You can't pour from an empty cup: A list of postpartum resources

The adjustment to life with a new baby is one of the hardest transitions you will ever make in your life. There is no complete step-by-step guidebook you can follow once your new baby arrives. The care of a newborn can sometimes overwhelm all aspects of daily life, especially your own postpartum care. One common problem woman face during postpartum is finding time to care for themselves. Unfortunately, in today's culture, there is no village behind you once your baby arrives. A lot of mothers find themselves alone with their new baby (and other children) once their partner has to return back to work, often within just a few days of birth. The task of caring for your new baby, while healing from birth yourself, can sometimes overwhelm a new mother to the point that she needs outside help.

We believe at With Love Placenta that the mother also needs to be mothered immediately postpartum. No mother should feel alone. Even after our services have been completed, we still encourage our clients to use us a research for all of your postpartum and mothering needs. If you ever need someone to talk to, we are here, anonymously and without judgement. 

Included in this list are references to professionals who specialize in helping woman during their postpartum period. If you feel you are struggling with day to day life after your new baby, crying excessively, feeling withdrawn from your family or friends, having trouble sleeping, having trouble caring for your new baby, or having thoughts of hurting yourself or baby/children, we urge you to contact one of these professionals immediately. 

Postpartum Doulas

• Mama's Best friend- (732) 820-0325
• Doulas of Central New Jersey- (732) 563-0449

Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder Center at Monmouth Medical

300 second avenue, Long Branch, New Jersey 07740 - (732) 923-5573

Postpartum Support Groups

• Natural Beginnings “Accepting the Unexpected” - Manasquan - (973) 876-4283
• A Circle of Moms - Toms River - (732) 557-8034
• New Mom Discussion Group - Freehold - (901) 308-0570
• New Parent Mornings - Hamilton - (609) 303-4140
• The Riverview Medical Center Postpartum Support Group - Red Bank - (732) 706-5173
• Postpartum Depression and Anxiety Support Group For Pregnant and New Mothers - Long Branch - (732) 923-5573
• New Moms…New Babies:  A New Mother’s Support Group - New Brunswick - (732) 253-3871        
• New Mom’s Network - Jackson - (732) 776-4281

NEW JERSEY POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION HELPLINE:  “Speak Up When You’re Down”  24 hours a day 7 days a week hotline:  1-800-328-3838  www.njspeakup.gov

 

Any of these resources can recommend a licensed therapist that specializes in postpartum therapy.

Which encapsulation method we recommend and all the reasons why!

Placenta encapsulation is the number once method of preparing a placenta for consumption post birth, but it is not a one type fits all service! Encapsulating your placenta comes with a number of different method choices. The number one question that we, as placenta specialists, are asked is which method is best?

There are two main types of encapsulation: the Traditional Chinese method (also known as TCM) and the raw method. Each method has its own unique benefits, and only you can decide which is best for you. 

TRADITIONAL Chinese Method

This is the preparation method developed by Raven Lang, a midwife and TCM practitioner, in accordance with TCM principles and the specific needs of the postpartum period. This is the most commonly used placenta preparation method, and the one we strongly suggest for most of our clients. The main differentiating factor in this form of preparation is the step in which the placenta is gently steamed. In Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, birth leaves an open, empty space within ones self, which is very yin, or cold. The practice of gently steaming the placenta creates a warm energy, or yang. This method is most recommended for long term use, which is appropriate as clients usually take their placenta capsules over a six week period. By incorporating steam and warming herbs in the process, the final result is warming, tonifying, and nourishing during the initial postpartum period. The method of steaming also is known to balance the hormones of the placenta which allows the body to more easily absorb the nutrients.

Raw Method

The raw method is just as it states. The raw placenta is dehydrated and then encapsulated. This method aligns with the Raw Diet, where food is not to be heated about 118 degrees Fahrenheit. Some believe that heating food above this temperature kills off vital nutrients. In reference to the placenta, people often argue that this method yields a medicinal remedy with more hormones and nutrients than the TCM method.

But which do we recommend? 

We recommend the Traditional Chinese Method form of encapsulation to all of our clients, especially those with any history of depression or anxiety. We have found through studies and other woman's experience that the Raw method of prep if much too strong for most new mothers. Most woman with any history of mental illness or anxiety report that taking capsules created using the Raw method make their symptoms worse. It has even been reported to have caused mothers to develop symptoms of postpartum depression. The TCM method creates a much more balanced experience, gently warming the mother and not overwhelming the system. For those interested in Raw prep, we recommend consuming the placenta via smoothies  for no more than a one week period postpartum. After that, capsules created using the TCM method will gently allow the body to wean off of any hormones it has come accustomed to over their pregnancy. Smoothie cubes immediately post birth are fantastic for blood building and returning iron stores, while capsules using the TCM method are more appropriate for long term affects such as increased milk supply, decreased PPD depression symptoms, and overall nourishing of the new mother.

Each person is drawn to the method they feel will be best for their postpartum period, and there is no right or wrong decision! We, as placenta specalists, make it our main goal to give every new mother a more blissful postpartum period. We will gladly share any and all knowledge we have to help you make a more informed decision!