Where’s The Research on Placenta Pills?
Placenta encapsulation, one of my specialties here in South Jersey, really isn’t as wild as it seems. It involves taking a new mom's placenta, dehydrating it, grinding it into a powder, and encapsulating it for her own consumption. While this age-old practice has been around for centuries, it’s only gained mainstream attention over the last couple of decades, largely thanks to celebrities like Kim Kardashian and, of course, the power of social media.
So, why does it get such a bad rap? Well, the truth is, skeptics scream about its safety and lack of scientific evidence, but here's the kicker: not a single woman or baby has been harmed by it.
The Power of Anecdotal Evidence
Many women who have taken placenta pills swear by them. They’ve shared stories of increased energy levels, improved mood, faster recovery, and even the absence of the dreaded baby blues. Now, I’m not a scientist, but there’s a certain power in hearing these personal accounts. Sure, these testimonials can be influenced by placebo effects and individual variations, but when you’re navigating the chaotic waters of postpartum life, a little placebo effect can go a long way. And let’s be real: how much support do we actually get from society in this phase?
Instead of tearing down women for making choices that empower them, how about we take a hard look at what society doesn’t offer new moms?
What Are We Really Doing for New Moms?
I mean, we’re told to just ‘get back to normal,’ but where’s the support for moms who are expected to juggle all these new demands? Here’s what I’m talking about:
Paid Maternity Leave: Generous leave so moms can actually rest and bond with their baby without stressing over money.
Affordable Childcare: So moms don’t have to choose between paying the bills and caring for their child.
Postpartum Mental Health Services: Moms deserve more than just a quick check-in with a doctor. Therapy, counseling, and support should be accessible.
Breastfeeding Support: Lactation consultants and breastfeeding-friendly workplace policies aren’t just nice—they’re necessary.
Insurance Coverage for Home Births: Let’s make home births financially accessible and reduce the burden on families.
Flexible Work Arrangements: Because, yeah, moms don’t need to choose between their career and their family.
Meal and Household Help: Seriously, a little help with groceries or a home-cooked meal can make all the difference.
The list goes on, but you get the point. Until society starts actually backing up its talk with real support, I say STFU about the validity of placenta encapsulation and start pushing for real change.
The Current State of Research
I get it. Placenta encapsulation isn’t backed by loads of research. But why is that? In my opinion, who stands to gain if we learn that women might actually have a natural, self-made remedy for some of their postpartum struggles? The pharmaceutical companies? Probably not.
Research on placenta encapsulation is sparse. Studies from places like Jena University and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas have looked at aspects like hormone levels and motivations for placenta consumption, but the science is still catching up.
Why Hasn’t There Been More Research?
It’s a tricky one. Research is expensive, and placenta encapsulation isn’t exactly a hot ticket for funding. Plus, getting ethical approval for such studies can be a minefield. Add to that the varied methods of encapsulation and small sample sizes, and you’ve got the perfect storm for research limbo.
But here’s the thing: it’s still important to push for more research. I’m all for data that can back up or refute the benefits of this practice. More research means more informed decisions for the women who are considering placenta encapsulation.
My Promise to You
I believe in placenta encapsulation, but I also know it’s not magic. It’s just one part of a much bigger picture. As a perinatal mental health specialist, I go beyond just encapsulation. I provide 6 months of postpartum preparation and mentorship—backed by a money-back guarantee—because I want moms to feel truly supported.
The women who choose placenta encapsulation are proactive, instinct-driven, and downright amazing. They understand the importance of preparing for their postpartum life, and I’m honored to help them with that process. And as long as society keeps dropping the ball, I’ll be here offering safe, professional encapsulation services in South Jersey and providing the support these incredible moms deserve.
Understanding Your Postpartum Mental Health
1 in 5 moms experience postpartum mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs). Risk factors include, but are in no way limited to, a history of mental health issues, neurodivergence, lack of support, and high stress. If you're feeling overwhelmed or worried about preventing postpartum anxiety or depression, you're not alone—and you’re actually in a better position than many moms who go into motherhood feeling confident, only to be blindsided (like me).
Take the Postpartum Anxiety Risk Assessment to learn about your own risk factors and get tailored support. You’ve got this, mama, and you deserve to feel empowered and supported!
