Making the Benefits of the Placenta Accessible to New Mothers

By Kylie Pattnaik, PBi PLacenta Encapsulation Specialist

Whilst Placenta Encapsulation has become quite common in the USA, it is still a new concept to many mothers in the United Kingdom. When some mothers initially consider consuming their placenta, they are somewhat apprehensive. Once they understand that it’s just like taking vitamin capsules then, they start to think about it all a little differently.

Placenta Encapsulation is the process of putting the placenta tissue into capsule form. The process of Placenta Encapsulation is carried out according to the Placenta Benefits procedures. The placenta is prepared to TCM methods, dried, ground and put into capsules. The capsules used are vegetarian and have no specific taste.

Placenta Benefits

Placenta has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for centuries, being prescribed for low milk supply and fatigue. There are research studies which support placenta encapsulation but there are not a lot of them – I’m guessing there isn’t a lot of funding or demand for research in this area! The available research supports the TCM approach of placenta ingestion during the postpartum, indicating that 86% of mother’s experience a significant increase in milk supply when they consume their placenta in early postpartum. Research has out-ruled a number of theories regarding why the placenta may cause an increase in milk production but it is yet to determine what it is that is in the placenta that boosts milk production.

It is also known that the placenta is a rich source of iron and hormones. As an endocrine organ, the placenta produces hormones during pregnancy and there are high levels of these hormones in placenta tissue. One of the hormones produced by the placenta is CRH. CRH helps us deal with stress. Before the second trimester of pregnancy, CRH is produced by the pituitary gland. When a mother births her placenta she suddenly loses a significant amount of iron and hormones, the very things that she will need in her early postpartum recovery. It is theorised that after giving birth sometimes the brain can take a while to realise that the placenta is no longer there producing the CRH so, the placenta capsules can help to fill the gap until the pituitary gland takes over the production of CRH again.

Mothers who consume placenta capsules frequently report reduced symptoms of the baby blues, reduced occurrences of postpartum depression, a lift in mood, a boost in energy levels and less blood loss during the early postpartum.

There are many ways to consume a placenta but, placenta capsules make the benefits of the placenta much more readily available. Whilst some are happy to have placenta stew, the majority of mothers cannot imagine being able to eat their placenta and find capsule form the most palatable option.

Placenta capsules that aren’t used during the postpartum can be used during times of stress and some mothers keep them to be taken during menopause.

The Service

Most clients prefer that their placenta is collected and returned to them in capsule form. However, this process can be carried out in the client’s home if they wish.

The placenta is collected shortly after birth. It is then encapsulated and returned in capsule form. For those mothers who live further away and wish to reduce the costs, it is possible to return capsules in the post. This service is available throughout Cornwall and Devon. Fees vary depending on the mother’s location.

Training to offer Placenta Encapsulation Services

Placenta Benefits was founded by Jodi Selander, a mother who developed the process of placenta encapsulation after experiencing postpartum depression following the birth of her first child. Jodi created the term ‘Placenta Encapsulation’ and went on to develop an online training course. Her vision is for all mothers to have access to placenta encapsulation services if they wish for them.

Placenta Benefits was born out of Jodi’s desire to bring the benefits of placenta to new mothers, helping them to have a smoother postpartum experience.

Training to become a Placenta Encapsulation Specialist through Placenta Benefits involves completing five home study modules. Assessment includes assignments and an exam. Placenta Benefits Specialists are required to adhere to safe food handling practices and follow Health Protection Authority guidelines. Kylie is a Doula based in Cornwall, she trained with Birthing Wisdom in 2007 and operates as Positive Birth Choices. She is also a Massage therapist, Reiki master and has a small online store for eco-friendly and organic products which can assist with making pregnancy, birth and the postpartum more comfortable. Kylie decided to bring Placenta Benefits to the UK after experiencing the sacred ritual of handling and preparing placenta smoothies for some mothers.

As PBi is new to the UK we are keen to hear from women across England, Ireland and Scotland who are interested in training to become a PBi Placenta Encapsulation Specialist. If you’re interested in learning more about Placenta Encapsulation Kylie can be reached through Email or by phone. Information about how to train to become a PBi Specialist can be found online here.

This article was written for the Birthing Wisdom Newsletter, Summer 2011)