Placenta encapsulation has become more popular over the last decade. With women trying to combat postpartum depression and lean towards breastfeeding their babies, choosing to encapsulate their placenta has has helped them in that fight. Read on to learn about the pros and cons of placenta encapsulation.
What is a Placenta?
The placenta is a organ that develops in early pregnancy to provide nutrients and oxygen to your baby while they are in the womb It is made from connective tissue and blood vessels from your baby. It is also responsible from removing waste from your baby. The placenta is attached to your uterus. The umbilical card stems from the placenta and connects to your baby. That’s how it is able to perform its functions.. The placenta is delivered after you have had your baby.
Pros and Cons of Placenta Capsules
Having your placenta encapsulated can be beneficial for you and your baby according to advocates. Some alleged benefits of placenta capsules is it decreases your chances of postpartum depression, reduces stress, and increase breast milk supply. After delivery, bleeding tends to start right away. Placenta encapsulation advocates claim that they can help restore your iron levels as you recover from delivery.
The CDC strongly suggests that no one consumes placenta capsules. A case was reported where a woman consumed placenta capsules and her baby was later diagnosed with group B streptococcus. They were infected by tainted breast milk. This caused major health issues for the infant where they had to be admitted to to the pediatric intensive care unit. There are is no significant evidence that placenta capsules have any medicinal value.
How are Placenta Capsules Made?
There are companies that will take your placenta and encapsulated it for you. This service isn’t usually covered by insurance. The price of placenta encapsulation varies. Prices range from $300 and up.
