March 1, 2013

You Did What?!?

I don’t know if you’ve seen the article about Holly Madison saying she is going to encapsulate her placenta and take it after she gives birth.  It’s been all over my Facebook newsfeed.  If you haven’t, you can click on the blue text and you can read an article on it.  I mean really, who eats their placenta?  It’s just a crazy celebrity thing, not something a normal person a normal person would do, right?

Wrong.

Normal people do encapsulate their placenta.  How do I know this?  Because I did.  I’ll do it again too, with my next child.  Did you know that some people actually eat it raw, in a smoothie?  Placenta capsulesThat was a little much for me.  Having it in a capsule form is much more convenient and less ick for me.  (In case you’re wondering, the red capsules are cherry flavored and the clear ones are plain.  I prefer the plain ones!)

You’re probably thinking “Less ICK?  Are you KIDDING me? WHY would you do such a thing?”  That’s a good question.  There are several benefits from taking your placenta.  They include a decrease in baby blues/postpartum depression, an increase in breast milk, increase in energy, decrease in lochia (postpartum bleeding) and iron deficiency and a decrease in insomnia/sleeping disorders.  I was very concerned that I was going to have PPD (postpartum depression) after Munchkin was born.  I had asked The Man and my mom to be on the look out for it.  I wanted to have the placenta on hand to help out with it in case I needed it.

I feel that taking my placenta did help.  I think it  did help with energy and milk production, and my bleeding was light (though lasted for several weeks.)  I didn’t take all my capsules right after Munchkin was born and in the months since I’ve taken them whenever I’ve felt tired.  I can see a difference.

I was right to be concerned about the PPD.  I didn’t get it right after the baby was born.  I have it now.  That’s why I haven’t been posting much.  I think I’m starting to come out the other side but it’s still hard.  I’m seeing a counselor and The Man has cut back his schedule to be home more to help me out.  I also started taking my placenta again and it helped.  It’s AMAZING.  I can’t tell you what a difference it has made.  It has helped me get out of the fog and to have some energy again. 

So while I know this grosses some of you out, don’t knock it till you’ve tried it.  I get that’s it not for everyone but you don’t have to be negative about it (someone told me they consider cannibalism. Really?!?) I kept it a secret because I didn’t want to deal with people’s reaction.  I’m at the point though, where I don’t care, especially if it could help someone.  Some women save them and take them during menopause, which I’ve also heard is very beneficial. 

Placenta bottleI got 162 capsules out of my placenta and I’m almost out. It will be a sad, sad day in this house when they are all gone.  In case you’re wondering, I didn’t do it myself.  My doula did it for me and I had them about a day and half after giving birth.  I started taking them while I was still in the hospital.  I store them in my fridge in that pretty blue jar.

I think that if you’ve had PPD before, or a history of depression, this is something for you to consider.  Not that you HAVE to do it, but just think about it and do a little research.

Did you encapsulate your placenta? 

If not, is it something you would consider? 

Why or why not?

25 comments:

  1. It's not for me, but that's the beauty of pregnancy/motherhood- it isn't one size fits all, and it shouldn't be. I am pretty sure both my parents are rolling their eyes at me hiring a doula (they didn't, Sky will probably be here, and therefore they think it's unnecessary), but they aren't the ones going through labor. It's a personal thing.

    But I'm really sorry about the PPD. I probably had it- I was definitely depressed, though maybe from other things- and it's rough enough to feel that way without having a little one to care for, too. I'm nervous about it this time as well. I'll be praying for you, and I know there will be a light at the end of the tunnel. Hugs!

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  2. I love that you posted about this. I thought and really considered doing this, but in the end I just didn't. I'm sorry that you're suffering through PPD (I don't know if suffer is the right word...I guess going through/experiencing...whatever it may be). I'm glad that you have something to help and I'm glad that you did your research on it. Thinking of you!

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  3. If I ever give birth, I would do this. I read about it and it sounded like a really good thing to do and the science is logical. Meh. I am sure we've all eaten grosser things. Like milk from another animal!

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  4. I have heard so many people do this and I actually plan on doing it when we have children. It's one of the most natural things you can do. :)

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  5. I'm pretty sure I'll do it just to have on hand. I grew up on a farm and you know what? ALL the animals ate their own placenta right after birth. It helped bring their milk in. They did this naturally. Why should it be any different with humans?

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  6. I love that you posted about it, not sure it would be for me but when the time comes, I am pretty concerned about PPD, I've already mentioned it to Lance since I have a bit of history about those kinds of things...

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  7. This is great! I didn't do it with this last baby but I'm seriously considering with the next.

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  8. I saw this and I had never even heard of it! I actually have a history of depression and had PPD for a few months. If I had known about this I probably would have looked into it a little more.

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  9. I didn't encapsulate mine with my son and had PPD. With this pregnancy I'm doing it and I can't wait to see the difference in myself. I've had a mixed bag of reactions from the people I've told. Most don't care, but others tell me they think it's gross.

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  10. Hope that this time around you won't get it! And I totally agree on the fact that it's not one size fits all! Thanks!

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  11. Thank you! I thought on it for a LONG time and in the end DH told just to to do it. I think I needed permission that it was ok and not way out there. Well, I guess it is way out there but it's amazing how many people do it!

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  12. LOL! It's true! And when you do get there and do it, you can tell people you're not the only to who does it!

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  13. Nice! I agree. We've come so far from what is natural!

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  14. We are animals after all! If you don't end up needing if after the baby is born maybe it will be useful for menopause!

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  15. It would be something for you to look into at least! Research is a good thing, even if you don't end up doing it!

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  16. I think you should! I really think it helped my milk come in!

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  17. You can look into it for the next one! You might decide not to do it but you at least learn more!

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  18. I've gotten more positive responses than I thought I would! People have told me it's gross but I don't care. They're not the ones taking it:)

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  19. I'm impressed.. and mildly freaked out. You are far more braver than I. I'm glad it's working for you and bravo for the courage to do it. I didn't even know it was a possibility, albeit, I wouldn't have because I'm a chicken. Hopefully the fog lifts soon because any type of depression is hard to deal with. Hugs and high fives.

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  20. Wow! I know the "placenta" gives your skin a certain glow and makes you look more youthful (talking by experience - bought capsules in the super market though - it's actually a popular "for the skin" product in Asian countries) but this is the first time I heard about it's other benefits. Thank you.

    I am your new follower from http://inhighheelsanddogtags.blogspot.jp/. I am new (kinda) to the blogging world and would love to meet other military wives and exciting people out there. Have a great day everyone.

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  21. I love your honest answer! Thanks so much:)

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  22. I had no idea that you could buy placenta for your skin...interesting!

    Thanks for the follow! I don't know how exciting I am, especially with a baby, but I hope you find some fun blogs to follow:)

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  23. Thanks for coming by and for the follow! You're in for an amazing ride as a milspouse but it's well worth it:)

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  24. How does this work? I mean, the whole capsulation process?

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  25. I'm not totally sure. My doula did the encapsulation and I got the gel caps. I think they dehydrate it in the oven and grind it up. You could find someone in your area who does it and ask them about the process!

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