfore ends that discussion lol. You know like "taking a bite out of my placenta" or "swinging the cord around like a lasso while we sit there and wait for the blood to drain out of the cord". Ya he can be a little immature at times.

mangomimosa · December 2014

Peledreamsofrain said:
I think the whole thing is another new age bogus fad, personally. "Animals do it" seems like a shady reason to do something. Also, animals can't pick up multivitamins at the store to replace lost resources.

This is how I feel. The lack of evidence (except anecdata) for it makes me less inclined to try. But I do have a history of bad depression & anxiety so I admit I looked into it.

Enigma87 · December 2014

Well...I am a vegetarian and consuming any form of flesh, even my own, disgusts me. But to each their own I guess.

Whitfry · December 2014

meladoriestar said:

rm2013 said:

Shanniegal said:

I would really like to seriously consider it, but every time I bring it up DH gives me this look like I'm crazy.

Ha! Yes this definitely falls into the category of "DH has no vote on this". Mine would do the same but I feel it's totally my decision.

My DH was appalled when I brought it up but when I said there was some thought that it helps with PPD he said to do whatever gross thing I need to do.

That being the case, does anyone know if there actually is any empirical evidence supporting it?
-----quote fail-----

There is no empirical evidence that I am aware of. The anecdotal evidence for it is strong, but it's anecdotal. So there is a lot of pro-placenta literature out there, but it is not scientifically researched and largely based on conjecture. I think it would be great if there were some strong research out there, but find it unlikely anyone would fund it, lol.

On the other hand, there is no harm in ingesting your placenta. It won't hurt you. It's not poison. And people ingest weird things in various cultures all over the world. It's just organ meat. Healthier than eating a hot dog. Not as creepy as gelatin. And encapsulating it means you're not even having to chew it. You can just plug your nose and swallow.

The people I know who have done it swear by it. I'm willing to give it a shot if I don't have to pay for it. But actual scientific evidence indicating it is genuinely beneficial? Nope. It's rich in hormones and iron, which is why a lot of people believe it does work.

So yeah... Definitely a very personal decision.

goofygoff · December 2014

I'm definitely considering it. We'll find out on Monday if our doula provides the service or not.

With GD, there is a risk of the placenta breaking down. I'll have to see what affects that would have on encapsulation.

Unknown · December 2014

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Whitfry · December 2014

goofygoff said:
I'm definitely considering it. We'll find out on Monday if our doula provides the service or not.

With GD, there is a risk of the placenta breaking down. I'll have to see what affects that would have on encapsulation.

I did not know that about GD. I'll have to ask about that if I end up encapsulating.

helendalton · December 2014

Everyone to their own as far as I'm concerned and if some mums feel some health benefit then it's got to be a good thing and I definately hope it helps . For me as a veggie for last 12 years it's a defo no ta.

MrsLaurenandDan · December 2014

Enigma87 said:
Well...I am a vegetarian and consuming any form of flesh, even my own, disgusts me. But to each their own I guess.

I'm vegetarian and have done it and will do it again. I felt like I could tell a difference if I forgot to take them for a few days.

CoozieInMyPurse · December 2014

I voted "Hell No," but that way more passion than I actually feel. I'm more "eh, not for me, but to each her own" about it.

kelseypie · December 2014

I'm doing it. I had PPD the first time, and meds did nothing except make me gain all the weight I lost back. I've also heard from a lot of women that it helped their energy and milk-production. For me, it's worth a try.

Skrittens · December 2014

I don't know. My endocrinologist laughed when I asked him about it. He said it wouldn't do anything for me at all. But if there is a hope it can help with anxiety then I may try it...

colleen4019 · December 2014

CoozieInMyPurse said:
I voted "Hell No," but that way more passion than I actually feel. I'm more "eh, not for me, but to each her own" about it.

Same. Also I've never had any issues with anxiety or depression. Had these been an issue for me previously I'd probably be more likely to try stuff just in case it works.

lewispm · December 2014

I have no plans on doing it, but I get it and don't find it that nasty. I wouldn't think twice about anyone who did it. So its not that I don't have an opinion, I just see the benefits and all, but I'm not very "crunchy" and don't see myself doing it. If someone was like "hey, I'll take care of everything and make the pills for you free of charge", then I'd try it!

ruemorgan · December 2014

I will be doing it to combat the weight gain and PPD

KD32412 · December 2014

Hahaha! I know of one person who did this, she is a very interesting person. I think it's unnecessary, but to each their own! It's your money, you ain't hurting anyone, and if you think it will help with PPD - go for it!

kcbizme · December 2014

Not my cup of tea. I'm not grossed out by it either. To each their own.

Ladylec · December 2014

I didn't do it with my son but battled PPD for about 9 months so I would like to do it this time since it is supposed to help with that.

I'm glad you asked this because I kept forgetting to bring it up to my OB and now I can write a note to remember.

Skrittens · December 2014

@knitnut‌ - I was diagnosed hypothyroid about 15 yrs ago and Hashimotos a year or 2 ago. I took armour thyroid and cytomel for the past 7 yrs or so until I began seeing a new endocrinologist. Now I'm on synthroid.

Lady Leigh · December 2014

YUCK! To think I would be consuming part of me...NOPE NOPE NOPE!
I don't look down on others for doing it, but I just couldn't.

DragonflyDreaming · December 2014

I'm a SS. I actually decided that I wanted to do this, but have not been able to find if anyone does that here. No one I've talked to, knows anyone able to do it.