Why on earth would I encapsulate my placenta?!
I used to ask the same question. Yes, me. The doula in the Keweenaw who encapsulates placentas. So I totally get the skeptical inquiries I often hear. So how did I go from that, to now? Let me tell you that story, and give you a little update on what I’ve been up to lately.
Back when I first started getting into doula work, I had a few inquiries from women asking if I’d be interested in getting trained in placenta encapsulation. A couple had rough postpartum times previously and were searching for something to help them in the future. There were also moms who lived in other areas who had previously had great luck with placenta pills, and were searching for someone to help them with that here in the Keweenaw. Around the same time, my own experiences had opened me up more to alternative ways of dealing with health. And I do love being able to help moms out. So in fall of 2020 I decided to get trained, and took on my first clients.
Now, over two years into doing up placentas, and even encapsulating my own from baby number eight…. I have nothing but good to say about it. It has made such a difference for many moms. Including me.
Benefits I have personally seen:
Increased energy
Increased milk supply
Better mood
I had my baby in the end of June 2022. There was no way I’d be physically able to stand on my feet for hours preparing it yet, so I put the placenta in my freezer. I knew it would be awesome to have within the first couple days, but I figured I’d have it just in case. My postpartum was going pretty well, and it wasn’t on my radar to make it into pills.
But out of the blue at 8 weeks out I had a strange flare up. My doctor and I are still trying to figure out exactly what it was, but it seemed to be postpartum hormones, adrenal fatigue, and possibly thyroid related. I was not feeling well at all. Insomnia, adrenaline surges, anxiety, and vertigo/dizziness being the main symptoms. We tweaked the supplements I was taking, the goal being to replenish my body with the things that were lacking, and to help it recover. But after the first flare up I could hardly manage caring for my kids, and felt so icky. So my husband suggested it was time I make up my own placenta pills- reminded me of my plan. He handled the kiddos, and I gathered up the energy to work on my placenta. I was able to get about 90 pills. Which is an average amount- a good amount to have. I also made a tincture to use in the long term. I started taking the pills at the same rate I tell other moms- 3 a day the first week, 2 a day the second week, 1 a day going forward. And avoided taking them too close to bed.
Over five months later, I can say this: They really helped my anxiety. My blood labs are looking better and better. I still have flare ups, but they have spaced out, gotten pretty mild, and everything is much more manageable. Adding the placenta pills into my supplement plan has been a really good thing. The skeptic in me would test it out every once in a while, and I mostly could tell with the anxiety. I’d feel more on edge the days I skipped.
Oh, and on the milk supply! Around New Years’ I ended up with one of the doozy viruses. Three days of fever and super tired with body aches. My milk supply dropped. Poor baby was nursing around the clock trying to boost it. He was hungry all the time. A friend of mine had a bunch of frozen breast milk she didn’t need, so she gifted us that. Bruce was having about a bottle each evening for a few days. I started running low on the donor milk, then remembered my placenta pills. So I took one that morning, and I don’t believe it is coincidence that evening was the first one he didn’t need a bottle in a couple weeks! Now a month later, my friend offered more milk and I was able to say we’re doing just fine. There’s probably another mama and baby out there who could use it. That being said, if you’re a mom out there who a) has extra milk to give or b) is in need…. contact me and I’ll send you information on a Facebook group that women in our area are connecting through. It’s been really neat to see these connections being made! Moms helping moms. I love it.
I’m 7 months postpartum now, and am feeling almost back to my full strength. Enough that I even joined Karina Hyrkas’ postpartum fitness class over at Embody Studio. (A little plug for that- it’s seriously awesome. I can’t recommend it more!!!) I’m still on maternity leave for births, but am totally available for placentas. I’ve already done at least one a month since September!! It’s been so awesome to be able to help other moms with their postpartum, but not have to leave my baby yet for long periods of time. (He is one who LOVES being in the baby carrier and is often safely on my back as I’m working. Just hanging out with mom. His favorite place to be!) I’m also available for scheduled postpartum shifts, peer-to-peer breastfeeding support, and childbirth education. I’ve been feeling the urge to get online a bit more than I have been for a long time. So maybe you’ll be seeing more from me soon!!!