It is believed that consuming the placenta can:
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Help to balance your hormones
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Assist the uterus to return to its pre-pregnancy state
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Replenish depleted iron levels
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Increase milk production
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Make for a happier, more enjoyable post-natal period
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Increase your energy levels
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Reduce post-natal bleeding
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Reduce the risk
of PPD
The placenta is composed of beneficial hormones,
chemicals, iron, and proteins. These healing substances include:
▪
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.
▪
Prolactin: Promotes lactation; increases milk
supply; enhances the mothering instinct.
▪
Oxytocin: Decreases pain and increases
bonding in mother and infant; counteracts the production of stress hormones
such as Cortisol; greatly 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.
▪
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone: Regulates
the thyroid gland; boosts energy and supports recovery from stressful events.
▪
Corticotropin Releasing Hormone (CRH): Low
levels of CRH are implicated in postpartum depression. Regulation of CRH helps
prevent depression.
▪
Cortisone: Reduces inflammation and swelling;
promotes healing.
▪
Interferon: Triggers the protective defenses of
the immune system to fight infection.
▪
Prostaglandins: Regulates contractions in the
uterus after birth; helps uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size.
Anti-inflammatory effects.
▪
Iron: Replenishes maternal iron stores to combat anemia, a
common postpartum condition. Increases energy; decreases fatigue and
depression.
▪
Hemoglobin: Oxygen-carrying molecule which
provides a boost in energy.
▪
Urokinase Inhibiting Factor and Factor XIII: stops
bleeding and enhances wound healing.
▪
Immunoglobulin G (IgG): Antibody molecules which
support the immune system.
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.
