Placenta Encapsulation: Before You Scream About Lack of Research, Let Me Ask, What Are YOU Doing to Support New Moms and Families?
Placenta encapsulation, one of my specialties, is really not as wild as it seems. It involves taking a new mom's placenta, dehydrating it, grinding it into a powder, and encapsulating it for her own consumption. This age-old practice has been around for centuries but has increased in popularity among mainstream folks over the last decade or two, thanks in part to Kim Kardashian and the power of social media.
Many of us who have tried it swear by the efficacy of our placenta pills. Yet, skeptics scream about its safety and lack of scientific evidence – even though not a single woman or baby has been harmed by it.
In a world where society often leaves new moms to navigate motherhood alone, many are willing to try anything, especially something created by their own bodies, to enhance their postpartum experience. It's a form of empowerment, giving moms the choice and control over their own well-being.
The Power of Anecdotal Evidence
Lots of women who have consumed placenta capsules share stories of significantly improved postpartum experiences. They report increased energy levels, improved mood, faster recovery, and even the absence of the baby blues. While these personal accounts are compelling, it is, of course, important to acknowledge their limitations. Personal experiences can be influenced by placebo effects, the strength of belief, and individual variations in response. Importantly, these experiences often occur in the absence of risk factors for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
Placebo Effects and the Mind-Body Connection
Placebo effects are observable when people perceive benefits due to their belief in a treatment's efficacy, even when the treatment itself lacks scientific validation. The powerful connection between the mind and body should not be underestimated. For some, consuming placenta capsules might trigger a psychological boost, leading to reported improvements in postpartum well-being.
And honestly, in a world that demands so much from new moms while offering minimal support, I say SO WHAT? What if it is just a placebo? What alternatives are we left with? If we hope to avoid postpartum anxiety or depression, what options do we have? How is society helping us?
I have suggestions if you’re open to hearing them.
Instead of bashing women for trying to take matters into their own hands, you could:
Advocate for Paid Maternity Leave: Generous paid maternity leave policies enable mothers to care for their newborns without financial stress.
Support Affordable Childcare: Accessible and affordable childcare options empower mothers to return to work or pursue personal interests while ensuring their child's well-being.
Promote Postpartum Mental Health Services: Comprehensive mental health services, including counseling and therapy, help mothers manage postpartum depression and anxiety.
Encourage Breastfeeding Support: Lactation consultants, breastfeeding clinics, and breastfeeding-friendly workplace policies can assist mothers in their breastfeeding journey.
Advocate for Insurance Coverage for Home Birth: Push for insurance policies to cover home births as a safe and valid option for childbirth. This can help reduce the financial burden on families who choose home births and increase access to midwifery and home birth services.
Provide Birth Preparation and Parenting Classes: Educational programs on parenting, baby care, and childbirth offer valuable knowledge and support to new moms.
Ensure Access to Healthcare: Affordable and accessible healthcare services for mothers and infants are essential for routine check-ups and addressing health concerns.
Support Flexible Work Arrangements: Flexible work hours, remote work options, and job-sharing programs allow mothers to balance work and family life effectively.
Foster Support Groups: Local support groups or online communities connect new moms with others facing similar challenges, providing a platform for sharing experiences and advice.
Promote Home Visits by Nurses or Midwives: Postpartum home visits by healthcare professionals can ensure that both the mother and baby are healthy and thriving.
Provide Parental Education and Resources: Access to resources, such as books, websites, and apps, that offer guidance on parenting and child development can be invaluable.
Offer Financial Assistance: Government programs or grants aimed at assisting new moms with financial support can alleviate economic stress.
Facilitate Meal Services: Meal delivery services or community initiatives that provide nutritious meals to new moms can ease the burden of meal preparation.
Support with Household Chores: Offering assistance with household chores, such as cleaning or grocery shopping, can free up time for mothers to rest and bond with their baby.
Encourage Peer-to-Peer Mentorship: Connecting new moms with experienced mothers who can provide guidance and support can be reassuring and informative.
Ensure Access to Quality Childcare Facilities: Ensuring that childcare centers are well-regulated, safe, and provide quality care can give mothers peace of mind when returning to work.
Expand Family and Medical Leave Policies: Expanding family and medical leave policies to accommodate the needs of new parents can provide additional support.
Offer Parenting Workshops: Workshops and classes on various parenting topics, such as infant sleep, nutrition, and development, empower new moms with knowledge and skills.
Support with Transportation Services: Reliable and accessible transportation options make it easier for mothers to attend medical appointments, run errands, and visit friends and family.
Foster Community Programs: Local initiatives that offer recreational activities, playgroups, or social events for parents and children help combat isolation.
Respect Parental Choices: Supporting and respecting each mother's choice regarding parenting practices, including breastfeeding, co-sleeping, and childcare, fosters a non-judgmental environment.
Encourage Parental Involvement Programs: Community-based programs that encourage fathers and partners to actively participate in parenting and share caregiving responsibilities.
Ensure Access to Affordable Housing: Affordable housing options can alleviate financial stress and provide a stable environment for raising a family.
Provide Parental Education and Job Training: Opportunities for mothers to enhance their skills and education, making it easier to re-enter the workforce if desired.
Offer Respite Care Services: Programs that offer temporary childcare or caregiving support to give new moms a break and prevent burnout.
