Placenta Encapsulation - Perth
What’s in the placenta?
The placenta contains an extraordinary combination of hormones, nutrients, and naturally occurring bioactive compounds. Explore what researchers have identified and why many mothers choose to encapsulate their placenta after birth.
These hormones are generally present in small or trace amounts after the dehydration process, and whether they remain bioavailable (able to be absorbed and used by the body) is still being investigated.
That said, over more than 14 years of providing placenta encapsulation, I've personally collected hundreds of testimonials from mothers describing improvements in their energy, mood, emotional well-being, and overall postpartum recovery after consuming their encapsulated placenta.
While scientific research is still evolving, the traditional practice of placenta consumption has a long history in some cultures and continues to be explored for its potential role in supporting women during the postpartum period.
Below is an overview of the many hormones, nutrients, and other naturally occurring compounds identified in the placenta, along with the ways they may contribute to postpartum recovery.
1. The Hormones
OXYTOCIN - The bonding hormone
Supports emotional bonding, protection, helps the uterus return to normal size, reduces postbirth bleeding, decreases pain, counteracts the production of excessive stress hormones, and enhances the breastfeeding let-down reflex
PROLACTIN - The milk hormone.
Stimulates milk production, enhances maternal instinct, and may help balance maternal mood and sleep
PROGESTERONE - The calming hormone.
Supports emotional stability, reduces anxiety, eases emotional drop after birth
OESTROGEN - The stabiliser.
Promotes tissue healing, supports mood
CORTICOTROPHIN-RELEASING HORMONE - The stress modulator.
Regulates the body’s stress response, may help buffer postpartum mood shifts
HUMAN PLACENTAL LACTOGEN - The metabolic support hormone.
Influences energy metabolism; supports breastfeeding
THYROID HORMONES - The metabolism regulators.
Contains both T4 and T3; influences the body’s metabolism, energy, digestion, recovery, and weight
CORTISONE - The stress-reliever.
Combats excessive stress levels and unlocks the body’s energy stores.
2. The Nutrients
IRON - Replenishes iron stores after pregnancy and birth.
Supports energy, maternal mood, and the immune system, helps combat postpartum iron deficiency or anaemia
VITAMIN B6 - Supports mood and hormone balance.
Plays a role in serotonin production and helps ease mood swings or anxiety
VITAMIN B12 - Boosts energy and supports nerve health.
Helps with mental clarity, energy, and reducing brain fog or low mood
ZINC - Supports immune function and wound healing.
Essential for tissue repair, hormone balance, and immune support
SELENIUM - Antioxidant support.
Protects cells from oxidative stress and supports thyroid health, especially important in postpartum
3. Other compounds
PROSTAGLANDINS - Natural anti-inflammatory.
Hormone-like substances that help regulate uterine contractions after birth, helping the uterus return to pre-pregnancy size
PLACENTA OPIOID-ENHANCING FACTOR - Pain reliever.
Stimulates the production of your body’s natural opioids, including endorphins; reduces pain and increases well-being
INTERFERON & GAMMAGLOBULIN - Immune supporters.
Both stimulate the immune system, protecting against infection
UROKINASE INHIBITING FACTOR & FACTOR XIII - Wound healers.
Both help reduce bleeding and enhance tissue remodelling
“In the 6 weeks since my little man arrived, I have felt literally no exhaustion, no low mood, and have had no tears. My milk supply has been abundant, and I have had energy most days to run after my toddler and be up all night with my newborn. I can really only put it down to my placenta capsules. I really don’t want them to run out!!!”
Renee, Perth
