03/27/2023
Did you know how good encapsulation is for the maternal cardiovascular system post brith? The placenta is rich in selenium, a mineral with antioxidant properties that protect cells from damage[1] and may be partly why placental ingestion is so effective in aiding uterine recovery.[2]
As for iron, studies show a strong correlation between maternal iron levels and the mother’s experience of depression, stress, and cognitive functioning postpartum.[3],[4] Amazingly, a term placenta has an iron equivalent of nearly two blood transfusions.[5]
Amazingly, a term placenta has an iron equivalent of nearly two blood transfusions. Placenta consumption alleviates fatigue and may counter the onset of postpartum depression by quickly restoring hemoglobin blood levels.[6]
Since an estimated 50% of US citizens have some form of low iron or anemia, replenishing blood volume after the blood loss during birth is a strain on the postpartum body.
Having low iron often results in lower hormone levels, fatigue, lack of concentration, and depressive symptoms.
Even non-anemic mothers with ‘unexplained fatigue’ postpartum consistently benefit from iron supplementation in ways researchers are still trying to explain.[7],[8]
Something we hear a lot from encapsulators online is that there isn't a lot of research on the placenta and... we're sorry your trainer told you that. Come see why so many students are taking our recert program here. https://brilliantbirthacademy.com/become-placenta-encapsulator/placenta-encapsulator-re-certification-training/
[1] Lorenzo Alonso, M. J., A. Bermejo Barrera, J. A. Cocho De Juan, J. M. Fraga Bermúdez, and P. Bermejo Barrera. “Selenium Levels in Related Biological Samples: Human Placenta, Maternal and Umbilical Cord Blood, Hair and Nails.” Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology 19(1), 2005 pp 49–54.
[2] Field, M. “Placentophagy.” Midwives Chronicles, 97(1162) 1984, pp 375–376
[3] John L. Beard, et al., “Maternal Iron Deficiency Anemia Affects Postpartum Emotions and Cognition.” Journal of Nutrition. 135 2005, pp 267–272.
[4] Bodnar Lisa, Cogswell Me, Mcdonald T “Have We Forgotten the Significance of Postpartum Iron Deficiency?” American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 193(1), 2005 pp 36–44.
[5] Bodnar Lisa, Cogswell Me, Mcdonald T “Have We Forgotten the Significance of Postpartum Iron Deficiency?” American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 193(1), 2005 pp 36–44.
[6] Wong, C. T., and N. Sana. “Inter-Relationships of Storage Iron in the Mother, the Placenta and the Newborn.” Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica. 69 (7–8), 1990, pp 613–616.
[7] F Verdon, Et. Al. “Iron Supplementation for Unexplained Fatigue in Non-Anemic Women: Double Blind Randomized Placebo Controlled Trial.” BMJ, 326:1124 May 2003.
[8] Dodd Jm, Dare Mr, Middleton P. “Treatment for Women with Postpartum Iron Deficiency Anemia.” Cochrane Database System Review, 2004.
