Placenta Encapsulation FAQ
What do I need to take with me to my birthing location in order to be prepared for the encapsulation process?
1. A cooler to properly store the packaged placenta during your stay &/or transport home.
2. Your birth plan with one line regarding wanting to keep your placenta.
3. Payment - it is just easier to have this ready in your hospital bag then to have to worry about it after your birth :)
What size/type cooler should I bring with me to my birthing location?
I recommend a small or medium sized hard sided cooler. Soft sided coolers tend to leak over time, unless they have a hard plastic insert. Personal lunch sized often are not large enough to accommodate the packaging hospitals use along with enough ice and also leak. Styrofoam disposable coolers (especially the smaller ones) are suitable and can be thrown away after use if that is preferred.
The Igloo Legend cooler and Coleman FlipLid Personal cooler are both 5 quart coolers that work well without being too large. These are best when placenta is bagged and cooler is completely filled with regular ice for proper storage. These are the most used by clients, but other coolers that clients use often are the Igloo MaxCold Hard Lined cooler, Igloo Ice Cube cooler, and the Igloo Playmate. Larger sized models work fine too, but are not as convenient to carry along with all your other belongings. Please do not feel that you need to buy anything special, as you most likely already have a cooler around your house that will work perfectly.
How will my placenta be packaged by the hospital?
Bagging the placenta is preferred, but packaging ranges from your placenta being double bagged to being placed in a small round plastic container, large plastic (think jumbo ice cream tub) container, to square/round flat containers that are more of a tray with a snap on cover (these tend to leak). Often the packaging at hospitals varies and there is no set type to expect, as hospital staff will just grab what is readily available.
Since bagging the placenta is preferred, and if your cooler is too small for the container hospital staff wants to use, please ask them to bag it instead in order for the packaged placenta to properly fit in a cooler with sufficient ice. Hospital staff can and do bag placentas with bags they have on hand, but if you want to bring along two one gallon sized Ziploc bags with your cooler to make it ever easier for them to do so that works as well.
Will you take my cooler?
No. I bring a cooler with me to transfer your packaged placenta into at pick up, so you keep your cooler. It will only be used by you for storage until pick up.
How should the packaged placenta be stored in my cooler?
The best way to keep your packaged placenta properly stored until pick up, if not refrigerated, is in a cooler well packed with lots of real ice. A well packed cooler looks like ice on the bottom of the cooler, packaged placenta, then more ice on top covering the placenta and filling the cooler. Ice should be refreshed as needed in order to prevent it from melting completely. Only real ice should be used, not gel ice packs, instant ice packs, cold packs, plastic ice blocks, or anything similar.
What is proper placenta care & handling for encapsulation?
As quickly as possible after the birth (at least within the first four hours after birth), the placenta should be bagged (preferred) or placed into a food-grade container, sealed tightly and refrigerated or placed in a cooler well packed with a sufficient amount of real ice. If longer please contact me ASAP so we can determine if it is still safe to encapsulate/consume.
For Hospital Births:
It is best to never let the placenta leave your site. Hospital staff are very busy and can easily be distracted and could accidentally discard your placenta or send it to pathology where it could be ruined for encapsulation. Your placenta is not their highest priority. All hospitals in the greater Sacramento area will accommodate your wishes to keep your placenta and will package it for storage/transport, but once packaged they will not accept any responsibility for proper storage of it during your stay.
I recommend that either your birth support - spouse/partner, family member, friend, or doula - is in charge of the placenta once it is birthed so that it is properly stored and not lost or damaged.
For Birthing Center Births:
At our local area birthing centers the midwives are very kind and will package the placenta for you, so you can promptly take it home with you in a cooler, to be refrigerated. Once home packaged placenta should be moved from cooler to refrigerator.
For Home Births:
Please double bag the placenta in two one gallon sized Ziploc bags and refrigerate.
Will the hospital release my placenta to me?
All area greater Sacramento area hospitals have placenta release policies in place for any reason (cultural, religious, nutrition, etc.) The way to ensure the best placenta release outcome is to be well prepared with all of the information contained both in your confirmation email specific to your birthing location and here on my website, have a plan to store your released placenta, and stay calm and friendly when discussing your wishes. Since 2009 I have encapsulated placentas from all of our area's hospitals, so if you have specific questions/concerns regarding your particular hospital or questions come up in labor please contact me and we can discuss this topic further.
Will I have to sign a hospital placenta release form?
Yes. All area hospitals will require a release of liability waiver to be signed for placenta release.
Can my medical care provider deny release of my healthy placenta?
No. The release of a healthy placenta to a healthy patient is not prohibited by law in any state in the U.S. You have a right to keep your placenta for any reason (this includes testing GBS+ in pregnancy).
"People of many cultural backgrounds are choosing to keep their placentas following birth. If a patient in your practice or at your facility is requesting the release of their placenta, appropriate preparation can help to seamlessly facilitate this request and increase patient satisfaction. Placenta release directly to patients is established as written law in the states of Hawaii, Oregon and Texas. The release of healthy placentas to healthy mothers is not prohibited by law in any state in the U.S. The legal precedent of Swanson v. Sunrise Hospital in 2007 demonstrates that hospitals are liable for the handling of placentas and upholds a patient’s right to the release of their placenta, free from any willful or negligent contamination." For Medical Providers - APPA
When should I mention I want to keep my placenta?
You should inform your medical care provider ahead of time that you plan to keep your placenta and include your wishes in your your birth plan. I also recommend that you state your intentions again upon admission and then again once the placenta is birthed. Be friendly and cooperative when discussing your intentions to keep your placenta & remember it is your right to keep your placenta.
What if they want to take my placenta to pathology?
In rare cases your physician may feel that your placenta needs to go to pathology. If this does happen ask if they can do a visual exam in the delivery room instead, or see if a small piece sent to pathology would suffice instead of the entire placenta. If your physician feels the whole placenta needs to be examined in pathology, unfortunately it will no longer be suitable for encapsulation/consumption due to cross contamination. Please be aware that a small percentage of placentas actually need to go to pathology in their entirety. Most doctors will try working with you so everyone gets what they need. Placentas that are sent to pathology for examination are NOT able to be encapsulated, so this is something that should be avoided if at all possible. You may also refuse additional testing if you would prefer your placenta not be lost to pathology; so speak to your medical care provider about weighing the pros & cons of your choices.
Please note that some area hospitals offer food safe examinations & food safe storage in their refrigerators when they know placenta encapsulation is desired. Please let the staff know your intentions and ask if these are options if pathology is mentioned.
What if I develop preeclampsia?
This is not a problem, and you can still safely encapsulate. Preeclampsia is not a contraindication to encapsulation, however many medical care providers will strongly suggest that the placenta be sent to pathology for testing. Please know that it is completely up to you what is your priority in this case & where your placenta ends up. Many clients opt to deny testing, and keep their placenta, so they may still encapsulate. You can and do have the right to deny your placenta being sent to pathology if encapsulation is more important to you, especially since testing does not guarantee answers to why preeclampsia resulted.
What if I am induced/have a medicated birth/have a cesarean section?
Your particular birth choices/outcomes do not affect whether or not your placenta can or cannot be encapsulated. You can still safely encapsulate if you receive an epidural, IV pain medications during labor, pitocin, are induced, have a cesarean section, or any other common birth intervention.
What if I have a water birth?
Having a water birth does not affect the placenta encapsulation process in any way, you can still safely encapsulate, and I have worked with many clients that have opted to have water births.
What if I am opting for delayed cord clamping? Can I still safely encapsulate my placenta?
Yes.
What if I am opting for cord blood banking/donation? Can I still safely encapsulate my placenta?
Yes, you are able to do cord blood banking/donation & still safely encapsulate your placenta. You will need to check with the company you are working with for their banking/donation instructions.
What if I am opting for tissue banking? Can I still safely encapsulate my placenta?
If only the cord &/or part of the placenta is being banked then yes. If the entire placenta is being banked, then no.
What if I give birth prematurely?
You can still safely encapsulate if you give birth prematurely. Premature birth does not automatically determine your placenta being unfit for encapsulation and I have encapsulated numerous preterm placentas. I have found that most area doctors will try to still accommodate your wishes to keep your placenta and will try to either do a blood test, send only a piece of placenta to pathology, or will only do a bed-side visual examination in order to not have to send the entire placenta to pathology. However, in some rare cases the placenta legitimately does need to be sent to pathology in order to determine possible preterm cause. Ultimately it is up to the decision of your doctor as to whether or not your placenta will be released or not.
What if there is meconium staining present (baby pooped in the womb)?
You can still safely encapsulate if there is meconium present (aka baby pooped in the womb). Previously it was thought that meconium was sterile, but newer research shows that it is not, and the bacteria present is from your own natural flora, that you & baby are already exposed to naturally as part of your microbiome. Meconium/baby poop being present is nothing to worry about regarding encapsulation and happens all the time. I safely encapsulate meconium stained placentas at least a few times a week. Due to preparation following USDA food standards and the traditional method, with proper times and temperatures of heat being applied throughout the process, meconium is not a problem and does not make the placenta unfit for encapsulation.
Supporting Research - Impact of tissue processing on microbiological colonization in the context of placentophagy - March 2022
I have heard my baby can get sick from encapsulation, is that true?
It is very unlikely your baby can get sick from encapsulation, especially when the placenta is prepared following all food safe standards. Capsules should not be taken by children or infants. There was one sole case back in 2016 where a baby in Oregon had a late onset secondary recurrent GBS infection and the mother had her placenta encapsulated by a provider not following proper food safety preparation protocols. Doctors theorized that the capsules could have caused the infection, however the mother's breastmilk tested negative for GBS. GBS can be spread by many means, and while these improperly prepared capsules could have contributed, it was not possible to rule out reinfection from another mode, or prolonged primary infection. For additional information on Placenta Encapsulation Safety please see my Research page.
My medical care provider said that if I take placenta capsules and kiss my baby I can get them sick, is this true?
It is very unlikely since all placentas are prepared following food safe times and temperatures for both steaming and dehydration there is no active bacteria in finished capsules that could make anyone sick. For additional information on Placenta Encapsulation Safety please see my Research page.
What if I tested positive for Group B Strep (GBS)?
You can still safely encapsulate if you test positive for Group B Strep during pregnancy & your medical care provider cannot refuse release of your placenta for this reason alone. Being Group B Strep Positive (GBS+) does not mean you have an active infection, it simply means you have a colonization, which is common & a normal variation. Group B Strep alone is not a contraindication for encapsulation and testing in pregnancy does not necessarily determine actual status at time of delivery. I safely encapsulate for clients that tested GBS+ in pregnancy at least a few times a week. For additional information on Group B Strep & Placenta Encapsulation Safety please see my Research page.
What if I get a fever in labor?
Fever does not always equal infection, and is most commonly associated with epidurals given during labor. If you have a fever (<101ºF), with no other symptoms, for only a few hours before birth then it is unlikely that the placenta is infected in any way and your care provider will most likely still deem your placenta fit for encapsulation. Your care provider can also determine if true infection is suspected by how the placenta looks, feels, and smells along with any other symptoms (or lack of symptoms) in both yourself and baby.
