Uses for Placenta and Membranes
Midwifery Today E-News, October 11, 2017 • Volume 19, Issue 21
Subscribe to E-News
“Our prime purpose in life is to help one another. If you cannot help one another let’s try not to hurt each other.”
—Dalai Lama
Save $10 or $20 on your Midwifery Today order
Just use the coupons on our Holiday Coupon Page. Be sure to take advantage of these great savings during the Holiday shopping season. Learn how to save.
Jan’s Corner
Placenta for Hemorrhage Control and Other Practical Uses
Editor’s Note: Jan was in Finland so she asked us to share this letter from Ibu Robin Lim, of Bali, Indonesia, on practical uses for placenta.
Dear Jan,
I have used the placenta quite effectively to slow down postpartum hemorrhage. Also to help nourish and support the mother who has bled a bit during the birth.
I never seem to think of using the membranes, but upon Gail Hart’s advice, I will try that next time. It makes perfect sense, as often postpartum hemorrhages are caused by retained trailing membranes—so giving the mother some membranes to ingest would, of course, be the “similar” to cause release of any membranes left inside. Brilliant.
Many years ago, I shared the story of ingesting a bit of placenta to stop postpartum hemorrhage with my own midwife from Maui. She made a funny face and expressed some disgust. I proudly let her know that it was my own “lola” Filipino grandmother, Vicenta, a traditional midwife in the mountain province of Luzon, who told me the placenta saved lives. My lola practiced midwifery before, during, and after WWII, when there was no hope of transport to any hospital. She was renowned for her skill at safely receiving babies and serving mothers.
At Bumi Sehat there is always honey in the birth rooms, because a tablespoon or two of real wild honey can give a mother the energy she needs to bring her baby. We work with many malnourished mothers and, believe me, honey does help. If the mother is willing to ingest some of her baby’s placenta, we put a tablespoon of honey in a cup, with a cotyledon or two of the placenta. The honey makes it very nice for the mother to eat. So far, no mothers have complained that eating placenta was unpleasant. The Traditional Chinese Medicine way is to dust the cotyledon of placenta with powdered cinnamon, to make it more palatable and digestible.
Love, Ibu Robin
Join us for a one-day conference on November 10!
Be sure to attend our Mini-Conference/Retreat in Troutdale, Oregon. Classes will include “Miraculous Beginnings” with Fernando Molina, “Understanding Preeclampsia” with Gail Hart and “When the Healer Is Healing, Too” with Maryl Smith. Lunch is included in the price. Plus, you will have the option to save $10 on a one-year Midwifery Today subscription or renewal.
Come to New Jersey next spring!
“Love Is the Essence of Midwifery” will feature teachers such as Mary Cooper, Elizabeth Davis, Lisa Goldstein and Gail Hart. You’ll be able to choose from over 50 classes, including Herbs and Homeopathy, Shoulder Dystocia, and Becoming a Midwife. Plan now to attend!
Earn a Master’s Degree and Be a Nurse-Midwife
Frontier Nursing University offers a Master of Science in Nursing program where coursework is completed online and your clinical experience in your own community. If you’re interested in a career as a Certified Nurse-Midwife and you are currently a registered nurse with an associate degree in nursing or a bachelor’s degree, request info from FNU today.
Oasis Introduces the Oasis Elite Waterbirth Pool
The Oasis Elite Waterbirth Pool is the newest Oasis pool. It features a soothing S-beam design and super strong 0.46mm eco vinyl. This pool is the perfect size: 66x54x28 and priced below the European pools. Designed by a US midwife and custom manufactured for our US company to our strict quality standards. Purchase at our website. Midwives receive a 10% midwife discount.
My Experience with Placenta Encapsulation
by Valerie Coppenrath
from Midwifery Today, Issue 123, Autumn 2017
I innocently accepted the magazine from the friendly receptionist at my chiropractor’s office, not realizing what would be in store for me in its pages. I was six months pregnant with my second child, seeking evaluation and treatment for some odd upper back pain. The adjustments were actually helping, so I sat back and passed the waiting time by reading. I discovered a menu of complementary practices for pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. The pharmacist in me almost involuntarily evaluated the risks and benefits of these practices. Belly wrapping? Delivering with your bag of waters intact? Fascinating, but definitely not things I seriously considered.
One practice caught my eye—placenta encapsulation. The article made an interesting case for it, noting that many animals consume the placenta after delivery. I had suffered moderate “baby blues” after my first child, and I was concerned about keeping up with two children on little-to-no sleep. So the claims of boosting mood and increasing energy were enough to pique my interest.
