Placenta Services and Information
Placentophagy (ingestion of the placenta) is not a new phenomenon, but it has become increasingly popular in the birthing community in recent years. Many people report that after taking placenta pills in their immediate postpartum period, they experienced more mood stability, increased energy, and a happier postpartum experience. For most people, the goal of placenta encapsulation is to help them transition through the early postpartum days with faster healing, faster hormonal balancing, and to return to their bodies a little of what they lost during childbirth.
Here's a little Q&A to help explain more:
Here's a little Q&A to help explain more:
What''s a Placenta?
The placenta is the body’s only organ that is grown to serve a specific purpose and then discarded once that purpose is fulfilled. It is created as the baby is created and grows alongside your baby throughout the entire pregnancy. It supplies your baby with the oxygen and nutrients that sustain them until birth. The placenta also protects the baby by blocking the passage of many harmful molecules (such as certain medications). It is a common misconception that the placenta is a “waste” organ. The placenta is really more of a “facilitator” - it does filter the baby’s waste, but it passes it back into the parent's blood to be processed and discarded.
Watch this video for a CG animated visual of how the placenta forms and how it functions.
Watch this video for a CG animated visual of how the placenta forms and how it functions.
Placentas are chock-full of various hormones and nutrients that are present in varying degrees. Here’s a list of some of the more prevalent ones:
- Oxytocin: The feel-good, love hormone. It creates feelings of bonding, pain relief, happiness and elation.
- Cortisone: This hormone assists in the release of the body's energy stores.
- Interferon: This hormone helps to stimulate the immune system to fight off infections while the body is healing from birth.
- Prostaglandin: A hormone that acts as an anti-inflammatory.
- Hemoglobin: Replenishes iron stores in the body.
- Urokinase inhibiting factor: Lessens bleeding and promotes faster healing.
- POEF (Placenta Opioid Enhancing Factor): Enhances the effectiveness of opioids, so pain relief is more effective and less is needed.
- Protein
- Minerals: Sodium, Potassium, and Phosphorus are found in highest concentrations.
Why would I want to eat it?
First, it’s not as gross as it sounds! There are many ways to eat the placenta without experiencing any of the “ick” factor. Taking a placenta pill is just like taking any pill, from vitamins to medications. There are some parents who will even cook it into a favorite dish, such as spaghetti or chocolate truffles (mmm!).
Here are some of the positive things people have reported after consuming their placenta:
It is important to note that placenta capsules are a nutritional supplement and do not replace vitamins, medications, and a healthy diet. There are no guarantees that it will prevent postpartum depression. Placenta remedies are something a new parent can give back to their body post-birth, but cannot be used to reverse present or predisposed issues. Placenta capsules do not take the place of medical care and should *not* be used to treat severe anemia, inadequate milk supply, postpartum depression or anxiety. Please seek medical advice from your healthcare provider on these issues.
Each potential client should be aware that even though there is a large amount of anecdotal evidence supporting the potential benefits of placentophagy, there is a lack of research being done in this area of health. Unfortunately, we can’t say that “studies show…” any of this - because the few studies that have been done so far have not been well-designed from a scientific standpoint.
Here are some of the positive things people have reported after consuming their placenta:
- Prevention and reduction of the risk of postpartum depression or ‘baby blues.’
- Replenished iron from blood loss during birth and prevention of postpartum anemia.
- A consistent flow of oxytocin long after birth euphoria ends.
- Stabilization of the ever-changing hormones post birth.
- Higher levels of energy, less fatigue.
- Natural pain relief after the labor and birth of the baby.
It is important to note that placenta capsules are a nutritional supplement and do not replace vitamins, medications, and a healthy diet. There are no guarantees that it will prevent postpartum depression. Placenta remedies are something a new parent can give back to their body post-birth, but cannot be used to reverse present or predisposed issues. Placenta capsules do not take the place of medical care and should *not* be used to treat severe anemia, inadequate milk supply, postpartum depression or anxiety. Please seek medical advice from your healthcare provider on these issues.
