I was talking with my midwife recently about my fear of getting Postpartum depression. I've been so depressed this pregnancy, that I am legitimately concerned about hitting a major low after giving birth. I would like to avoid taking anti-depressants, if possible, and breast feed for a year, like I did with Ari.
My midwife asked me this:
"Have you considered placenta encapsulation?"
I paused for a moment and then replied:
"I don't even know what that means."
She went on to tell me that it is possible to take one's placenta, after birth of course, dry it out, condense it into capsules, and take them like vitamins. My midwife has seen these placenta pills help women combat postpartum, and work wonders with PMS.
It makes sense, when you think about it, ingesting your placenta. With the exception of humans, mammals automatically eat their placenta after birth.
I'm not going to do this process on my own, but rather I've hired a doula who specializes in placenta encapsulation to prepare the capsules for me.
I will let you know if these placenta pills are magical mood lifters or not.
I read all about that when I was pregnant! I would TOTALLY do it if my faith allowed it. I have heard really, really, really good things about it! YAY! I hope it works for you. Depression sucks!
ReplyDeleteI know right?? I am so not willing to risk being depressed with two kids. You know? I hope that my placenta bestows magical happiness upon me!
ReplyDeleteHow long after delivery are the capsules available? I think around 4 days PP is when the depression really kicks it. At least for me.
ReplyDeleteOh, I have to ask the doula. I know she comes the day of the birth. I'll keep you posted.
ReplyDeleteDid you have ppd probs the first time? I found the transition from 1 to 2 kids a piece of cake compared to the first time. I had some issues with pp mania the first time (I was vaccuuming and baking at 3 am so every would think everything was fine) but no probs the second time.
ReplyDeleteI'm doing the same thing, and my midwife asked me the same thing at my first appointment, but I did already know what it is. I learned about the benefits of the placenta from a woman at Whole Foods, of all places, and a bunch of doulas I know recently became Placenta Encapsulation Specialists. So, that was the VERY first thing I planned when we decided to have another baby.
ReplyDeleteI already tried a zoloft prescription a couple months ago, and I got so sick I know there's NO way I want to put myself through that again. I hope the PE works out as well as everyone says it does!
FWIW, my doula says she comes to get the placenta within a few hours of the birth, and has it back in 24 hours. I think worst-case-scenario, I'll have it back by 48 hrs postpartum, but ask yours.
Sara- I didn't have PPD the first time, but I have a history of depression so I'm concerned this time around.
ReplyDeleteFB- I have to check with her. YAY! I'm so glad to hear you are doing PE!! I know, I'm scared of taking SSRIs and nursing.
In capsure form I find the idea easier to swallow :-) When I first heard of this idea years ago, there was no mention of encapsulation. Rather, one cooked and ate the placenta. The internet is full of recipes should one be so inclined. Placenta meatloaf. Placenta casserole. Placenta surprise! I can't say the idea made a particularly positive impression on me. But now that they have a less icky way of going about the process, and there's the potential to ward off ppd, I say go for it!
ReplyDeleteWhoa!!!!! What you aren't going to inhale it on the spot?! But seriously, I really hope it works. Do report back.
ReplyDeleteSo happy to have stumbled upon your blog post and see that you are considering placenta encapsulations. I encapsulated my own and after seeing the power of placenta medicine and for the last year and a half have offered this service to other moms in my area. I 100% believe in the power of the placenta!
ReplyDeleteHere is a little bit about my story and why I found placenta medicine:
http://placentamom.weebly.com/about-me.html
For anyone else interested you can find Independent Placenta Service Providers at: http://www.avoidthebabyblues.com
Much Placenta Love!
PlacentaMom.com
Placenta Mom - To clarify, I am not "considering" placenta encapsulation, I've decided to go through with this process after much research.
ReplyDeleteThat is even better! Yay for placentas. Cannot wait to see a follow up post with your opinion on how it works for you. Happy birthing!
ReplyDelete