​What is Placentophagia ?

Placentophagia or Placentophagy
Mammals consuming their placenta after the birth of their young.  
Modern women are following in the footsteps of our ancestors and reaping possible postpartum health from their placentas.
There are many ways to consume your placenta to give you the chance to enhance your postpartum experience.
Dry capsule methods of encapsulation being the most popular.
Under the Birch Tree offers various methods for you to use your placenta including stem cell access! 


Methods of consumption
​Fresh placenta gives you the most you can possibly get from consuming your placenta, the only methods for you to access your stem cells! 
Dry Raw placenta capsules are thought to have the highest nutrient value out of the dry capsules, being only heated to food safety temperatures in the drying stage, giving you a higher percentage of nutrients. 
Dry Steamed ​placenta capsules require the placenta to be steamed to food safety temperatures prior to drying reducing the percentage of nutrients. (traditional method is based on Traditional Chinese Style Medicine only, and is not in any way Traditional Chinese Medicine, nor am I a TCM practitioner)
The steamed methods offers a softer release of energy to the mother during her postpartum, ideal for those who suffer from things like anxiety.
​

---

What's in it that's so good?​

The known list of nutrients giving the placenta it's healing properties:
Gonadotrophin - a precursor to estrogen, progesterone and testosterone
Prolactin - promotes lactation
Oxytocin - offers pain relief and baby bonding. It is produced during breastfeeding to promote healthy bonding between mother and baby.
Interferon - stimulates the immune system to protect against infection.
Thyroid stimulating Hormone - boosts energy and aids in recovery of stressful events.
Cortisone - releases energy stores and helps with stress.
Prostaglandins - are anti-inflammatory.
Haemoglobin - replenishes iron deficiencies and anaemia.
Gamma-globulin - boosts immune system and helps protect against postpartum infection.
Urokinase Inhibiting Factor & Factor X111 - stops bleeding and enhances healing of wounds.

Growth factors - in the form of cytokines & hormones, stimulate cellular growth. They have anti-inflammatory properties, aid blood circulation, wound tissue healing and has an analgesic effect.   
Placenta Stem Cells - provide new cells for regeneration of tissue, using growth factors they enhance their ability to multiply much faster.

Vitamins and minerals
Iron - essential for absorption of oxygen in the cells needed for repair.
Vitamin B6 - promotes the production of red blood cells, aids in normal functioning of the brain. Helps in the making of antibodies, keeping the immune system strong.
Vitamins A, D, E & K 
Vitamins C & B complex
​

"​Grown by you, perfectly formulated for you; your own personal organic supplement!"
                                                                                                                                     Samantha Birch

Easy, Discreet, No Stress Service

Under the Birch Tree service's are set up to allow you to enjoy the first hours after birth with your new baby stress free and relaxed. Simply send a text, if possible, when your labour begins. And again when your placenta has been birthed and you've had some time with your baby. You will be advised of an approximate time of collection. Under the Birch Tree uses safe transport protocols for travel, as per Australian Government Biological Substances and Food Safety Guidelines. 
Please note: We are unable to take your placenta into our care without your signed booking forms, signed release form and full payment.
Under the Birch Tree is a very discreet business. Sam does not wear a uniform, only a lanyard ID, the collection/delivery vehicle is unmarked so not to spark any unwanted attention from visiting family/friends or your neighbourhood. ​

Respecting the life giving placenta

"When working with placentas, I believe it is essential to hold positive calming thoughts in mind, to ensure nourishing healthy energy is surrounding it during the processing. Your sacred placenta is handled with gentleness and respect."    Samantha Birch x

The Research

Germany –
Human Placentophagy Research Studies with Jena University and Dr. Sophia Johnson and Jana Pastuschek
Under the Birch Tree financially backed this research.

• ​Human placentophagy: Effects of dehydration and steaming on hormones, metals and bacteria in placental tissue 2018
• Placenta – Worth Trying? Human Maternal Placentophagia: Possible Benefit and Potential Risks 2018
• Human placentophagy: What is the microbial composition of raw and processed placental tissue? 2019

 

• ​Placentophagy among women planning community births in United States: Frequency, rationale, and associated neonatal outcomes​ 2018
• ​Effect of placentophagy on maternal salivary hormones. A Pilot trial part 1 2017
• Placentophagy’s effect on mood, bonding and fatigue. A pilot trial part 2 2017
• Presence and Concentration of 17 Hormones in Human Placenta for Encapsulation and Consumption 2016
• Human Placenta Processed for Encapsulation Contains Modest Concentrations of 14 Trace Minerals and Elements 2016 
• Effects of Human Materanal Placentophagy on Maternal Postpartum Iron Status: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study 2016
• Human Maternal Placentophagy: A Survey of Self-Reported Motivations and Experiences Associated with Placenta Consumption 2013
• The Conspicuous Absence of Placenta Consumption in Human Postpartum Females: The Fire Hypothesis 2012

          In Search of Human Placentophagy 2010