Decreased risk of postpartum depression The placenta secretes a significant amount of Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone (CRH), which is a stress reliever, during the third trimester. Low levels of CRH have been associated with postpartum depression. Regulating CRH can help reduce the risk of postpartum depression. Placentas are also filled with other hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, oxytocin and placental opioid-enhancing factor (POEF). These particular hormones can assist in regulating postpartum mood, decrease depression symptoms, counteract stress hormone production, and increase well-being.
Reduced risk of post-partum anemia We lose blood after birth, and continue to lose blood for several more weeks postpartum. The placenta is naturally iron rich. Ingesting your placenta may help increase your energy and decrease fatigue.
Promotes Lactation Prolactin is found in the placenta, and is known to promote lactation and increase milk supply. Oxytocin helps with the milk let-down reflex. Human Placental Lactogen (hPL) in the placenta has lactogenic properties. Here is a tidbit from a study done in 1954: “An attempt was made to increase milk secretion in mothers by administration of dried placenta per os. Of 210 controlled cases only 29 (13.8%) gave negative results; 181 women (86.2%) reacted positively to the treatment, 117 (55.7%) with good and 64 (30.5%) with very good results." Soykova-Pachnerova E, et. al.(1954). Gynaecologia 138(6):617-627.
Reduction in post-partum bleeding High levels of prostaglandins exist in the placenta, which stimulates involution (the shrinking of the uterus to its former size). This may help reduce postpartum bleeding (also reducing anemia). Oxytocin can greatly reduce postpartum bleeding. Placentas also contain Urokinase Inhibiting Factor and Factor XIII, which also help to stop bleeding.
Pain Relief Placental Opioid-Enhancing Factor stimulates the body's natural endorphin production, which can reduce pain. Here is some information on research pertaining to placenta ingestion and its analgesic properties: "ingestion of afterbirth materials produces enhancement of ongoing opioid-mediated analgesia. The active substance in placenta and amniotic fluid has been named POEF, for Placental Opioid-Enhancing Factor. Recent research on both consequences is summarized, with particular attention to POEF, the generalizability of the enhancement phenomenon, its locus and mode of action, and its significance for new approaches to the management of pain and addiction." KRISTAL, M.B. NEUROSCI BIOBEHAV REV 15(3) 425-435, 1991.
Faster Healing Thyroid Stimulating Hormones in the placenta can support recovery from stressful events. Cortisone (you guessed it, also found in the placenta) reduces inflammation and promotes healing. Interferon is also in there - this acts to trigger protective defenses of the immune system to fight infections. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) are antibody molecules that support the immune system - these have been found in the human placenta.
Continued assistance for later use Leftover placenta pills can also be frozen for later use in life. Some people have reported that the capsules helped them get through emotional struggles that come into their lives years after having a baby, hormonal ups and downs when they begin to menstruate again, and even with the hormonal fluctuations of menopause.
*This service has not been evaluated by the FDA. The services offered are not clinical, pharmaceutical, or intended to diagnose or treat any condition. Clients who choose to utilize these services take full responsibility for their own health and for researching and using placenta capsules.