How can I avoid a uterine infection in labor that will make it so I cannot encapsulate?
Limiting the number of vaginal exams before and during labor is the easiest way to avoid infection in labor.
What if my medical care provider confirms I have Chorioamnionitis (Chorio)?
If your medical care provider confirms that you have a true infection during labor & delivery, such as Chorioamnionitis, also referred to as chorio, you will not be able to encapsulate. True infection is a contraindication for consuming your placenta. Signs of chorio may include: high fever (an intrapartum temperature >101ºF), significant maternal tachycardia (>120 beats per minute [bpm]), fetal tachycardia (>160-180 bpm), purulent or foul-smelling amniotic fluid or vaginal discharge, uterine tenderness. Your medical care provider will determine if infection is present and if the placenta may be released for encapsulation or not.
What if my placenta has calcification, or the doctor says it is "old"?
You can still safely encapsulate with a heavily calcified or "old" placenta. Calcification, in any amount, is a variation of normal and does not make the placenta unfit for encapsulation.
What is the ideal time frame for encapsulation?
When possible the encapsulation process should begin within 48-72 hours of the birth. The placenta should be refrigerated or stored in a cooler well packed with a lot of ice until preparation is started.
If it is not possible to start the process within the first few days following birth, the placenta should be frozen. Freezing the placenta DOES NOT change the process or reported benefits in any way. Placentas get frozen all the time for all sorts of different reasons, so please have no worries regarding this storage method. Placentas should not be frozen, thawed, and then refrozen.
What if I give birth earlier or later then my EDD?
I understand that birth is unpredictable and only use your EDD as a guess date placeholder on my client calendar. Whenever baby arrives please text me as planned and we will go from there to schedule pick up.
Where do you pick up?
In most cases I meet a spouse/partner, family member, or friend outside of the hospital (usually easiest to coordinate) for pick up. In some cases, depending on birthing location, timeline, &/or your home's location, I may pick up from your home. I serve clients all throughout Sacramento, CA and beyond. For clients outside of my immediate service area I do offer optional services options for pick up; please email me for details.
How soon after I text you will you pick up?
I work daily with clients and I always try to pick up sooner than later. I schedule pick ups according to my current client load and family obligations at the time of your birth. I usually am able to pick up the same day contacted or the day after, but in some cases it has to be the second day after being contacted. Once I receive your text that you have birthed I will work with you to schedule a pick up time & place that is convenient for everyone.
What if you are on vacation or it is a holiday?
If I am ever unavailable for more than a day or two I always email any clients currently on my calendar with EDDs that may be affected with special instructions. I usually take a summer and winter holiday vacation, and notify all clients upon booking of service options if their EDD falls within a few weeks of my unavailable dates.
I always take all the major holidays off to spend with my family. In addition I also always take off the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, & New Years Eve. If you birth on a holiday please still text me and we can go from there to schedule pick.
If I am ill when you contact me following your birth I will always let you know I am unavailable, but will schedule pick up as soon as possible; usually the next day or the day following.
I work extremely hard to keep my clients well informed of any changes in my availability.
How/when will I receive the finished capsules?
Finished capsules are mailed out via priority mail within 24-72 hours of pick up. You will receive a text from me upon your finished capsules mailing out to you. This serves both as an update and as a reminder to check your mailbox the following day. Weekends & holidays may add additional time to their delivery & I am not responsible for any postal delays. All packages mail out with delivery confirmation and insurance, so if you do not receive them the following day of mailing please text me and your package status can be looked up. Sometimes, though rare, postal delays can and do happen, but the packages always are delivered within a day or two. In thousands of finished packages none have ever been lost.
How long can a placenta be stored in the freezer before encapsulation?
Placentas that have been properly frozen (double-bagged and protected from freezer-burn) can be encapsulated up to six months after birth (even longer in some cases). Has your placenta been frozen for a year or more? No worries. I can evaluate your defrosted placenta to see if it is fit for encapsulation, however I do not guarantee results, only provide the service. I have encapsulated placentas frozen long term (over a year) and these clients still reported benefiting greatly from their placenta capsules, so please do not hesitate to contact me because you think it has been too long.
What if I am a vegetarian/vegan?
Not a problem and in fact many of my placenta encapsulation clients are vegetarian/vegan. I use only vegetarian capsules that do not contain animal gelatin.
Are herbs included in the finished capsules?
No. Your capsules are 100% your placenta. It is recommended that if a client needs herbal supplementation it is done separately so proper usage can be maintained.
What if I want a Lotus Birth?
A lotus birth is when the placenta is left attached to the baby until it detaches on its own, generally after several days. In lotus birth, it is common to salt or otherwise help the placenta dry out more quickly. While lotus birth is a beautiful ceremony honoring the connection between placenta and baby, it renders the placenta unsuitable for consumption if done in this traditional manner. However, you may still be able to have a lotus birth and encapsulate your placenta if you perform it using this trick from Gloria Lemay, though concerns regarding this method are cold transferring to baby and keeping placenta at food safe temperature.
LOTUS Birth with PLACENTOPHAGY: buy a new thermal lunch bag with a zipper closing around the top. Buy six freezer cold packs that will fit well into the thermal lunch bag. Have two packs in the freezer at all times. Soon after the placenta is birthed, create a little mini-fridge for it by putting one frozen pack on the bottom of the bag, then the placenta, then the second frozen pack and, then, do up the zipper with just the cord coming out of the corner of the zipped up bag. As soon as the cord separates (typically day 4 or 5), dehydrate and encapsulate the red, meaty parts from the maternal side of the placenta. You’ll know the placenta has been kept fresh by the smell i.e. it should smell like fresh meat.
