Cosmic Tree Doula Southeast Michigan

Placenta Encapsulation

Bailey Baldwin • March 28, 2024

Placenta Consumption? Tell me more!

Your body grew the placenta, a temporary endocrine organ, from scratch, This organ worked hard to create and maintain the womb to grow your baby. It provided provided nutrients, removed waste, served as a barrier from disease and chemicals, and produced the necessary hormones.


Do you know about the placenta benefits after birth?

At this time, a good amount of the information is anecdotal, meaning specific experiences of postpartum people after consumption. Also, data from other mammals gives us some insight.


Increased milk production

The journey of feeding your sweet baby can be so rewards, but can also contain challenges. A common question new mamas ask themselves is, "am I making enough milk?" Placenta consumption may help increase lactation volume and allow you to focus on bonding with you sweet babe.


Restore/Balance postpartum hormones and improve postpartum mood

The delivery of your baby sparked a major shift in hormones. Your body has transitioned from its pregnant state and moved in the "fourth" trimester. There are many reports of feeling improved emotions and decrease in depressive symptoms.


Increase energy and improve postpartum recovery

Labor is hard work! After the marathon of bring baby into the work, rest and healing is a must. The placenta is full of nutrients to aide in replenishment of what is lost. The placenta can can contain a good amount of protein and cholesterol as well as carbohydrates, fats, vitamin A, calcium, iron, sodium and selenium. The iron content in the placenta can help after the blood loss associated with birth, which can promote increased energy.


Let me know if you are interested in this service and I can help to connect you with a local, trusted resource!



Sources:

Placentophagy's effects con mood, bonding, and fatigue: A piolet trial, part 2 (2018)

Sharon M. Young, Laura K. Gryder, Chad Cross, David Zava, David W. Kimball, Daniel C. Benyshek

Published in the Journal of Women & Birth, Volume 31, Issue 4, August 2018, Pages e258-e271

Placenta as a Lactagogon (1954)

Human Maternal Placentophagy: A Survey of Self Reported Motivation and Experiences (April 2013)

Jodi Selander 1, Allison Cantor, Sharon M Young, Daniel C Benyshek

PMID: 23445390 DOI: 10.1080/03670244.2012.719356

Nutritional composition and heavy metal content of the human placenta (2017)

Sydney Chang, Laura Lodico, Zev Williams

Published in The Official journal of the International Federation of Placenta Associations, Volume 60, Pages 100-102

Hormones in Labor

By Bailey Baldwin • May 3, 2024
Labor involves a cascade of hormones. These hormones, when the birthing person remains calm and feels safe, can create a smooth labor process. The birth team and environment can support this by helping the birthing person feel loved, cared for. When fear creeps in, the catecholamines work in opposition to the oxytocin. The catecholamines can come from many things like unresolved fears or concerns, a strange environment, past trauma, a change in circumstance. Also of note, when labor is induced or augmented with a synthetic form of oxytocin, like Pitocin, the body may experience an increased pain sensation. Since the Pitocin was not produced by the body, it does not cross the blood brain barrier in the same way. This affects how the body responds with endorphins, which may lead to a need for increased external pain relief. Birth is unpredictable, but the innate trust in the birthing person's abilities, the birth process and the support of the birth team can lead to incredible experiences.
Little baby feet with ten tiny toes in a white crib with a linen blanket

What I learned at my first birth

By Bailey Baldwin • February 14, 2024
Birth is such an incredible experience for everyone involved. To take the journey alongside a family is truly and honor.
Nesting while folding clothes and dreaming about what my baby will be like.

Postpartum Planning

By Bailey Baldwin • February 7, 2024
The postpartum period is one of the biggest transitions of your life. Planning for this can provide for more optimal healing and growing into your motherhood. Here are considerations for how to ensure you are able to bond with baby and heal yourself.
Holding baby after birth

Birth Planning

By Bailey Baldwin • January 31, 2024
You matter and your wishes are important. There is much to consider about how you give birth and who will be there. Here is a simple guide to get you started.
Little baby feet in soft tiny socks being held by their strong mom.

Consent: Your voice matters

By Bailey Baldwin • October 14, 2022
Consent is a crucial component of an respectful experience. Your voice matters and your birth matters. A doula can help ensure that consent it consistently obtained during your experience and help you to understand your rights within al settings.
Share by: