Help Center
What is Placenta Encapsulation?
Placenta encapsulation is a process where a whole placenta is transformed into pills that can be taken postpartum
What is the process?
The placenta should be delivered to myself within 24 hours of birth. First, the umbilical cord is removed from the placenta along with the amniotic sac. Then the placenta is run under water and is gently massaged. Ifyou have chosen the TCM method, the placenta is placed in a steamer for approximately 20 minutes with chilli, ginger and lemon. The placenta is cut into pieces and placed in the dehydrator- for the TCM method this occurs after steaming, for the raw method, this is done without the placenta being cooked. The umbilicalcord can also be placed in the dehydrator and arranged into a shape or letter to form a keepsake, if the recipient desires. Once the placenta is finished dehydrating it is placed in a food processor and ground into a powder. The powder is then processed into size 0 capsules. The capsules are stored in a bottle and are to be kept in a cool, dark place or in the freezer.
How should I handle the placenta before giving it to you?
Your placenta may be kept at room temperature for up to 2 hours after birth. After that it should berefrigerated or otherwise kept cool in an esky with ice / ice trays. If it is going to be more than 3 or 4days before the placenta can be prepared it should be frozen the same day of birth. A frozen placentamay require an extra one or two days of preparation time to allow for gentle thawing.
How many pills will I get?
Your placenta will usually yield 100-250 capsules depending on the size of your placenta and the method chosen.
Is it safe to encapsulate my placenta if I have GBS?
. Group B strep is a common bacterium that does not normally pose health risks to the mother. However,if you have GBS, it is recommended to use the TCM method as all bacteria in the placenta is killed during theheating and dehydration process. Rarely, Group B strep can lead to uterine infection. If you developed a uterine infection or fever during your labour, your placenta would not be considered useful in healing, and would likely be taken to the pathology lab for testing and therefore could not be prepared.
Can my placenta still be used if my baby passed meconium?
Yes. Meconium is sterile, it does not contain faecal bacteria that normal stool does. Additionally,your placenta is thoroughly washed before encapsulation preparation.
When should I get my placenta to you and how long will it take?
Ideally, the placenta preparation should take place as soon as possible after the birth. Directly after the birth, the placenta should be placed in an enclosed container (the hospital will put it in a plastic container or a container you supply). Then it will need to be placed on ice/ice trays in a cooler bag or refrigerated. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. If you know ahead of time that it will not be prepared within that time frame, it is best to place it straight into the freezer. Please contact me at your earliest convenience to organise hand over. From the time I have the placenta in my possession to the time you have the capsules is 24-48 hours. The raw method does take longer than the TCM method but only slightly.
How should I store the capsules?
Store them in a cool dry place. A dark cupboard at room temperature should suffice in most climates. If your home is very warm, you may prefer to keep them in the fridge. Don't let them get wet as they will dissolve. They can be frozen for storage if you want to use them for balancing hormones at another time.
How should I take the capsules?
You can begin taking the capsules as soon as you receive them. Take 1-2 capsules three times per day for the first 2 weeks. Gradually reduce from week three. Listen to your body and adjust accordingly.It is helpful to take the capsules with food to help hide any residual smell.
Are there any conditions that would prevent you from encapsulating my placenta?
If you have a virus such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C or HIV then I will be unable to process your placenta. If you have a proven infection that may be related to the uterus then it is likely that your placenta will be sentaway for testing- this will mean I cannot proceed. If your placenta is sent away for any testing then I cannot continue the process. If you are a smoker, you should not ingest your placenta and therefore I will not proceed.
I'm a smoker, can you encapsulate my placenta?
This a situation where we would be unable to offer encapsulation. The heavy metals that remain in the placenta of smokers makes it unsuitable for consumption.
Is placenta encapsulation clean and safe?
I have a dedicated space for placenta processing. Rigorous cleanliness and safety standards are maintained throughout and only one placenta is ever processed at a time so there is no chance of mix ups. Following the steaming and/or dehydrating steps there are no bacteria left in the placenta and they are perfectly safe for consumption.
How much does it cost?
TCM Method: $240TCM Method + Cord Keepsake: $265Modified TCM Method: $250Modified TCM Method+Cord keepsake: $275Raw Method: $270Raw Method + Cord Keepsake: $295Half & Half (TCM & Raw): $265Half & Half + Cord keepsake: $290Placenta Print: $30Cord Keepsake: $35
How and when can I pay?
I like to take payment after the encapsulation is complete and before the pills are handed over. You can pay by cash, direct transfer, credit card or PayPal.Please contact me if you'd like to discuss other payment options.