Placentophagy is the practice of consuming the placenta. Traditional Chinese medicine has been using placenta medicinally for thousands of years. It is believed to augment Qi (Energy) and Xue (Blood) and therefore tonifies Yang, Yin and Jing (Vital Essence). There are a variety of potential benefits to placenatophagy. The placenta contains vitamins and minerals that may help alleviate depression symptoms, such as vitamin B6. 

The placenta is considered rich in iron and protein, which is useful to women recovering from childbirth, and a particular benefit to vegetarian women.  Among the Chinese and Vietnamese, it is a customary practice to prepare the placenta for consumption by the mother.  The placenta is known to be rich in nutrients that the mother needs to recover from childbirth.   It is also known to help stop hemorrhaging in it’s raw form, due to its beneficial oxytocin content.  

In the postpartum period, some mothers report feeling:

  • Higher energy levels

  • Increased milk supply

  • Lesser chance of baby blues

  • Lesser chance of postpartum depression

  • Balanced mood and hormones

  • Enhanced bonding experience with baby

  • Higher iron levels

  • Reduced postnatal bleeding

  • Uterus returning back to pre-pregnancy size faster

  • Overall quicker recovery from having the baby

  • Decrease likelihood of insomnia or sleep disorders

The placenta naturally contains a range of nutrients that may support postpartum healing and recovery. Below is an overview of some of these key components and their potential benefits:

Stem Cells
Known for their regenerative properties, stem cells may assist in repairing tissues affected during childbirth and may help promote faster physical recovery after delivery.

Iron
Essential for healthy red blood cells, iron helps carry oxygen from the lungs throughout the body. Adequate iron levels can help reduce fatigue and support energy levels, especially after blood loss during childbirth.

Vitamin B12
Helps support red blood cell formation and may assist in preventing certain forms of anemia. It also plays an essential role in converting fats and carbohydrates into usable energy while supporting protein synthesis.

Vitamin B6
Supports healthy adrenal gland function, which plays an important role in hormone production. It also helps regulate and calm the nervous system, assists in metabolizing carbohydrates, fats, and proteins for energy, and contributes to immune health by aiding antibody production.

Vitamin E
Acts as a powerful antioxidant, helping protect the body from environmental toxins such as pollution. It also supports tissue repair and promotes healing of damaged skin cells.

Cytokines
These are signaling proteins that help cells communicate with one another. They play an important role in tissue repair, cell regeneration, and supporting the body’s natural healing processes.

Although current research on human placentophagy is still in its infancy and most research is anecdotal, what we do know is that women who take placenta capsules report fewer emotional issues, have more energy and tend to enjoy a faster, more pleasant postpartum recovery.  The first few days and weeks with your new baby are precious.  Though everyone reacts differently to all supplements/medecines, we hope these capsules can help you enjoy your “babymoon” to the fullest.