You can also perform a modified lotus birth by keeping the placenta connected to the baby for up to three or four hours. This would give the baby a gentle transition to the world, and the placenta would still be fit for consumption after this amount of time without having to follow the above steps. Do not exceed four hours before separating the placenta and refrigerating it if you do not follow the above steps.
How do I know I will not receive someone else's placenta?
Impossible. I take great care to keep my placenta encapsulation service the safest available. Only one placenta is ever prepared at a time, allowing for the necessary time and effort to thoroughly sanitize all equipment and work space between clients, so there is never a chance of an accidental switch or any cross contamination of any kind. All of my materials used are either disposable or thoroughly sanitized and disinfected according to federal and state standards.
What type of supplies are used and how are they sanitized?
The supplies used during the placenta encapsulation process are all stainless steel, food grade plastic, or disposable. Disposable barriers are also utilized during the placenta preparation process to reduce contact with non-disposable tools as well. Everything is thoroughly washed with soap and hot water and then disinfected in bleach solution, an approved EPA disinfectant. Disinfectants, such as bleach, destroy or irreversibly inactivate all specified organisms within a certain time, usually 10+ minutes. I follow the same guidelines for cleanliness and sanitation that are used in food service establishments and small laboratories/hospitals. I prepare in a dedicated work space separate from my home kitchen/living environment, that I like to call my Placenta Workshop. I am the only Sacramento area placenta preparation arts specialist that works in a dedicated commercial grade space, separate from their home kitchen/family living space.
How many capsules will I receive?
Every placenta is different in both size and composition, but the average results in approximately 100+ capsules.
How should I take my placenta capsules?
You will receive a detailed suggested usage card along with your finished placenta capsules for you to keep and refer back to.
How long should I take my placenta capsules for?
I recommend that a client take their capsules for the first few weeks postpartum at least, but it is best to continue taking them until they are gone. Some clients do set a few aside for future transitions that they feel they would benefit from taking their capsules during, such as returning to work, future moves, travel away from baby, start of preschool/kindergarten, major illness, etc.
When should I not take my placenta capsules?
If you develop an infection such as mastitis, flu, or a common cold with fever it is recommended that you discontinue use until the illness/infection clears. Once symptoms subside you can start taking your placenta capsules again.
How should I store my placenta capsules?
After the encapsulation process is completed your placenta capsules will be placed in a sealed jar and are very shelf-stable. To help you to remember to take them, you may decide to store them with any supplements you may take, such as your prenatal vitamins. Keeping the jar in a dry, cool dark place, such as a medicine cabinet is fine. Placenta capsules do not need to be refrigerated or stored in the freezer to maintain freshness, though some clients prefer storing them in the freezer, especially for long term use. If this option is preferred, placenta capsules may be taken directly from the freezer. Please be sure they are stored in their tightly sealed container to not be exposed to excess humidity.
I have read online that there is a different process to encapsulate a placenta, called Raw Method Encapsulation. Do you offer this option also?
No. I personally specialize in the Traditional Method (based on Traditional Chinese Medicine/TCM), which has been used for centuries and offers more of a "slow and steady" building of energy for the postpartum period. I feel that this method better serves the client over the course of their entire postpartum period. It is believed in TCM theory that there is a depletion of qi following birth and that they give of their own life essence in bringing a child into the world, that they can become infected by cold and should be warmed both inside and out following giving birth. It is thought that there is a vacancy where baby lived for so many months and because cold stagnates, it is important to fill that “void” with warming energies. Placenta prepared following the Traditional Method is a warming energy and makes an even stronger argument for the Traditional Method over the more recent development of dehydrating placentas raw.
With the Raw Method a higher burst of energy initially after placenta capsules are taken is reported, which sometimes may lead to postpartum client overdoing it a bit, instead of using the time and energy to rest and heal. This "jittery" energy, from capsules prepared using the Raw Method, can even lead to clients "feeling off" or overwhelmed and can be intense enough for them to feel as though their capsules are of no reported during this precious time period.
Some additional compelling reasons why I practice the traditional method of placenta encapsulation are:
- Most placentas are born via the birth canal exposing it to bacteria, including maternal fecal matter. The steaming process helps to kill off this bacteria and can help protect against any potential illnesses from bacteria allowed to culture on the placenta before encapsulation. According to food safety standards, the dehydration process alone does not kill off bacteria that can culture prior to encapsulation.
- 5000 years of experience shows that the TCM method of preparations works to create a potent placenta medicine through some form of "cooking". Steaming of the placenta is believed to help balance the cold energy by infusing it with warmth. This warming energy (yang) is believed to be very healing during the postpartum period, balancing out the cold energy (yin) created by the empty space left behind in the uterus following birth. By infusing the placenta with the warm energy provided by heat the carefully steamed/prepared placenta is believed to help restore, nourish, and balance the body during the postpartum period.
- All other (pre-industrial) cultures with a tradition of placenta consumption use some form of cooking, curing, or tincturing, except when immediately used to curb bleeding during the birthing time.
- There are concerns that cooking may destroy the beneficial hormones, however research has shown it makes them more available to the mother. When discussing her research of TCM (Traditional) versus Raw placenta preparation Raeben Nolan shared, “Cooking makes a lot more nutrients available to the digestive tract that would otherwise pass through the system unabsorbed, and this is especially true for meat,” (Nolan, 2010).