Assist with Maternity and Nursing Wear: Access to affordable or loaned maternity clothing and nursing wear can make pregnancy and breastfeeding more comfortable.
Provide Cultural and Linguistic Support: Services that cater to the diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds of new moms, ensuring they receive culturally sensitive care and information.
Ensure Access to Safe Play Areas: Well-maintained parks and recreational areas where mothers can take their children for outdoor play and social interaction.
Create Breastfeeding-Friendly Public Spaces: Public spaces and workplaces that provide private and comfortable areas for breastfeeding or pumping breast milk.
Offer Support for Teen Moms: Specialized programs and resources for teenage mothers to help them navigate the challenges of early motherhood.
Support Access to Parental Coaching and Counseling: Services that offer guidance and counseling to address a variety of parenting concerns and challenges.
Provide Emergency Childcare Services: Backup childcare options for unforeseen situations or emergencies that may arise.
Promote Awareness and Education Campaigns: Community-wide campaigns that raise awareness about postpartum mental health, infant safety, and parenting resources.
Support Access to Affordable Baby Supplies: Programs that provide low-cost or free baby supplies, such as diapers, formula, and clothing, to financially disadvantaged families.
Offer Home Safety Assessments: Services that help mothers identify and address potential safety hazards in their homes, ensuring a safe environment for their child.
Provide Support for LGBTQ+ Parents: Inclusive resources and support groups that cater to the unique needs and experiences of LGBTQ+ parents.
Establish Parenting Hotlines: Toll-free helplines staffed by trained professionals who can offer advice and support on parenting and maternal health issues.
Offer Legal Support: Legal assistance and resources for mothers facing issues related to custody, family law, or parental rights.
Facilitate Transportation Assistance: Access to transportation services or vouchers to help new moms get to medical appointments and other essential destinations.
Promote Maternal Health Advocacy: Support and advocacy groups that work to improve maternal healthcare, policies, and access to services at the community and national levels.
Ensure Accessible and Inclusive Healthcare: Ensuring that healthcare facilities are accessible, culturally sensitive, and equipped to provide comprehensive care for mothers and infants.
Until we as a society decide that it’s time we do any or all of the above things to support new moms, I suggest we STFU about why placenta encapsulation might be bullsh*t and start making moves to improve the world we live in. Never once have I had a discussion with anyone who is against placenta encapsulation who offered any real and viable solutions for moms.
The Current State of Research
Research on placenta encapsulation remains relatively limited. While there are studies exploring aspects of the practice for postpartum mental health and physical recovery, such as hormone levels and potential benefits, the scientific community has yet to reach a consensus. A few notable studies have touched on this subject, including research from Jena University and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. These studies have examined hormonal changes and motivations for placenta consumption, offering some insights into the practice.
Why Hasn't There Been More Research?
I have a few guesses. Who will profit if we discover that women have the solution for their own struggles? If we don’t need to boost the salaries of pharmaceutical CEOs? I certainly don’t have the backing to fund a study, but I sure would love to.
Several factors contribute to the limited research on placenta encapsulation:
Funding Challenges: Research studies require funding, and placenta encapsulation may not be a top priority for research organizations. Limited financial support can hinder the initiation of studies.
Ethical Concerns: Conducting research involving human placentas raises ethical questions. Obtaining ethical approval for such studies can be challenging, leading to hesitation among researchers.
Varied Practices: Placenta encapsulation methods can vary significantly among individuals and providers, making it challenging to standardize research protocols.
Small Sample Sizes: Recruiting an adequate number of participants for statistically significant results can be challenging due to the niche nature of the practice.
The Importance of Pushing for More Research
Despite these challenges, it’s important that we advocate for more research in the field of placenta encapsulation for several reasons:
Health and Safety: Safety concerns related to placenta encapsulation, including the potential for contamination, require further investigation to ensure the well-being of new mothers.
Evidence-Based Care: More research can help establish evidence-based guidelines and practices, enabling healthcare providers to offer informed recommendations to their patients.
Informed Decision-Making: Expectant mothers should have access to reliable information when considering placenta encapsulation as part of their postpartum care plan.
Legitimacy: Conducting rigorous research can help legitimize placenta encapsulation as a practice and provide clarity on its potential benefits and risks.
The practice of placenta encapsulation is surrounded by anecdotes, personal beliefs, and limited scientific research. While anecdotal evidence and placebo effects may contribute to reported benefits, more research is needed to understand fully. The challenges in conducting such research are clear, but the importance of pushing for further investigation cannot be overstated. It is through well-designed studies that we can gain a clearer understanding of the true potential of placenta encapsulation and provide evidence-based guidance to new mothers.
Conclusion
I believe in placenta encapsulation. And I believe that placenta pills are not magic. That's why I more than just placenta pills. As a perinatal mental health specialist, I include 6 months of postpartum preparation and mentorship, all backed by a money-back guarantee. The moms who choose encapsulation are truly something special. They're the ones I love working with the most because they're proactive, instinct-driven, and all-around amazing. These qualities make them the best kind of moms.
These women understand the importance of preparing for their postpartum journey, and they're open to exploring various options to ensure they're fully supported. And they absolutely deserve that support. So, as long as society continues to fall short in providing new moms with the support they deserve, I'll be here, offering safe and professional encapsulation services, along with the guidance these incredible moms need.
