Dealing with postpartum recovery, those emotional rollercoasters, sleepless nights, and the body feels like a marathon, working 24/7 taking care of the baby. That is why placenta encapsulation has been gaining popularity in recent years.
A research study published in the Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing found that 66% of women who tried placenta pills reported improved mood and energy levels.
This process claims to boost milk supply, replenish lost nutrients, and even combat postpartum blues, it’s no wonder this ancient remedy is making a modern comeback.
But what’s the real deal behind those little placenta pills? Let’s understand the facts, benefits, and everything you need to know about this intriguing postpartum trend.
Hence, we at Fitelo are here to help you understand everything in a complete guide. So, hop along!
What Is Placenta Encapsulation?
It is a practice that involves processing and encapsulating a woman’s placenta after childbirth for consumption in pill form.
The placenta is an organ that develops during pregnancy and serves as a vital link between the mother and the developing fetus.
Brief History And Tradition
This practice, rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, has gained popularity in contemporary alternative health and wellness circles. Modern placenta pills gained popularity in Western countries in the early 2000s.
In the medical community, there is a lack of consensus regarding the safety and efficacy of the process. Health organizations such as the American Journal Of Obstetrics & Gynecology (AJOG) advise caution and recommend thorough cleaning or other methods to reduce the risk of infection when handling placental tissues.
However, some claim potential benefits, but the scientific evidence supporting these assertions is limited, and individuals should carefully consider safety concerns and discuss them with healthcare professionals.
How Placenta Encapsulation Works?
The process involves transforming the placenta, a temporary organ developed during pregnancy, into a powder form encapsulated in pills.
Step-by-Step Process of Placenta Encapsulation
- Collection: The placenta is collected immediately after childbirth by healthcare providers or specialists.
- Cleaning: It undergoes thorough cleaning to remove blood, membranes, and debris, ensuring it is free from contaminants.
- Inspection: The placenta is inspected for overall health and abnormalities to confirm its suitability for encapsulation.
- Preparation: Excess blood is drained, and any remaining membranes are trimmed.
- Dehydration: The placenta is dried either naturally (air drying) or using a food dehydrator to remove moisture.
- Grinding: The dehydrated placenta is ground into a fine powder.
- Encapsulation: The powder is filled into gelatin or vegetarian capsules, either manually or with the help of a machine.
- Packaging: The capsules are placed in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent contamination.
- Storage: Capsules are stored in a cool, dry place to ensure their integrity and prevent bacterial growth.
- Delivery: The encapsulated pills are delivered to the client, typically the postpartum mother.
This process is usually carried out by trained professionals to ensure safety and quality.
Safety Precautions and Professional Standards
Placenta encapsulation is a procedure that should be handled with caution, as it involves biological material. Certified professionals typically adhere to strict safety standards to reduce any risk of contamination.
Key safety measures include:
- Hygienic Practices: The encapsulation process is performed in a clean, sterile environment to avoid the risk of bacterial or viral contamination.
- Proper Storage: Both the placenta and the final capsules must be stored in appropriate conditions (usually refrigerated or in a cool, dry place).
- Certification: Many professionals in the field are trained and certified through organizations that specialize in encapsulation of placenta, ensuring they meet health and safety regulations.
- Clear Consent: Written consent is often required from the individual for the handling and encapsulation of the placenta.
In many countries, this process is not heavily regulated, so it’s important for individuals to research and choose professionals who follow reputable practices and adhere to safety standards.
Risks and Side Effects of Placenta Encapsulation
Placenta encapsulation is a debated practice with potential risks. Here are key concerns:
- Bacterial Contamination: Improper handling may lead to infections.
- Incomplete Sterilization: Pathogens might not be fully eliminated.
- Allergic Reactions: Capsules may cause allergies due to components like gelatin.
- Lack of Standardization: Preparation methods vary, risking inconsistency.
- Hormonal Impact: Hormones in the placenta may have unpredictable effects.
- Limited Evidence: Benefits like mood improvement lack strong scientific backing.
- Toxin Exposure: The placenta may contain heavy metals or contaminants.
- Psychological Impact: Some may feel discomfort or anxiety consuming it.
- Breastfeeding Interference: Hormones might affect milk supply or composition.
- No Regulation: Providers are not regulated, risking quality and safety issues.
Consult healthcare providers before deciding and choosing a reputable service to minimize risks. Prioritize open communication for safe postpartum care.
Who Should Consider Placenta Encapsulation?