- Taking a piece of raw placenta in the cheek to stop postpartum hemorrhage is different then using placenta medicinally long-term.
What do I need to know about my placenta tincture?
In addition to your placenta capsules you will also receive a placenta tincture. Your tincture is truly an added bonus! Placenta tinctures can be used in addition to and long after your capsules are gone, during times of trauma, transition, or emotional distress. Your placenta tincture is made by tincturing a small amount of the dried placenta in a high grade alcohol (vodka) & will be ready for use when baby is six weeks old. It is recommended to allow the placenta to steep for at least six weeks before use. Shaking it periodically will help it steep thoroughly. The tincture is very shelf-stable if kept sealed and in a cool dark place, such as a cabinet, and will last for many, many years. It does not need to be refrigerated or frozen. If you are interested in having enough placenta tincture to last your lifetime you may add 80 or 100 proof high grade alcohol (vodka) to the bottle as the tincture is used, never allowing it to get below 1/2 full, though this may eventually reduce the potency if done too many times. Tincture may be taken with a small glass of water or juice. Usage is included on the bottle label, but 7-10 drops is the recommended amount to take and it may be taken a few times a day if needed; for as long as desired. You can fill the dropper from the top, to only get steeped liquid. Though many practitioners may mention your tincture being able to be used for baby as well, it is important to acknowledge that children have a delicate balance of hormones, and your tincture may disrupt this balance. Unless under the care and advice of a licensed medical/naturopathic/homeopathic practitioner it is my recommendation that placenta remedies (including tinctures) should only be used by who they were made for.
Can placenta be used externally?
Yes. You can add your placenta powder or tincture to any gentle oil or lotion to use on eczema, cuts, scrapes, bug bites, etc. Placenta containing lotions should only be used on closed wounds that show no sign of infection, and should not be used on open wounds such as cesarean incisions. Making your own is as simple as opening capsules and mixing in with a small amount of coconut oil, fluffy shea butter, or other carrier oil such as almond, avocado, or apricot oil. Some prefer to use a few drops of tincture instead of powder (since it can be gritty) in the same fashion. For DIY placenta lotion & salve recipes click HERE
1. A cooler to properly store the packaged placenta during your stay &/or transport home.
2. Your birth plan with one line regarding wanting to keep your placenta.
3. Payment - it is just easier to have this ready in your hospital bag then to have to worry about it after your birth :)
What size/type cooler should I bring with me to my birthing location?
I recommend a small or medium sized hard sided cooler. Soft sided coolers tend to leak over time, unless they have a hard plastic insert. Personal lunch sized often are not large enough to accommodate the packaging hospitals use along with enough ice and also leak. Styrofoam disposable coolers (especially the smaller ones) are suitable and can be thrown away after use if that is preferred.
The Igloo Legend cooler and Coleman FlipLid Personal cooler are both 5 quart coolers that work well without being too large. These are best when placenta is bagged and cooler is completely filled with regular ice for proper storage. These are the most used by clients, but other coolers that clients use often are the Igloo MaxCold Hard Lined cooler, Igloo Ice Cube cooler, and the Igloo Playmate. Larger sized models work fine too, but are not as convenient to carry along with all your other belongings. Please do not feel that you need to buy anything special, as you most likely already have a cooler around your house that will work perfectly.
How will my placenta be packaged by the hospital?
Bagging the placenta is preferred, but packaging ranges from your placenta being double bagged to being placed in a small round plastic container, large plastic (think jumbo ice cream tub) container, to square/round flat containers that are more of a tray with a snap on cover (these tend to leak). Often the packaging at hospitals varies and there is no set type to expect, as hospital staff will just grab what is readily available.
Since bagging the placenta is preferred, and if your cooler is too small for the container hospital staff wants to use, please ask them to bag it instead in order for the packaged placenta to properly fit in a cooler with sufficient ice. Hospital staff can and do bag placentas with bags they have on hand, but if you want to bring along two one gallon sized Ziploc bags with your cooler to make it ever easier for them to do so that works as well.
Will you take my cooler?
No. I bring a cooler with me to transfer your packaged placenta into at pick up, so you keep your cooler. It will only be used by you for storage until pick up.
How should the packaged placenta be stored in my cooler?
The best way to keep your packaged placenta properly stored until pick up, if not refrigerated, is in a cooler well packed with lots of real ice. A well packed cooler looks like ice on the bottom of the cooler, packaged placenta, then more ice on top covering the placenta and filling the cooler. Ice should be refreshed as needed in order to prevent it from melting completely. Only real ice should be used, not gel ice packs, instant ice packs, cold packs, plastic ice blocks, or anything similar.
What is proper placenta care & handling for encapsulation?
As quickly as possible after the birth (at least within the first four hours after birth), the placenta should be bagged (preferred) or placed into a food-grade container, sealed tightly and refrigerated or placed in a cooler well packed with a sufficient amount of real ice. If longer please contact me ASAP so we can determine if it is still safe to encapsulate/consume.
For Hospital Births:
It is best to never let the placenta leave your site. Hospital staff are very busy and can easily be distracted and could accidentally discard your placenta or send it to pathology where it could be ruined for encapsulation. Your placenta is not their highest priority. All hospitals in the greater Sacramento area will accommodate your wishes to keep your placenta and will package it for storage/transport, but once packaged they will not accept any responsibility for proper storage of it during your stay.
I recommend that either your birth support - spouse/partner, family member, friend, or doula - is in charge of the placenta once it is birthed so that it is properly stored and not lost or damaged.