Each potential client should be aware that even though there is a large amount of anecdotal evidence supporting the potential benefits of placentophagy, there is a lack of research being done in this area of health. Unfortunately, we can’t say that “studies show…” any of this - because the few studies that have been done so far have not been well-designed from a scientific standpoint.
Is it safe?
I strive to always handle each client’s placenta with safety at the forefront of my mind. I follow strict protocols to ensure that each placenta is processed with sanitized tools and equipment and I only process one placenta at a time. I have been trained by IPPA (International Placenta and Postpartum Association) in placenta preparation and adhere to their standards of practice. I am also certified in Bloodborne Pathogens for Placenta Encapsulation Professionals and I have received my Food Handler Training Certification.
There some some instances in which a placenta may not be safe for encapsulation, including: improper storage, if the placenta is sent to Pathology for any reason while you are in the hospital, and if it has certain infections or if the parent has contracted certain diseases. We can talk about each of those circumstances when we meet to determine if your placenta is a good candidate for safe encapsulation.
There some some instances in which a placenta may not be safe for encapsulation, including: improper storage, if the placenta is sent to Pathology for any reason while you are in the hospital, and if it has certain infections or if the parent has contracted certain diseases. We can talk about each of those circumstances when we meet to determine if your placenta is a good candidate for safe encapsulation.
So, what do I need to do to get my placenta encapsulated?
If you're ready to sign up, fill out this form! If you have questions or are curious but not quite ready to commit, that's ok! Just fill out our contact form so I'll know what's on your mind and can answer any questions and address any concerns you have. Partners are also welcome and encouraged to touch base with me. Each due date will be entered into my calendar so that I don’t overbook - since I only prepare one placenta at a time in order to avoid any confusion or cross-contamination, there is a limit to how many placentas I can take per 4-week period.
Is there anything I can do with my placenta other than eat it?
Yes! There are a lot of beautiful options for parents who aren’t interested in or able to encapsulate. First, you can consider purchasing a Placenta Print and Cord Keepsake. Each placenta is as unique as a fingerprint, and a print can be the perfect way to hold the pregnancy and birth of your baby close to your heart. You can also plant your placenta - it can be used to fertilize a new tree in your yard that will always remind you of your baby’s birth and new life. This is a way to honor the placenta and all that it did in bringing forth your baby.
Pricing and Packages
If you choose encapsulation, I will prepare your placenta either raw or with a Basic Heated method, both of which will be explained in detail so you can decide which option is best for you. Your capsules will be delivered to you in a lidded container within 5 days of placenta delivery, along with detailed instructions on safety, storage, and ingestion.
If you choose a tincture, I'll use a small portion of your placenta in 4oz of 100 proof vodka to make a solution that contains all the benefits of the placenta, is shelf-stable, and can be used for decades. Your tincture comes in a cobalt blue dropper bottle and I will provide detailed instructions about how to strain and use it when it's ready (at least 6 weeks after preparation).
If you choose a tincture, I'll use a small portion of your placenta in 4oz of 100 proof vodka to make a solution that contains all the benefits of the placenta, is shelf-stable, and can be used for decades. Your tincture comes in a cobalt blue dropper bottle and I will provide detailed instructions about how to strain and use it when it's ready (at least 6 weeks after preparation).
Package A
Investment: $210
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Package B
Investment: $260
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A la carte Offerings
$100 Each
Guided Instruction for DIY EncapsulationThe process of encapsulation can be intimidating, so this offering allows you the freedom to prepare your own placenta for encapsulation with the reassurance that you're doing it safely. Included: Instructions on encapsulation (the process and important safety information), videos of the process with detailed instructions, as well as 2 (half-hour) live video chats with me during which I will guide you through every step of the process.
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Placenta Tincture
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Placenta Print
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Disclaimer:
The information on this page has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The services I offer are not clinical, pharmaceutical, or intended to diagnose or treat any condition. Families who choose to utilize the services on this page take full responsibility for researching and using the remedies.
