About Placentophagy- The Process and Benefits
Fascinating fact: Humans are one of the few mammals that do not routinely ingest their afterbirth. Let's change that!
After birth, your placenta is kept on ice for a maximum of 48 hours. Ice will need to be changed every few hours in the event of delayed pickup. It will then be transported to a sterile processing area.
Encapsulation: The placenta will be rinsed of blood clots and the membranes and cord will be separated from it. It will then be sliced into thin pieces and dehydrated. Once fully dried it will be crushed into a course powder and put into capsules for your consumption. The capsules are shelf stable but it is suggested to keep them in a cool dark place. The pantry is most ideal, freezer is second best.
Raw Prep: The placenta will be rinsed of blood clots and the membranes and cord will be separated from it. It will be sliced into pieces approximately 1"x1" then frozen. Once fully frozen they will be placed in a jar. These pieces will need to be kept frozen until they are going to be consumed. Thawing for 24 hours in the refrigerator is the most sanitary way to thaw them. Most people use these pieces individually in a daily smoothie.
But why should you do this?
Actual scientific studies are limited, but evidence and experiences suggest that benefits of placentophagy include
After birth, your placenta is kept on ice for a maximum of 48 hours. Ice will need to be changed every few hours in the event of delayed pickup. It will then be transported to a sterile processing area.
Encapsulation: The placenta will be rinsed of blood clots and the membranes and cord will be separated from it. It will then be sliced into thin pieces and dehydrated. Once fully dried it will be crushed into a course powder and put into capsules for your consumption. The capsules are shelf stable but it is suggested to keep them in a cool dark place. The pantry is most ideal, freezer is second best.
Raw Prep: The placenta will be rinsed of blood clots and the membranes and cord will be separated from it. It will be sliced into pieces approximately 1"x1" then frozen. Once fully frozen they will be placed in a jar. These pieces will need to be kept frozen until they are going to be consumed. Thawing for 24 hours in the refrigerator is the most sanitary way to thaw them. Most people use these pieces individually in a daily smoothie.
But why should you do this?
Actual scientific studies are limited, but evidence and experiences suggest that benefits of placentophagy include
- increased milk production
- reduced bleeding
- accelerated recovery
- increased energy
- faster infant weight gain in exclusively breast fed babies
- prevents postpartum hormone withdrawals reducing incidence of postpartum mood disorders
How This Began
I learned of placentophagy in 2011 after a several months-long bout of postpartum depression. With my next child I decided to give it a try. If there was any chance of not experiencing depression like that again, I was down! Having an aversion for taking any type of pills, I opted for raw pieces in smoothies. Following that birth, I experienced many of the touted benefits- increased milk production, decreased lochia, no sign of postpartum depression and overall I just felt great! Even my hair and nails were improved. I utilized this process again after the birth of my fourth and again following the birth of my twins.
About Me
Hi, I'm Nicole! I am the owner and operator of St. Louis Placenta & Postpartum Services. I have been processing placentas since 2012. In 2014 I took a formal training through IPPA. I currently hold an Illinois Food Handlers Certification.
Birth work has been my passion since I discovered it in 2008. It has grown and evolved with each child and each change in family dynamics. I hope to assist families through their transitions and enable and empower them to make the most of all the precious moments.
I am happily married and have seven amazing children. In my free time I enjoy sewing, gardening, reading and watching documentaries.
Birth work has been my passion since I discovered it in 2008. It has grown and evolved with each child and each change in family dynamics. I hope to assist families through their transitions and enable and empower them to make the most of all the precious moments.
I am happily married and have seven amazing children. In my free time I enjoy sewing, gardening, reading and watching documentaries.
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