For Birthing Center Births:
At our local area birthing centers the midwives are very kind and will package the placenta for you, so you can promptly take it home with you in a cooler, to be refrigerated. Once home packaged placenta should be moved from cooler to refrigerator.
For Home Births:
Please double bag the placenta in two one gallon sized Ziploc bags and refrigerate.
Will the hospital release my placenta to me?
All area greater Sacramento area hospitals have placenta release policies in place for any reason (cultural, religious, nutrition, etc.) The way to ensure the best placenta release outcome is to be well prepared with all of the information contained both in your confirmation email specific to your birthing location and here on my website, have a plan to store your released placenta, and stay calm and friendly when discussing your wishes. Since 2009 I have encapsulated placentas from all of our area's hospitals, so if you have specific questions/concerns regarding your particular hospital or questions come up in labor please contact me and we can discuss this topic further.
Will I have to sign a hospital placenta release form?
Yes. All area hospitals will require a release of liability waiver to be signed for placenta release.
Can my medical care provider deny release of my healthy placenta?
No. The release of a healthy placenta to a healthy patient is not prohibited by law in any state in the U.S. You have a right to keep your placenta for any reason (this includes testing GBS+ in pregnancy).
"People of many cultural backgrounds are choosing to keep their placentas following birth. If a patient in your practice or at your facility is requesting the release of their placenta, appropriate preparation can help to seamlessly facilitate this request and increase patient satisfaction. Placenta release directly to patients is established as written law in the states of Hawaii, Oregon and Texas. The release of healthy placentas to healthy mothers is not prohibited by law in any state in the U.S. The legal precedent of Swanson v. Sunrise Hospital in 2007 demonstrates that hospitals are liable for the handling of placentas and upholds a patient’s right to the release of their placenta, free from any willful or negligent contamination." For Medical Providers - APPA
When should I mention I want to keep my placenta?
You should inform your medical care provider ahead of time that you plan to keep your placenta and include your wishes in your your birth plan. I also recommend that you state your intentions again upon admission and then again once the placenta is birthed. Be friendly and cooperative when discussing your intentions to keep your placenta & remember it is your right to keep your placenta.
What if they want to take my placenta to pathology?
In rare cases your physician may feel that your placenta needs to go to pathology. If this does happen ask if they can do a visual exam in the delivery room instead, or see if a small piece sent to pathology would suffice instead of the entire placenta. If your physician feels the whole placenta needs to be examined in pathology, unfortunately it will no longer be suitable for encapsulation/consumption due to cross contamination. Please be aware that a small percentage of placentas actually need to go to pathology in their entirety. Most doctors will try working with you so everyone gets what they need. Placentas that are sent to pathology for examination are NOT able to be encapsulated, so this is something that should be avoided if at all possible. You may also refuse additional testing if you would prefer your placenta not be lost to pathology; so speak to your medical care provider about weighing the pros & cons of your choices.
Please note that some area hospitals offer food safe examinations & food safe storage in their refrigerators when they know placenta encapsulation is desired. Please let the staff know your intentions and ask if these are options if pathology is mentioned.
What if I develop preeclampsia?
This is not a problem, and you can still safely encapsulate. Preeclampsia is not a contraindication to encapsulation, however many medical care providers will strongly suggest that the placenta be sent to pathology for testing. Please know that it is completely up to you what is your priority in this case & where your placenta ends up. Many clients opt to deny testing, and keep their placenta, so they may still encapsulate. You can and do have the right to deny your placenta being sent to pathology if encapsulation is more important to you, especially since testing does not guarantee answers to why preeclampsia resulted.
What if I am induced/have a medicated birth/have a cesarean section?
Your particular birth choices/outcomes do not affect whether or not your placenta can or cannot be encapsulated. You can still safely encapsulate if you receive an epidural, IV pain medications during labor, pitocin, are induced, have a cesarean section, or any other common birth intervention.
What if I have a water birth?
Having a water birth does not affect the placenta encapsulation process in any way, you can still safely encapsulate, and I have worked with many clients that have opted to have water births.
What if I am opting for delayed cord clamping? Can I still safely encapsulate my placenta?
Yes.
What if I am opting for cord blood banking/donation? Can I still safely encapsulate my placenta?
Yes, you are able to do cord blood banking/donation & still safely encapsulate your placenta. You will need to check with the company you are working with for their banking/donation instructions.
What if I am opting for tissue banking? Can I still safely encapsulate my placenta?
If only the cord &/or part of the placenta is being banked then yes. If the entire placenta is being banked, then no.
What if I give birth prematurely?
You can still safely encapsulate if you give birth prematurely. Premature birth does not automatically determine your placenta being unfit for encapsulation and I have encapsulated numerous preterm placentas. I have found that most area doctors will try to still accommodate your wishes to keep your placenta and will try to either do a blood test, send only a piece of placenta to pathology, or will only do a bed-side visual examination in order to not have to send the entire placenta to pathology. However, in some rare cases the placenta legitimately does need to be sent to pathology in order to determine possible preterm cause. Ultimately it is up to the decision of your doctor as to whether or not your placenta will be released or not.
What if there is meconium staining present (baby pooped in the womb)?
You can still safely encapsulate if there is meconium present (aka baby pooped in the womb). Previously it was thought that meconium was sterile, but newer research shows that it is not, and the bacteria present is from your own natural flora, that you & baby are already exposed to naturally as part of your microbiome. Meconium/baby poop being present is nothing to worry about regarding encapsulation and happens all the time. I safely encapsulate meconium stained placentas at least a few times a week. Due to preparation following USDA food standards and the traditional method, with proper times and temperatures of heat being applied throughout the process, meconium is not a problem and does not make the placenta unfit for encapsulation.
