By Sarah Fader
I was talking with my midwife recently about my fear of getting Postpartum Depression. I’ve been so depressed this pregnancy, that I am legitimately concerned about hitting a major low after giving birth. I would like to avoid taking anti-depressants, if possible, and breastfeed for a year, like I did with Ari.
My midwife asked me this: “Have you considered placenta encapsulation?”
I paused for a moment and then replied: “I don’t even know what that means.”
She went on to tell me that it is possible to take one’s placenta- after birth, of course- dry it out, condense it into capsules, and take them like vitamins. My midwife has seen these placenta pills help women combat postpartum, and work wonders with PMS.
It makes sense, when you think about it, ingesting your placenta. With the exception of humans, mammals automatically eat their placenta after birth. I’m not going to do this process on my own, but rather I’ve hired a doula who specializes in placenta encapsulation to prepare the capsules for me. I will let you know if these placenta pills are magical mood lifters or not.
Sarah Fader records anecdotes from her daily life at at Old School New School Mom. She also currently runs blog workshops for elementary school children in New York City and provides freelance transcription services for major television networks, in between running after a two year old.
I’ve heard of someone else who did this….never heard of it here on our little island and when I mentioned it to hubs he wanted to puke LOL. So although its interesting I admit- I got no idea if its possible at all to do such pills in Malta and therefore will not be ingesting it at all.
how does it feel being on the brink? I simply am tired of waiting-sigh- I am supposedly due on the 20 and I hope it comes a few days early or right on time
I am so done with being pregnant, Meissa! I hear you! I hope you go early for your sake too! LOL!
With regard to the placenta pills, my fiance reacted in the way that he reacts to most things that I do that he’s unfamiliar with. He was like “You’re doing what? Okay, that’s cool. If it makes you happy!”
Yeah, I’ve heard of it before, but it kind of weirds me out.
I’m 3 days overdue now with baby #2. It’s getting a little wearing, and my daughter (who is close to Ari’s age) is getting confused that mommy isn’t going to the hospital yet and she’s hasn’t gone to stay with friends like we promised.
Any time now…
Yay! Congratulations Anitra! We’re in the same boat. I hope your baby makes his/her appearance soon! ;0
I’m really curious to know if you notice a big difference after taking the capsules. Originally it wasn’t my “thing” to ingest it either but I couldn’t figure out what I wanted to do with my placenta (it’s still in my freezer!) but now I am opening my mind to it a little bit more. Even though I probably won’t have another baby, but anyway!
Steph
I am one of those weird (irresponsible??) mothers who decided the risk of mixing antidepressants with breastfeeding (and pregnancy, for that matter) was worth the benefits. I did an extensive amount of research (of course, this was 3-4 years ago and I no longer have the links/articles, nor the time to look it up again), particularly on the drug safety classifications which antidepressants, half-life, and distribution into breastmilk (minimal), and chose to go for it, all with support from my doctors. I breastfed for 16 months, during all of which I was medicated.
My son is now nearly 3 and has shown no ill-effects, neither did he demonstrate any behavioral changes when we weaned. I was very concerned about this, as I have experienced severe SSRI discontinuation syndrome, even when titrating my meds under a doctor’s care.
Something to consider.
Yeah, I hear you Lora, I’ve been on and off SSRI medication for 10 years. I was able to breast feed without medication with my son. So I’m hoping to do the same for this baby.
I say, do what works for you! That’s great that SSRIs worked for you along with nursing! Hooray! I don’t think it’s irresponsible. You were taking care of yourself!
I wish you the best with the placenta-use. I have been off of SSRIs for 9 months (and therefore the entirety of my current pregnancy). I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the effects of the capsules, as I am always looking for more holistic health management techniques and hope to try SSRI-free nursing as well.
Something I never thought I would ever think of doing! For goodness sakes, I didn’t even want to SEE my son’s placenta! Now I’ve seen the benefits of them as many of my friends have gone this route, and one in particular does the encapsulating. Some others go the ‘raw’ route and place frozen pieces in smoothies……but I don’t think I’m quite there yet.
One day I may just have a chance to try the capsules myself.
*on a side note, if you’re struggling with PPD fish oil is absolutely wonderful for depression!!
Superb website…
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