You can do what with a placenta? 3 cool things you might not have known about.
Yup. The title is correct- this post is ALL ABOUT THE PLACENTA.
So, first off. What is a placenta? I hate the term "after birth" because it's sooo much more. It's your baby's first roommate, and it's super important. From mayo clinic:
Most mom's don't even remember delivering a placenta, and haven't thought about KEEPING it. I didn't for either child, but wasn't aware there was an option.
1. Encapsulating the placenta.
Photo: http://enchanteddoula.com/
In order to do this, the placenta is dehydrated, shredded, and placed into pills that mom takes following the birth. It's a very old tradition that is becoming more and more popular in the western world. The benefits of this practice include:
- Increased release of the hormone oxytocin, which helps the uterus return to normal size and encourages bonding with the infant
- Increase in CRH, a stress-reducing hormone
- Decrease in post-partum depression levels
- Restoration of iron levels in the blood
- Increase in milk production
There isn't a lot of research for consuming placenta, but it's something that occurs in nature and many mothers swear by it. You can also make it into a delightful smoothie, or bake it into a recipe such as lasagna.
2. Keepsake Placenta Jewelry
Photo: https://www.beyondthewillowtree.com/
This website will take a part of your placenta (or breastmilk, loved ones ashes, umbilical cord) and turn them into a gorgeous keepsake.
3. Placenta Prints
When printed, they resemble the tree of life. Cool, huh?!
<3
It's ALWAYS a good time for mimosas.
Whether you donate, create jewelry, encapsulate, or print your placenta, it's important to remember how awesome this organ is. What are your thoughts? I thought it was really cool to be a part of a placenta prints/encapsulation party!