Frequently asked questions
What are the benefits of placenta encapsulation?
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Defense against postpartum depression and baby blues
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Replenishes your iron to prevent postpartum anemia
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Lends you a consistent flow of oxytocin, known as the love hormone
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Provides the HPL hormone to help establish early and healthy milk supply
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Stabilizes your hormones post-birth
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Replenishes your B vitamins and energy used during childbirth
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Protection from infection and bleeding
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Offers natural pain relief through the Placental Opioid Enhancing Factor, which can also boost the effect of prescription pain medication
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Helps tone your uterus back to normal size
I've heard the placenta is full of waste and toxins. Is this true?
The placenta is your baby’s life-support system during pregnancy and if it were full of toxins, this would make a very dangerous organ for your baby to be fed from. The placenta’s job is to keep the maternal and fetal blood separate, at the same time allowing nutrients to pass to the fetus and allowing waste from the fetus to pass through the mother. Toxins in the body and waste from the fetus are processed by the mother’s liver and kidneys for elimination. There are small amounts of heavy metals in the placenta; however, it has been proven that these levels are no greater than normal levels of heavy metals found in our body and in a mother’s breast milk. Source
What steps do you take to ensure the encapsulation process is safe?
What supplies do you use and how are they sterilized?
I use stainless steel, ceramic, glass, and disposable supplies. I take great pride in using the safest, non toxic tools to process your placenta. Everything is thoroughly washed with antibacterial soap and hot water then sanitized in a bleach or medical-grade disinfectant cleaning solution, as outlined by OSHA as a requirement for disinfection. I wear a new set of disposable latex-free gloves for each step of the encapsulation process. I follow the same guidelines that are used for cleanliness and sanitation in food service industries and laboratories.
Is it legal to take my placenta home from the hospital?
Can I have my placenta encapsulated if I have a medicated birth or Cesarean?
Yes, absolutely! These birth outcomes do not affect whether or not your placenta can be encapsulated. Women who have had an epidural, pain medication, and/or a Cesarean are all eligible candidates for placenta encapsulation and will receive the same benefits as those who have not had any of the above.
If I am GBS (Group B Strep) positive, can I still encapsulate my placenta?
Yes! Just be sure to have your placenta encapsulated using the Traditional Method, for extra precaution. The bacteria are inactivated or killed during the steaming process as well as when dehydrated.
Can I still consume my placenta if there was meconium present at birth?
Yes. Meconium is sterile, it does not contain fecal bacteria that normal stool does. Meconium is dangerous for the infant to inhale, but is otherwise harmless. Additionally, I will thoroughly wash the placenta with some apple cider vinegar if there has been meconium staining. This disinfects without compromising the integrity of the organ.
What if the hospital wants to take my placenta to pathology after birth?
How should I store my placenta after birth?
Your placenta should be put into a clean and sterile, leak-proof container immediately after birth, for examining. Your provider may leave it in the container or you may be responsible for storing it. I suggest bringing two freezer ziploc bags to your birth place just in case. Your placenta should then be stored in a cooler on ice within 2 hours of birth. Or in a fridge, if there’s one available. You should contact your placenta specialist soon after your birth to ensure your placenta is collected within 24 hours.
How many capsules can I expect to receive?
The number of capsules varies for each person, depending on the size of the placenta and the preparation method chosen. The placenta is gently steamed in the Traditional Method and will decrease in size during the steaming process. A placenta usually yields anywhere from 90 – 175 capsules.