Abundant Life MIDWIFE
Why encapsulate?
When a woman creates and carries life in her body, her hormone levels increase to balance the increased strain and stresses of pregnancy. But when the baby is delivered, hormone levels return back to pre-pregnancy level within days of being postpartum. Because of this shift in hormones, it is natural for a woman to experience what is known as "baby blues" for the first few weeks after pregnancy (about 80% of women). She may also experience blood loss, iron deficiency, and fatigue. While Western medicine has turned to antidepressants to assist with postpartum depression (which can be transferred to baby via breastmilk) Traditional Chinese Medicine has embraced the power of healing from placentophagy. Placentophagy aids in postpartum wellness by restoring and reintroducing essential hormones back into your system.
What are the benefits?
· Increased energy
· Increased production of breast milk (in a study where women were given placenta to consume, 85% reported
increased supply within 4 days)
· Aids in healing iron deficiency by increasing iron levels
· Providing natural pain relief from the labor and birth of baby
· Balances hormone levels
· Replaces lost vitamins, minerals and protein postpartum
· Prevents “baby blues," Postpartum Depression and other postpartum mood disorders
· Allows for a quicker postpartum recovery
· Lessening the risk of postpartum hemmhorage and reducing the length of the lochia phase (bleeding and
discharge that can last up to 6 weeks)
· Assists the uterus to return to size
· Provides oxytocin, the bonding and europhic hormone
· Can be used during menopause (Extra capsules may be frozen indefinitely)
Healing properties:
· Corticotrophin Releasing Hormone (CRH): Low levels of CRH are linked to postpartum depression.
Regulation of these levels helps to prevent depression.
· Cortisone: Reduces inflammation and swelling; promotes healing.
· Estrogen, Progesterone, Testosterone: Contributes to mammary gland development in preparation for
lactation; stabilizes postpartum mood; regulates post-birth uterine cramping; decreases depression;
normalizes and stimulates libido.
· Hemoglobin: The molecule which carries Oxegyn to your cells. The level of hemoglobin in your body is a major factor in anemia.
· Human Placental Lactogen (hPL): This hormone has lactogenic and growth-promoting properties;
promotes mammary gland growth in preparation for lactation in the mother. It also regulates maternal
glucose, protein, and fat levels.
· Immunoglobulin G (IgG): Antibody molecules, which support the immune system.
· Interferon: Triggers the protective defenses of the immune system to fight infection.
· Iron: Replenishes maternal iron stores to combat anemia, a common postpartum condition. Increases
energy; decreases fatigue and depression.
· Oxytocin: Decreases pain and increases bonding in mother and infant; counteracts the production of
stress hormones such as Cortisol; reduces postpartum bleeding; enhances the breastfeeding let-down
reflex.
· Placental Opioid-Enhancing Factor (POEF): Stimulates the production of your body’s natural opioids,
including endorphins; reduces pain; increases well being.
· Prolactin: Promotes lactation; increases milk supply; enhances the mothering instinct.
· Prostaglandins: Regulates contractions in the uterus after birth; helps uterus return to its pre-
pregnancy size. Anti-inflammatory effects.
· Thyroid Stimulating Hormone: Regulates the thyroid gland; boosts energy and supports recovery from
stressful events.
· Urokinase Inhibiting Factor and Factor XIII: stops bleeding and enhances wound healing.