2011 - Talk Birth

Last baby–note pink cheeks and happy, sparkling, semi-manic, placenta-powered eyes!
Of course, when this picture was taken I had actually hardly ingested any of the placenta, but for me,
it visually sums up the vastly different physical recovery experience of this most recent postpartum time. I
also think part of the difference is also in my emotional relief at her live birth!
1. http://www.hypnobirthingutah.com/research-studies-supporting-placenta-encapsulation/
2. http://placentabenefits.info/research.asp
3. http://talkbirth.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/lannmama.jpg
4. http://talkbirth.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/zanderpp.jpg
5. http://talkbirth.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/zanderpp2.jpg
Kristen O (@BirthingKristen) (2011-10-26 18:48:06)
I too will be encapsulating my placenta for the first time after this (my third) pregnancy. While I agree that the
research on the topic is sparse, I have found anecdotal stories (some of which are downright GLOWING reviews)
compelling enough to give it a try. As a side note, one of my doula clients asked her OB about his thoughts on encapsulation,
and his response was as such: ”There isn’t enough research out there for me to give a *medical* opinion, but
I did grow up on a farm and always wondered why many of the animals ate their placentas. There must be a reason!
And you’re a mammal too, so why not?!” :-)
Julie (2011-10-24 09:02:22)
That’s great that it worked for you! My experience wasn’t so noteworthy. I tried placenta encapsulation with my
second baby, and I don’t think it made any difference. I was a lot more tired and had a slower recovery. I don’t think
the placenta made it worse, just didn’t help. And I had the same kind of oversupply issues I did the first time around.
If I have another baby, I think I’ll save my money.
talkbirth (2011-10-24 09:59:27)
My doula/friend did the encapsulation for me. Like I mentioned, I’m not sure how much my own relief at her birth
(I had two previous losses) played into my different feelings. I also think that other life cycle issues probably had
‘an impact–with my first baby, there was that intense adjustment to new parenthood and with my second, I had to
juggle the needs of my newborn with the needs of a not-quite-three-year old. With her, my sons were 7.5 and almost
5–MUCH easier to juggle their care with a newborn and to integrate a new baby into the house. And, she is also an
”easy baby,” a label which did not describe either of my other kids. Definitely a lot of factors!
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