What is the placenta

The placenta is the only organ that belongs to two people at the same time. It literally contains half the mother's blood and half the baby's blood, and is unique to every mother and baby. The placenta acts as a barrier between the two separate bodies, transferring oxygen and nutrients from the mother's blood to the baby. It has the ability to pick and choose what it takes from the mother based on the baby's needs at that moment. The placenta also produces a load of hormones necessary to sustain pregnancy and the growth of a healthy baby.

Nutrients and hormones found in your placenta

• Oxytocin -(the love hormone) is known to stimulate uterine contractions, aids in lactation, assists in bonding, and reduces anxiety

• Progesterone - (the pregnancy hormone) assists in mental clarity and cognitive function, reduces anxiety, boosts energy, and regulates immune system function.

• Prostaglandin - Promote cell regeneration and growth, heals placenta attachment site, repairs vaginal and rectal tearing, minimizes nipple soreness, and promotes contractions

• Estrogen - (primary female sex hormone) 10 to 25% of women experience major depression within 6 months of childbirth due to the drastic drop in estrogen immediately following the birth. Although the effects of estrogen levels are not completely understood, researchers have linked estrogen levels to mental clarity and emotional balance.

• Corticotropin Releasing Hormone (CHR) - In the last trimester, the placenta begins to secrete this hormone. By the time of birth most mothers have up to 3 times their pre-pregnancy levels of CHR. With the delivery of the placenta, the CHR production system is interrupted. This sudden decline in her body can lead to the inability to deal with stress well and the feeling of being overwhelmed.

• Prolactin - (the milk hormone) functions to promote milk production. It is also shown to support the reproductive, metabolic, and regulation of the immune system

• Human Placental Lactogen (HPL) - the hormone made by the placenta similar to the human growth hormone. HPL breaks down fat from the mother to provide fuel to the baby. Mothers with high HPL levels can lead to insulin resistance in the mother (Gestational Diabetes)

• Endorphins and Opioids - The main endorphins in the placenta are called Placental Opioid Enhancing Factor (POEF) it is found in the placenta and amniotic fluid. It provides natural pain relief; consuming the placenta will help prescription pain relievers work better because of the POEF it contains. Thus, less prescription pain relievers are needed.

• Serotonin - (Serotonin dependent on Vitamin B6) helps to support regulated sleep patterns, balance weight, improve mood, improve cognitive function, and aid in blood clotting.

• Vitamin B6 - prevents depression, improves mental clarity, supports the immune system, and supports wound healing postpartum.

• Copper - helps the body absorb Iron, increases white blood cells, is an anti-inflammatory, and supports the thyroid.

• Iron - Restores hemoglobin blood levels. A full at term placenta has the Iron equivalent of nearly two blood transfusions. Low Iron levels result in low hormone levels, fatigue, inability to concentrate, and symptoms of depression.

• Selenium - Aids the thyroid in hormone production, aids in uterine recovery and decreases the risk of postpartum depression.

• Zinc - Located in every tissue of the body. Zinc aids in hormone balance and is an anti-inflammatory agent. It supports the immune system, increases energy, assists in wound healing, muscle growth and repair.

Not All Placentas are Safe for Consumption

When is Placenta Encapsulation Contraindicated (not Safe for Cunsumption)?
“My care provider told me that I can’t consume my placenta.” A phrase I hear all too often. The truth is, placenta encapsulation and consumption aren’t a standard practice and probably never will be – therefore care providers are confused by it, and often want to discourage you from consuming your placenta. What kind of placenta encapsulation specialist would I be, if I told you placenta consumption was for everyone and that there are absolutely no contraindications. I’d like to note one thing: it is currently illegal in all 50 states to prevent a parent from bringing home their placenta.

Now The Contraindications for Consumption
• The whole placenta has been transferred to a pathology lab
If your care provider informs you they would like to take your placenta to pathology, ask them to take a small piece of the placenta instead of the entire thing. It is illegal in all 50 states to deny a patient their right to take their placenta home.
• Maternal temperature at birth is exceeding 100.4 or higher)
• Placenta contacted high amounts of maternal fecal matter
• Infant fever at birth
• Foul smelling discharge or amniotic fluid
• Placenta came in contact with Chemicals after birth
• Some placentas from blood borne pathogens positive pregnancy
• Certain Infections
• Has consistently been exposed to drugs, tobacco, or alcohol
• A placenta that has set out longer than 4 to 5 hours. Post birth, without refrigerated or pit on ice.
• A placenta that has been in the refrigerator for more than 4 to 5 days without being frozen
• Certain genetic disorders
• Certain developed placental abnormalities or conditions
• Cancer of the placenta
In this case, placenta encapsulation and consumption would be contraindicated.
**Having GBS (Group Beta Strep) or Gestational Diabetes, are not contraindications for placenta encapsulation.**

Placenta and Herbal Remedies are not FDA approved and should not be used as a medical treatment for any physical or mental condition. Consult your care provider before using these or any Herbal Supplements.