Back in my office, I began searching for evidence to validate the claims. I hoped to find one or more randomized, controlled trials to appraise and talk myself out of the practice. However, I could only find retrospective and descriptive studies. I concluded the following: 1) there didn’t seem to be much risk associated with the practice, and 2) most women who consumed their placentas through encapsulation would do it again.
In my mind, I kept comparing placenta encapsulation to prescription drugs or no treatment for postpartum depression and anxiety. The moderate efficacy of prescription drugs for this indication would need to be weighed against the risks of transfer into breast milk, side effects to the mother and cost. Of course, there would be no benefit from no treatment, but I didn’t expect any risks, either.
I knew I wouldn’t take a prescription drug, because I was not comfortable with any level of risk from taking medications while lactating. So I was really just comparing placenta encapsulation to no treatment. The last few factors to consider were the cost and the availability of a “placenta encapsulation professional” near me.
For giggles, I googled “placenta encapsulation in central Massachusetts.” Who would have guessed it—a woman in my moms’ group is certified and has several years of experience. She even has her own business related to the practice. I messaged her on Facebook and began chatting about it. She charged about $200 for the service, including placenta pick-up from the hospital and delivery of the capsules on the third day of new baby’s life. A few hundred dollars for a person I trust to encapsulate my placenta? I was still on the fence until I learned that there are controlled trials in process. What if it turns out that this is something we will be recommending to every mom in 10 years? I paid for her placenta encapsulation services up front and in full.
Between my placenta professional and my “placenta-friendly” hospital, the process was a breeze. The hardest part was explaining to my parents why I needed to pack a cooler and two Ziploc bags when I finally went into labor on my due date. I remember being on the verge of tears when my friend arrived with the capsules. I was ready to try anything to combat the significant loss of hormones, the reaction of my toddler to the new baby in the house and the fatigue.
I noticed a change within a few days. I knew that a placebo effect was possible, but I was usually able to match the highs and lows of my mood with my less-than-stellar adherence to suggested dosage. I remember sitting with my midwife at my six-week postpartum visit, telling her how great I felt and suggesting that she recommend encapsulation to her patients.
As instructed, I began to taper down the dose as my capsule supply started to wane. This was also the time that my 12-week maternity leave was coming to a close. I began to feel extremely anxious about returning to work with two children. Based on the timing of everything, I would need to jump right back in to my full teaching responsibilities. I cried in front of my new PCP and asked for a referral to a service for postpartum moms. I started seeing a therapist, but didn’t really know what I was hoping to get out of it. Was I depressed? Anxious? Everyone kept telling me that what I was experiencing was normal. The therapist listened well, but didn’t offer a diagnosis or other treatment. Then she canceled an appointment and I never rescheduled.
I had two placenta capsules left, which I planned to save for a bad day. Then I was right back in the throes of work, pumping three times in eight hours, taking care of patients, precepting three pharmacy students and planning a course that would begin in a few weeks. I just figured I would have to hold it all together. After all, I had a loving husband, family close by and a full-time nanny. If I couldn’t do this, there must be something wrong with me. I’d just have to suck it up and manage.
At first, it was my calendar. I kept overscheduling myself and forgetting appointments. Then, I started having a hard time falling asleep. I was preoccupied with feelings of anxiety, depression and anger, and then guilt about my anxiety, depression and anger. My husband would arrange for quiet naptimes and practically tuck me in to bed. But I would feel myself falling asleep and jerk right back into wakefulness. One night, I couldn’t fall back asleep after the baby woke for a feeding. I was miserable—I had hit rock bottom. I sobbed softly, trying not to wake my husband, until sunrise.
Fortunately, I was able to get help soon after things turned very frightening for me. It has been 18 months since that night, and I am on the road to recovery.
To be clear, I do not think that the placenta capsules I ingested precipitated my symptoms. However, I propose that they either masked my early symptoms or shifted my lowest point back a few months. I knew that I was trying to replace traditional therapy for postpartum depression with placenta capsules. If you suspect that your patients are attempting to do the same, consider the following strategies: 1) discuss the risks and benefits of traditional therapy for postpartum depression on breastfeeding and weigh them against the risks of no treatment, and 2) evaluate your patients again after the capsule supply runs out. I often think back to the magazine that introduced me to placenta encapsulation. The article very clearly called it a complementary practice. It is important to remind patients that this practice of encapsulation should complement, and not replace, our standard of care.