Supporting Research - Impact of tissue processing on microbiological colonization in the context of placentophagy - March 2022
I have heard my baby can get sick from encapsulation, is that true?
It is very unlikely your baby can get sick from encapsulation, especially when the placenta is prepared following all food safe standards. Capsules should not be taken by children or infants. There was one sole case back in 2016 where a baby in Oregon had a late onset secondary recurrent GBS infection and the mother had her placenta encapsulated by a provider not following proper food safety preparation protocols. Doctors theorized that the capsules could have caused the infection, however the mother's breastmilk tested negative for GBS. GBS can be spread by many means, and while these improperly prepared capsules could have contributed, it was not possible to rule out reinfection from another mode, or prolonged primary infection. For additional information on Placenta Encapsulation Safety please see my Research page.
My medical care provider said that if I take placenta capsules and kiss my baby I can get them sick, is this true?
It is very unlikely since all placentas are prepared following food safe times and temperatures for both steaming and dehydration there is no active bacteria in finished capsules that could make anyone sick. For additional information on Placenta Encapsulation Safety please see my Research page.
What if I tested positive for Group B Strep (GBS)?
You can still safely encapsulate if you test positive for Group B Strep during pregnancy & your medical care provider cannot refuse release of your placenta for this reason alone. Being Group B Strep Positive (GBS+) does not mean you have an active infection, it simply means you have a colonization, which is common & a normal variation. Group B Strep alone is not a contraindication for encapsulation and testing in pregnancy does not necessarily determine actual status at time of delivery. I safely encapsulate for clients that tested GBS+ in pregnancy at least a few times a week. For additional information on Group B Strep & Placenta Encapsulation Safety please see my Research page.
What if I get a fever in labor?
Fever does not always equal infection, and is most commonly associated with epidurals given during labor. If you have a fever (<101ºF), with no other symptoms, for only a few hours before birth then it is unlikely that the placenta is infected in any way and your care provider will most likely still deem your placenta fit for encapsulation. Your care provider can also determine if true infection is suspected by how the placenta looks, feels, and smells along with any other symptoms (or lack of symptoms) in both yourself and baby.
How can I avoid a uterine infection in labor that will make it so I cannot encapsulate?
Limiting the number of vaginal exams before and during labor is the easiest way to avoid infection in labor.
What if my medical care provider confirms I have Chorioamnionitis (Chorio)?
If your medical care provider confirms that you have a true infection during labor & delivery, such as Chorioamnionitis, also referred to as chorio, you will not be able to encapsulate. True infection is a contraindication for consuming your placenta. Signs of chorio may include: high fever (an intrapartum temperature >101ºF), significant maternal tachycardia (>120 beats per minute [bpm]), fetal tachycardia (>160-180 bpm), purulent or foul-smelling amniotic fluid or vaginal discharge, uterine tenderness. Your medical care provider will determine if infection is present and if the placenta may be released for encapsulation or not.
What if my placenta has calcification, or the doctor says it is "old"?
You can still safely encapsulate with a heavily calcified or "old" placenta. Calcification, in any amount, is a variation of normal and does not make the placenta unfit for encapsulation.
What is the ideal time frame for encapsulation?
When possible the encapsulation process should begin within 48-72 hours of the birth. The placenta should be refrigerated or stored in a cooler well packed with a lot of ice until preparation is started.
If it is not possible to start the process within the first few days following birth, the placenta should be frozen. Freezing the placenta DOES NOT change the process or reported benefits in any way. Placentas get frozen all the time for all sorts of different reasons, so please have no worries regarding this storage method. Placentas should not be frozen, thawed, and then refrozen.
What if I give birth earlier or later then my EDD?
I understand that birth is unpredictable and only use your EDD as a guess date placeholder on my client calendar. Whenever baby arrives please text me as planned and we will go from there to schedule pick up.
Where do you pick up?
In most cases I meet a spouse/partner, family member, or friend outside of the hospital (usually easiest to coordinate) for pick up. In some cases, depending on birthing location, timeline, &/or your home's location, I may pick up from your home. I serve clients all throughout Sacramento, CA and beyond. For clients outside of my immediate service area I do offer optional services options for pick up; please email me for details.
How soon after I text you will you pick up?
I work daily with clients and I always try to pick up sooner than later. I schedule pick ups according to my current client load and family obligations at the time of your birth. I usually am able to pick up the same day contacted or the day after, but in some cases it has to be the second day after being contacted. Once I receive your text that you have birthed I will work with you to schedule a pick up time & place that is convenient for everyone.
What if you are on vacation or it is a holiday?
If I am ever unavailable for more than a day or two I always email any clients currently on my calendar with EDDs that may be affected with special instructions. I usually take a summer and winter holiday vacation, and notify all clients upon booking of service options if their EDD falls within a few weeks of my unavailable dates.
I always take all the major holidays off to spend with my family. In addition I also always take off the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, & New Years Eve. If you birth on a holiday please still text me and we can go from there to schedule pick.
If I am ill when you contact me following your birth I will always let you know I am unavailable, but will schedule pick up as soon as possible; usually the next day or the day following.
I work extremely hard to keep my clients well informed of any changes in my availability.
How/when will I receive the finished capsules?
Finished capsules are mailed out via priority mail within 24-72 hours of pick up. You will receive a text from me upon your finished capsules mailing out to you. This serves both as an update and as a reminder to check your mailbox the following day. Weekends & holidays may add additional time to their delivery & I am not responsible for any postal delays. All packages mail out with delivery confirmation and insurance, so if you do not receive them the following day of mailing please text me and your package status can be looked up. Sometimes, though rare, postal delays can and do happen, but the packages always are delivered within a day or two. In thousands of finished packages none have ever been lost.
