Yes, yes you read that right.
This post happens to be something I wrote about back when I had Braylen in 2012. So yes, I have consumed my placenta with each kid. And gained confidence in it each time as well!
Back when I had Braylen I was SUPER nervous to tell anyone about it. My hubby and only a few friends knew I was doing it, because even though it was only 4 1/2 years ago, barely anyone was doing it then. It FOR SURE wasn’t ‘mainstream’ then at all. But I was writing for a Moms blog and was encouraged by a friend to be bold and write about my experience. So I did. And I am sure I grossed SO many out, but it was worth it- because it opened up the dialogue for so many.
So before I get in to how I feel like it truly helped me all three times, I want to highlight some of the main ways it is supposed to help women in general, from this source:
- Help to balance your hormones
- Replenish depleted iron levels
- Assist the uterus to return to its pre-pregnancy state
- Reduce post-natal bleeding
- Increase milk production – this has been proven in a study
- Make for a happier, more enjoyable post-natal period
- Increase your energy levels
There are multiple ways you can consume your placenta. You can have it professionally encapsulated {probably the most popular way}. You can cook it and add it in to foods. And the way that I used it, freeze it in small portions and add to smoothies.
With Braylen I had a sweet friend Shanda prepare it for me while I was still in the hospital, and then had another friend grab a smoothie from her house and bring it to me. That first sip was frightening because I had no idea if I would be able to taste it. BUT you CANT. Like at alllllll.
After I realized how awesome it was, I had Shanda teach me how to do it so I could help a friend with hers. And then that lead me to doing my own after Winston and Georgia.
You have to tell your doctor ahead of time that you are wanting to take your Placenta home. They will simply put it in a big medical tub {like pictured above in my sink}. As long as it stays in the fridge, it is fine for a couple of days. I always would have whatever family member came to see the baby first take it home to our house and put it in the fridge. And then right when we would get home from the hospital I would prepare it.
I know it sounds impossible- but SERIOUSLY you cannot taste the placenta in the smoothie. In every smoothie I would always add these things:
-An Acai packet
-Tons of Spinach
-Frozen berries
-Frozen Banana
-Fresh OJ or almond milk
With that combo, it tastes just like a normal fruit smoothie:) Keep in mind that the pieces of placenta that I would add to each smoothie were no bigger than the size of 2-3 strawberries. By adding that amount in, I would have enough placenta to last me 2-3 weeks with a smoothie daily.
Now, granted I have never had a postpartum time without having consumed the placenta, but I feel like it has benefitted me! I have never struggled with postpartum depression, never had a supply issue, never had bad postpartum bleeding, nothing!
SO, if you are having a baby, consider it! Don’t just freak out and think its nasty. Research the benefits. Talk with your doctor. Do what you feel is right!
