Frequently Asked Questions About Placenta Encapsulation
What is the placenta and why would I want to ingest it?
The placenta is a temporary organ that your body grows for the sole purpose of growing and sustaining a life, aka your baby. Your body literally makes a temporary organ (insert mind blown emoji). One side of the placenta is attached to the birthing persons uterus and the other side has the umbilical cord, which is attached to the baby. When showing people a placenta, I often say, “this is the mom side, and this is the baby side.” Once you give birth, your body has a rush of oxytocin (the love hormone), which causes your uterus to contract so that you can deliver your placenta. Cuddling or chestfeeding your baby are some of the best ways to aid in delivering your placenta.
When your placenta leaves your body, so does all of the hormones that were maintaining and supporting your pregnancy. This drop in hormones can cause a lot of unwanted side effects such as: mood swings, sadness, irritability, etc. Ingesting your own placenta may help reduce those symptoms. It may also help with energy, milk production, immune system support, decrease in bleeding, and mood stability. Your placenta pills hold an incredible amount of vitamins, minerals, and hormones that can support your body postpartum when consumed.
If I’m delivering in a hospital, will they release my placenta to me?
I have not come across any issues with hospitals that my clients have delivered in. I advise you to let your provider know ahead of time and make sure to let the hospital staff that is taking care of you know as soon as you arrive at the hospital. As long as there is clear communication and it written down on your birth plan, there should be no issues. Just make sure that the placenta doesn’t leave your birthing room and that you place it in your own cooler, in your birthing room.
What if my placenta needs to go to pathology?
Let me know right away, no matter what time you deliver. In most cases, pathology only needs a little piece of your placenta and then you can keep the rest. Again, I want to preface that your placenta cannot leave your birthing room, so make sure if they need to take a piece of it, it needs to be done in your birthing room. If pathology ends up taking it, your placenta cannot be encapsulated.
Where do you encapsulate placentas?
I encapsulate placentas in a sterilized area in my home. I am very careful about making sure I take appropriate precautions for my clients and for me. If you prefer me to encapsulate in your home, additional fees may apply due to travel costs/times.
How long does it take to get my placenta pills?
The process typically takes 24-48 hours.
What ingredients are in my placenta pills?
The only ingredients in your placenta pills, are your placenta. If you chose the TCM method for encapsulating, I steam your placenta with fresh ginger, fresh lemon juice, and high grade frankincense essential oil. These ingredients don’t directly touch your placenta, but are in the steam. I encapsulate with gelatin capsules. If you request vegan capsules, I can use those as well.
How many pills will I receive?
This totally depends on the size of your placenta. Typically between 75-200 pills.
How long do my pills last?
If they’re stored in the freezer, they will last indefinitely. You can also choose to keep a few in the freezer so that you can save them for your first cycle after birth.
How do I notify you when my placenta is ready for pick up?
If I’m your doula/birth assistant I will take the placenta home with me after your birth. If I’m not your doula, I will ask that you text/call me as soon as your deliver your baby. I will instruct you to bring your own little cooler to your birthing place and immediately put it on ice. If you birth in the middle of the night, I will come first thing the next morning to pick it up. If you birth during the day, I will pick it up the same day.
If you’re interested in getting your placenta encapsulated by me or you want to know more, click the button below.
