Why do people ingest their placenta postpartum?​

Placentas contain:

• Corticotropin Releasing Hormone (CRH): Regulation of CRH helps 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.

• Hemoglobin: Oxygen-carrying molecule which provides a boost in energy.

• 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. 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; 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.

• 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.

• Thyroid Stimulating Hormone: Regulates the thyroid gland; boosts energy.

• Urokinase Inhibiting Factor and Factor XIII: stops bleeding and enhances wound healing.