During the time your baby is growing inside you, it’s your placenta that supplies your little one with oxygen and nutrients. Once you’ve given birth, your womb contracts. The placenta then comes away from
the womb and it is discarded by the medical staff.
But, if you want to you can keep your placenta. Then you can have it made into a variety of things for you and your baby. The placenta contains many nutrients and minerals such as:
- Iron which helps to combat depression and tiredness and prevents anaemia.
- Vitamin B6 which helps your immune system to stay strong. It helps the control of your hormones and your metabolism, so you feel on an even keel.
- Antibodies that help your immune system.
- Prolactin which will make sure you have enough breast milk.
- Anti-inflammatories that help to get your womb back into shape.
- Vitamin E to look after your skin.
Reduce Post Natal Depression
It is also said to reduce post-natal depression and increase your energy. It also reduces swelling and inflammation. That’s why many women today decide not to have their placenta discarded.
One of the most popular ways to use the placenta is to have them encapsulated so that you can take them in tablet form. You can have this done by contacting a specialist encapsulating company. They will take your details and send you out a freezer box which you take with you to the hospital. The midwife, (who needs to know beforehand) will then place your placenta into the freezer box. It is then sent by courier to the encapsulation company.
There is a choice of tablets. You can either have a traditional Chinese method, which is steamed before it is dried out. Or, you can choose the dried or raw method. The Chinese method will give you between 90 and 140 capsules. The raw method should produce between 140 and 180 capsules. Expect to pay around £200 for the capsules, plus the cost of the freezer box and the courier charges.
The usual dosage is one or two tablets three times a day. Raw or dried method capsules last about 12 weeks if stored somewhere cool and dry. Chinese method capsules last longer, about six months. If you want to, you can have a mixture of the two. Raw capsules are most effective postpartum. Chinese methods capsules are better later in your recovery phase. Capsules shouldn’t be kept in the fridge.
Capsules aren’t the only things that can be made from your placenta. You can also have homeopathic remedies made for you and your baby. Tinctures can help you with a variety of ailments. They also help to regulate your menstrual cycle and balance your hormones.
Placenta Uses For Your Baby
You can use an essence for baby during teething or as a rescue remedy if your child isn’t feeling well. You can also have a placenta balm or cream made which you can use on yourself and baby. Also available is a balm made to soothe baby’s bottom from nappy rash.
Finally, you can opt to have a placenta smoothie to drink soon after the birth. A mixture of fruits is blended with water and a slice of placenta to make a drink. It must be prepared in your hospital room or at home, if you gave birth there. It is said to give new mum’s energy and promote wellbeing.
If you’re interested in keeping your placenta, you can search online for a specialist in your area. Simply google ‘placenta encapsulation’ plus your location.
