Ingesting placenta is not for everyone. However, there are benefits of consuming it that you might be interested in hearing about. Below are five benefits of eating placenta:
It helps the baby get more nutrients during pregnancy
The placenta is full of important nutrients which are beneficial for your unborn child’s growth; it contains iron, protein, electrolytes, vitamins A & C, among others. This means that when you eat your own placenta after birth (or encapsulate it), then this provides additional nutrients that your baby needs during pregnancy and the benefits of eating the placenta.
Helps Moms Recover Post-Pregnancy
These benefits are one reason why most moms who choose to eat their own placentas after birth experience faster recovery times than those who don’t. The nutrients in your blood increase dramatically when you are pregnant, which is what causes such a dramatic change in how you feel (more awake, energetic, etc.). However, when you give birth, this supply of nutrients goes down almost completely; it takes time for the body to build them back up again before they reach pre-birth levels. Eating your own placenta can help reduce some symptoms postpartum, including sadness and fatigue.
Increased energy levels during pregnancy.
Having low energy during pregnancy is often a sign of an iron deficiency and can also cause fatigue. Eating your placenta, which is full of nutrients that are essential to life, including iron, after birth helps new mums feel less tired postpartum while their body’s levels normalize.
Easier Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding can be a difficult time for new mums. Having severe fatigue can make it even harder to cope with breastfeeding, especially if you are on medication that makes you tired or sleepy. Eating your placenta helps replenish some of the lost nutrients while giving birth and boosts energy levels making breastfeeding easier. Additionally, having more nutritious blood means healthier cells, meaning an increase in iron, protein, fat-soluble vitamins A & K, and other essential minerals like zinc and copper; all benefits contribute to building a healthy milk supply for the baby.
Improves Moods
A hormone forms in the placenta called Oxytocin; this hormone helps contractions during labor and breastfeeding. After giving birth, mothers produce less Oxytocin which can lead to sadness or ” baby blues, “however, eating your placenta ensures you get an additional boost of Oxytocin, helping with mood swings and reducing symptoms of postnatal depression. Studies have proven that women who supplement their diet with their placenta show better general well-being than those who do not.
The benefits of eating placenta include faster recovery times after giving birth, reduced symptoms associated with the baby blues, increased energy during pregnancy, and improved iron levels in the blood. If you’re interested in taking this natural approach, then be sure to check out some great recipes here.