I've been following the LactNet discussion about placenta encapsulation with great interest. 

I asked an acquaintance from 2nd Nature Acupuncture about it re progesterone, because I know she encapsulated & ate her own placenta. Here's her response: 

"Interestingly enough, the placenta pills increase the milk supply (it happened to me :). Which is why it is an awesome alternative to medications for depression that actually are bad for the baby and causes the mom to choose breastfeeding or mental health. There are many reasons why other mammals eat placenta, one is that instinct tell it that it's healthy, other is that is clears the area from evidence of a birth (which may attract predators). There is not so much research about placenta for depression but is was proven to be a lactagog.
Soykova-Pachnerova E, et. al.(1954). Gynaecologia 138(6):617-627."

Tova Ovits, LLLL
Brooklyn, NY

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