Placenta encapsulation is a pregnancy trend that has been steadily gaining in popularity in recent years. A-list celebrities are doing it, and many mums who have tried it simply rave about the benefits!
But with little to no scientific evidence behind the practice, many doctors remain sceptical. Here at Seraphine, we are by no means medical specialists, but we thought we’d do a bit of digging to see what we could find out.
What is Placenta Encapsulation?
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Placenta Encapsulation is a process which allows your placenta (the temporary organ that provides baby with nutrients in the womb) to be transformed into easy-to-take pills.
You can hire a specialist to do this for you. They will usually pick it up from the hospital, take it away for processing and deliver the pills back to you within just a few days.
While it may sound like a weird celebrity craze, it is in fact not a new idea – the placenta has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries.
Placenta Encapsulation Benefits
Your placenta contains a unique blend of nutrients & hormones. It’s iron-rich, completely natural and absolutely bespoke to you – made by your body, for you and your baby.
Believers claim that placenta pills can:
- -Balance hormones
- -Boost energy
- -Prevent baby blues
- -Lower risk of postnatal depression
- -Provide vitamins & nutrients to aid recovery
- -Great source of iron
Placenta Encapsulation Risks
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Of course, it’s very important to stress that there is no scientific research to support the above claims. All evidence is purely anecdotal and comes directly from mums who have tried it.
Many doctors are sceptical about the practice as the industry is unregulated, and some even recommend against it.
If this is an option you choose to investigate, it’s vital that you talk to your doctor first, and make sure to work with a well-established, reputable encapsulation specialist.
Which Celebrity Mamas Swear by it?
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Many celebrity mums have opened up about their positive experiences with placenta encapsulation, including actresses January Jones and Alicia Silverstone, Kim & Kourtney Kardashian and The Big Bang Theory star & neuroscientist Mayim Bialik.
Find out More about Placenta Encapsulation
If you are interested in finding out more about placenta encapsulation, take a look at this article from the safe birth project.
It’s worth doing a little research to find out what options are available to you locally. And of course, always discuss any decisions relating to your birth plan with your doctor or midwife.
If you’re preparing to welcome your little one soon, check out our selection of essential items to pack in your hospital bag!