Placenta Encapsulation

Possible benefits of placenta encapsulation include:

• increased milk production

• increased energy levels

• breduced postpartum bleeding

• faster healing and uterine involution

After birth, we will collect your placenta as soon as possible after receiving your phone call. Your placenta will be transported in a freezer-size, food safe Ziploc bag inside of a tight-fitting cooler with ice. Your placenta will be immediately refrigerated while our work space and tools are prepared, and the encapsulation process will begin as soon as possible. In most cases, you will receive your finished placenta pills within 48-72 hours.

Many people keep their placenta for personal or spiritual reasons. I encourage you to discuss your plans with your care provider before delivery. Be sure that during delivery, your entire care team understands your preferences. You may be required to sign a release or waiver form before taking your placenta home.

Placenta encapsulation is an under-researched and often misunderstood practice. When done correctly, it is not likely to be dangerous. The most common reported negative side effects include nausea, stomach discomfort, headache, or anxiety. Cross contamination from blood borne pathogens or unsafe food preparation practices can result in a potential for more serious complications; this is why we follow strict safety, sanitization, OSHA-approved food preparation practices. Our policy does not allow for multiple placentas to be processed at any time, eliminating the possibility for cross-contamination or mixups.

There are two methods of placenta encapsulation: raw and steamed. In the raw method, the placenta is not heated or cooked before it is dehydrated and encapsulated. This method may preserve more of the placenta's hormones and enzymes. However, this method may carry a higher risk of bacterial contamination and infection, as the placenta has not been heated to kill any potential pathogens. In the steamed method, the placenta is steamed before it is dehydrated. The steaming process is to help reduce the risk of bacterial contamination, while still preserving some of the placenta's nutrient content. However, steaming may reduce the bioavailability of certain nutrients and hormones in the placenta.

Ensuring safety and hygiene during placenta preparation is crucial, which is why we follow rigorous sanitation standards in the encapsulation process. Equipment and supplies are dedicated for this purpose and include stainless steel, food-grade plastic, and disposable items that are discarded after one use. All submersible equipment is washed in hot water with antibacterial soap, sanitized with a bleach solution, and air dried. For non-submersible equipment, antiviral and antibacterial solutions are used.

Extensive education in food preparation and safety, bloodborne pathogens, and safety precautions ensure our clients' health and safety is a top priority.

Occasionally, your care provider may want to send your placenta to pathology for testing. In these circumstances, you may request that they biopsy only a portion of your placenta for testing while the remainder is safely stored for encapsulation. If the test results come back negative, you may proceed with your preferred method of encapsulation. If your entire placenta is sent to pathology, it cannot be encapsulated due to the possibility that the placenta may be contaminated with chemicals or that the examination equipment has not been properly sterilized or there is a chance that the placenta that is returned may not belong to you.

Provided that your placenta was handled and stored appropriately after birth, stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and then properly frozen, it is safe to encapsulate for up to six months after birth. However, please note that the process of encapsulation will be prolonged as the placenta must be fully thawed in the refrigerator first (this may take several days). It is important to keep in mind that if the placenta has been previously frozen and thawed, it cannot be encapsulated.

Provided that your placenta was handled and stored appropriately after birth, stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and then properly frozen, it is safe to encapsulate for up to six months after birth. However, please note that the process of encapsulation will be prolonged as the placenta must be fully thawed in the refrigerator first (this may take several days). It is important to keep in mind that if the placenta has been previously frozen and thawed, it cannot be encapsulated.

Yes! The medications used for a cesarean delivery and induction of labor are not dangerous and do not prevent you from encapsulating your placenta. The method of delivery does not impact your plans for placenta encapsulation.

In the following circumstances, placenta encapsulation is not recommended:

• Your placenta was sent to pathology and/or chemicals were used to preserve it (IE, formalin)

• Your placenta remained at room temperature for more than 4 hours post birth with no preservation methods

• Your placenta has been refrigerated for more than 4-5 days without being frozen

• Uterine infections or chorioamnionitis ( an inflammation of the fetal membranes due to bacterial infection)

• Fever during labor

• Heavy drug usage

• Heavy smoking during pregnancy

• Cancer of the placenta, which is called choriocarcinoma

• Fetal demise

The amount of capsules that can be produced from the placenta depends on the size of both the baby and the placenta, as well as your chosen preparation method. Typically, you may expect to receive 60 to 240 capsules or more. In general, most people will receive enough capsules to last for about 4 to 8 weeks after childbirth.

​

​You will receive detailed suggestions on how to best utilize your placenta pills. As every person is unique, it is best to determine the appropriate amount based on how you feel and how you respond to the capsules. The consumption instructions provided are generalized, you will determine what is most suitable for your individual needs. It is recommend taking the capsules with meals for optimal absorption.