—Valerie Coppenrath is a doctor of pharmacy, professor of pharmacy practice, wife, mother and patient. She received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Wayne State University, completed two years of residency training and earned a certificate in College Teaching.
Come to Mexico to Support a Progressive Women’s Health Organization
Mujeres Aliadas, a women’s not-for-profit health and rights organization working in the area of Lake Pátzcuaro, Mexico, is offering a unique opportunity to anyone interested in learning about a successful community-based model for women’s health and rights and traditional practices surrounding birth. This travel opportunity offers a week-long program with an emphasis on sharing knowledge and ideas with traditional and professional midwives while experiencing the natural beauty and cultural richness of the area. Learn more.
Website Highlight
Our new Website is live!
Take some time and check it out. Highlighted with beautiful color photographs, the site features articles, conferences, products—including our latest e-books, educational resources for aspiring midwives, and a new section on doulas.
Classified
Opportunities in El Paso. Premier Birth Center seeking: 1) Experienced midwives to join our team of independent providers; 2) Student midwives for clinical placement. For more information contact David: [email protected] The Retreat
Placenta rituals, remedies and recipes
are what you’ll find in Placenta: The Gift of Life. Read this book to discover the various ways placentas have been used by people around the world and throughout the ages. You’ll also find 15 recipes that will show you how to use the placenta in ointments, essences and other remedies for a variety of ailments. Go here to order your copy.
Learn how to examine a newborn
When you order Newborn Exam for the Student Midwife, you’ll receive a treasure-trove of detailed information. First you’ll learn the basics, such as how to examine the eyes, ears, nose and other parts of the newborn’s body. The next section covers common newborn reflexes such as rooting, sucking and swallowing, while the third part explains a variety of gestational age assessment factors, both external and neurological. If you’re an apprentice or student midwife, you need this 4-disc DVD set. Order your copy here.
To subscribeJust go here and fill out the form: http://eepurl.com/FKkBTTo change your e-mail address or leave the list
If you are a current subscriber and you want to change the e-mail address to which the newsletter is delivered, please click the “update subscription preferences” link at the bottom of any mailed issue and then make your changes.
If you are a current subscriber and want to stop receiving the newsletter, please click the “unsubscribe from this list” link at the bottom of any mailed issue and then make your changes.
If you have difficulty, please send a complete description of the problem, including any error messages, to [email protected].
To learn your subscription status
If you are not receiving your issues, but have subscribed, contact [email protected] with the address you used to subscribe and we will look into it for you.
How to order our products mentioned in this issue:
Secure online shopping
We accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover at the Midwifery Today Store.
Order by postal mail
We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and check or money order in U.S. funds.
PO Box 2672
Eugene, OR 97402, USA
Order by phone
We accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover.
Phone (U.S. and Canada; orders only): 800-743-0974
Phone (worldwide): +1-541-344-7438
Editorial: [email protected]
Conference: [email protected]
Advertising: [email protected]
All questions and comments submitted to Midwifery Today E-News become the property of Midwifery Today, Inc. They may be used either in full or as an excerpt, and will be archived on the Midwifery Today website.
Disclaimer
This publication is presented by Midwifery Today, Inc., for the sole purpose of disseminating general health information for public benefit. The information contained in or provided through this publication is intended for general consumer understanding and education only and is not intended to be, and is not provided as, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Midwifery Today, Inc., does not assume liability for the use of this information in any jurisdiction or for the contents of any external Internet sites referenced, nor does it endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advertised in this publication. Always seek the advice of your midwife, physician, nurse or other qualified health care provider before you undergo any treatment or for answers to any questions you may have regarding any medical condition.
Copyright Notice
The content of E-News is copyrighted by Midwifery Today, Inc., and, occasionally, other rights holders. You may forward E-News by e-mail an unlimited number of times, provided you do not alter the content in any way and that you include all applicable notices and disclaimers. You may print a single copy of each issue of E-News for your own personal, noncommercial use only, provided you include all applicable notices and disclaimers. Any other use of the content is strictly prohibited without the prior written permission of Midwifery Today, Inc., and any other applicable rights holders.
Midwifery Today: Each One Teach One!
Copyright © 2017 Midwifery Today, Inc., All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you signed up for the Midwifery Today E-News on our website: https://www.midwiferytoday.com/newsletters/ or filled out this form http://eepurl.com/FKkBT and subsequently responded to a verification e-mail.
Our mailing address is:
Midwifery Today, Inc.
PO Box 2672
Eugene, OR 97402
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list