Placenta Encapsulation

I still have to write Avett's birth story, but in the meantime wanted to post about something birth-related I did for the first time with him. I had my placenta encapsulated AND I consumed it!  I know it is a completely foreign and bizarre idea for many people, and several years ago I would've felt the same way.  But now placenta discussion seems pretty normal to me because most of the moms I associate with tend to lean "crunchy" or "natural."  Although I didn't do it with Cambria or Ezra, in my mind, it seems like a very natural thing to do. We are mammals, and most mammals do consume their placentas after giving birth.  The placenta is such a life source during pregnancy, it's truly amazing. I have a friend who has an placenta encapsulation business, so I figured I'd give it a try this time.  She charges $200, but I think the average cost range is $100-$300.

There are many believed benefits to placenta consumption like helping with baby blues, increasing milk supply, and generally helping with the postpartum recovery process etc. I found this post that details how the placenta is encapsulated--it may gross some people out, just warning you.  After giving birth, my mom and sisters took my placenta back to our house in a plastic bag and Angela picked it up from them within the hour. About two days later I received my placenta package all ready to go!

Placenta print.  I plan to frame it and display it as art. 

The pretty blue glass jars they came in.  She uses the two different methods labeled. 

She shapes the umbilical cord into a heart as a keepsake.

The whole package.

The pills. 

Instructions.

Do I think consuming my placenta was really beneficial? It's hard to say. I've never had postpartum baby blues or anxiety, but I've been experiencing both of those this time.  But I am also taking care of a 3 year old, a 2 year old and an infant 24/7, so part of it might be situational. My milk supply is great and physically I felt normal within a few days after birth.  I haven't consumed all of them because I want to save some of them for PMS symptoms and for a little "boost" here and there. I would definitely do it again and recommend it to anyone who may be interested!