Placenta Encapsulation - the partner’s perspective

Generally it's a given that we will support our partners in doing the things they want to do, and when it's something they may not understand or resonate with we  appreciate their support even more. Placenta encapsulation, while no longer in the realm of "something only the 'hippies' do", is still something quite 'out there' and can be a lot to get your own head around, let alone your partner's head around.

So we asked some Sunny Coast locals to ask their partners what they thought about them encapsulating their placenta. 

Here's what they had to say:

What did you think when I told you I wanted to encapsulate my placenta?

"You what now?" After you explained the natural benefits and you showed me the research behind it, I was supportive. As I always say, it is your body and your choice - and what you decide to do is your say. The benefits were amazing, and we’ve spoken to other people/health professionals about the benefits too. - Matt

     

I had no idea what it was, apart from it obviously being something to do with your placenta, I hadn’t heard anything about it before but when you told me what it was I did think it was a bit weird/gross - Trent

I had previously heard that we are among a very select few animals that don’t eat the placenta - Mitchell

I thought to myself.. “what the hell! That’s different but cool” - Matthew 

How would you describe placenta encapsulation to someone?

It's when they dry out the placenta and turn into powder and encapsulate it. It is really good for recovery for women. - Matthew

It was quick and easy from our perspective. I had a good look at the placenta when it came out, it’s pretty amazing! - Harrison

Basically dehydrated placenta in capsule form, "the goodness pill" - Chris

The process of drying out the placenta while ensuring you keep all the positive nutrients that help your bub grow to then be taken into a fine powder and put into capsules for your partner to enjoy and help with her post-partum struggles that she will no doubt have!

  - Matt

 What did you notice when I took my capsules?

You were always more energized when taking your placenta capsules - Chris

You bounced back amazingly both times due to the capsules and your post-partum depression was near non-existent. All up, I believe it meant it gave you more time to further nurture our beautiful baby girl.

- Matt

It seemed to really support you in your recovery from your c section and just having a baby generally, I would have thought you’d be completely depleted mentally and emotionally like you were with our last baby, but there was definitely a huge difference. The birth and baby contributed to this too obviously but even when I took some of your capsules when I wasn’t feeling great it seemed to give me the boost I needed - Trent

I took some too... haha. I think compared to the last two kids you were up and doing things quicker and more emotionally stable as well and seemed to have a little more energy - Harrison

What would you tell your friends about it?

I would tell my friends that it is great even men can take it and benefit from them - *YES he ate some as well * - Matthew

I'd recommend it 100% for anyone during their postpartum journey - Mitchell

Always do your own research but based on what I have seen (and have taken some myself) the benefits are almost unexplainably positive for mother’s and even father’s too. - Matt

Any other thoughts to share about it?

If we had another baby I’d say to get it done again - Harrison

I definitely think it is something we would look at doing again with future pregnancies. I believed it assisted with  your recovery and we didn't see much of the baby blues at all! - Chris 

I think there are so many positives and not enough is talked about in mainstream hospitals etc, about the potential benefits of placenta encapsulation for post-partum mothers. If there was more information easily accessible to educate, then it could potentially help reduce the overall post-partum struggles we see/hear mother’s go through. - Matt

I had no idea what it was I thought it was gross but really turned out to be a good thing for us - Trent

Natalie Stokell has encapsulated over 1000 placentas on the Sunshine Coast. She is fully trained, certified and insured in placenta encapsulation. She loves talking placentas so feel free to reach out to her with any of your placenta questions. She can be reached at www.placentavitality.com