Placenta pills can be fruitful for the following women:
- Women seek natural ways to boost energy, balance hormones, and speed recovery.
- Women with previous PPD might consider it to help regulate hormones and potentially reduce the risk of PPD (Postpartum Depression).
- For women struggling with breastfeeding, placenta capsules may support lactation due to their hormonal content.
- Women who prefer natural options for recovery.
Key Considerations:
- Consult your doctor to ensure safety.
- Choose a reputable provider with strict hygiene practices.
- Consider personal or cultural beliefs before deciding.
How To Find A Reliable Placenta Encapsulation Specialist
When selecting an encapsulation specialist, it’s essential to ensure the provider follows strict safety and hygiene standards. Here are key factors to consider:
- Experience and Expertise: Look for a specialist with training and experience in placenta encapsulation.
- Hygiene and Sanitation: Ensure the provider maintains clean and sanitized equipment and workspace.
- Reputation and Reviews: Check reviews or ask for recommendations from other clients to assess their satisfaction.
- Customizable Services: A reliable provider will offer flexibility, such as different encapsulation methods (steamed or raw) and delivery options.
Questions To Ask And Certifications To Verify
To ensure the provider is qualified and trustworthy, ask the following questions:
- What is your experience and training in this field?
- Can you provide references or reviews from previous clients?
- How do you ensure proper sterilization and hygiene during the encapsulation process?
- What steps do you take to prevent contamination?
- Are you certified by any professional organizations or training programs?
- Do you have insurance in case of adverse reactions or contamination?
Verifying certifications and asking the right questions will help you find a safe and reliable provider.
A Word Of Care From Fitelo
- What is an encapsulated placenta? It refers to the process of steaming, drying, and grinding the placenta into a fine powder, which is then placed in capsules for consumption.
- Its safety and efficacy remain debated in the medical community, with limited scientific evidence supporting the claimed benefits.
- Placenta encapsulation in India is gaining interest as a natural postpartum recovery method.
- Placenta pills are believed to offer several benefits, such as boosting energy levels, balancing hormones, improving milk supply, and aiding postpartum recovery through essential nutrients.
- While scientific evidence is limited, many women report positive effects like reduced postpartum bleeding and enhanced immune function.
- The potential risks of these pills are bacterial contamination, allergic reactions, hormonal effects, and lack of scientific evidence.
- These pills may be beneficial for women seeking natural postpartum recovery, hormone balance, and breastfeeding support, but it’s important to consult a doctor, choose a reputable provider, and consider personal or cultural beliefs.
- To find a reliable encapsulation specialist, ensure they have experience, follow strict hygiene standards, have positive reviews, offer customizable services, and are certified by professional organizations.
At the heart of every mother and child’s well-being is a profound understanding of the unique journey every mother undertakes. We understand how overwhelming it is for every mother to go through the whole postpartum weight loss journey. And, we’re here for you!
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Post-pregnancy miracle, where this proud mother lost 18 kg in just 90 days!!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Placenta Encapsulation For?
The purpose of this process is to transform a woman’s placenta into pill form for consumption, with the goal of providing potential health benefits. It is often sought by women looking for a natural way to ease postpartum symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, and breastfeeding challenges.
What Are The Benefits Of Placenta Preservation?
Placenta preservation includes practices like encapsulation. It is believed to offer benefits such as boosting energy, supporting hormonal balance, improving milk supply, and aiding postpartum recovery. It may also help reduce postpartum bleeding, support immune function, and potentially reduce the risk of postpartum depression, though scientific evidence is limited.
What Do Hospitals Do With Placentas?
Hospitals typically dispose of placentas as medical waste unless the patient requests to keep it for personal reasons, such as for encapsulation. In some cases, placentas may be donated for research or medical purposes with the patient’s consent.
Can Encapsulated Placenta Decrease Milk Supply?
There is no strong evidence to suggest that placenta pills directly decrease milk supply. However, some women may experience hormonal fluctuations that could potentially affect breastfeeding, so it’s important to monitor milk production and consult a healthcare provider.
Contact Us:
We’re never leaving you hanging with doubts, queries, as well as confusing questions. We understand how all this information gets overwhelming as well as a little confusing on your way to a healthy lifestyle. Hence, you can always contact us at any time as our experts are here to guide you 24/7. Also, we will help you achieve your weight loss goals.
Disclaimer:
This blog post was written to help you make healthy and better food choices altogether. So, be aware and take care. The important thing to consider is your health before starting a restrictive diet. Always seek advice from a doctor/dietitian before starting if you have any concerns.
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