How long can a placenta be stored in the freezer before encapsulation?
Placentas that have been properly frozen (double-bagged and protected from freezer-burn) can be encapsulated up to six months after birth (even longer in some cases). Has your placenta been frozen for a year or more? No worries. I can evaluate your defrosted placenta to see if it is fit for encapsulation, however I do not guarantee results, only provide the service. I have encapsulated placentas frozen long term (over a year) and these clients still reported benefiting greatly from their placenta capsules, so please do not hesitate to contact me because you think it has been too long.
What if I am a vegetarian/vegan?
Not a problem and in fact many of my placenta encapsulation clients are vegetarian/vegan. I use only vegetarian capsules that do not contain animal gelatin.
Are herbs included in the finished capsules?
No. Your capsules are 100% your placenta. It is recommended that if a client needs herbal supplementation it is done separately so proper usage can be maintained.
What if I want a Lotus Birth?
A lotus birth is when the placenta is left attached to the baby until it detaches on its own, generally after several days. In lotus birth, it is common to salt or otherwise help the placenta dry out more quickly. While lotus birth is a beautiful ceremony honoring the connection between placenta and baby, it renders the placenta unsuitable for consumption if done in this traditional manner. However, you may still be able to have a lotus birth and encapsulate your placenta if you perform it using this trick from Gloria Lemay, though concerns regarding this method are cold transferring to baby and keeping placenta at food safe temperature.
LOTUS Birth with PLACENTOPHAGY: buy a new thermal lunch bag with a zipper closing around the top. Buy six freezer cold packs that will fit well into the thermal lunch bag. Have two packs in the freezer at all times. Soon after the placenta is birthed, create a little mini-fridge for it by putting one frozen pack on the bottom of the bag, then the placenta, then the second frozen pack and, then, do up the zipper with just the cord coming out of the corner of the zipped up bag. As soon as the cord separates (typically day 4 or 5), dehydrate and encapsulate the red, meaty parts from the maternal side of the placenta. You’ll know the placenta has been kept fresh by the smell i.e. it should smell like fresh meat.
You can also perform a modified lotus birth by keeping the placenta connected to the baby for up to three or four hours. This would give the baby a gentle transition to the world, and the placenta would still be fit for consumption after this amount of time without having to follow the above steps. Do not exceed four hours before separating the placenta and refrigerating it if you do not follow the above steps.
How do I know I will not receive someone else's placenta?
Impossible. I take great care to keep my placenta encapsulation service the safest available. Only one placenta is ever prepared at a time, allowing for the necessary time and effort to thoroughly sanitize all equipment and work space between clients, so there is never a chance of an accidental switch or any cross contamination of any kind. All of my materials used are either disposable or thoroughly sanitized and disinfected according to federal and state standards.
What type of supplies are used and how are they sanitized?
The supplies used during the placenta encapsulation process are all stainless steel, food grade plastic, or disposable. Disposable barriers are also utilized during the placenta preparation process to reduce contact with non-disposable tools as well. Everything is thoroughly washed with soap and hot water and then disinfected in bleach solution, an approved EPA disinfectant. Disinfectants, such as bleach, destroy or irreversibly inactivate all specified organisms within a certain time, usually 10+ minutes. I follow the same guidelines for cleanliness and sanitation that are used in food service establishments and small laboratories/hospitals. I prepare in a dedicated work space separate from my home kitchen/living environment, that I like to call my Placenta Workshop. I am the only Sacramento area placenta preparation arts specialist that works in a dedicated commercial grade space, separate from their home kitchen/family living space.
How many capsules will I receive?
Every placenta is different in both size and composition, but the average results in approximately 100+ capsules.
How should I take my placenta capsules?
You will receive a detailed suggested usage card along with your finished placenta capsules for you to keep and refer back to.
How long should I take my placenta capsules for?
I recommend that a client take their capsules for the first few weeks postpartum at least, but it is best to continue taking them until they are gone. Some clients do set a few aside for future transitions that they feel they would benefit from taking their capsules during, such as returning to work, future moves, travel away from baby, start of preschool/kindergarten, major illness, etc.
When should I not take my placenta capsules?
If you develop an infection such as mastitis, flu, or a common cold with fever it is recommended that you discontinue use until the illness/infection clears. Once symptoms subside you can start taking your placenta capsules again.
How should I store my placenta capsules?
After the encapsulation process is completed your placenta capsules will be placed in a sealed jar and are very shelf-stable. To help you to remember to take them, you may decide to store them with any supplements you may take, such as your prenatal vitamins. Keeping the jar in a dry, cool dark place, such as a medicine cabinet is fine. Placenta capsules do not need to be refrigerated or stored in the freezer to maintain freshness, though some clients prefer storing them in the freezer, especially for long term use. If this option is preferred, placenta capsules may be taken directly from the freezer. Please be sure they are stored in their tightly sealed container to not be exposed to excess humidity.
I have read online that there is a different process to encapsulate a placenta, called Raw Method Encapsulation. Do you offer this option also?
No. I personally specialize in the Traditional Method (based on Traditional Chinese Medicine/TCM), which has been used for centuries and offers more of a "slow and steady" building of energy for the postpartum period. I feel that this method better serves the client over the course of their entire postpartum period. It is believed in TCM theory that there is a depletion of qi following birth and that they give of their own life essence in bringing a child into the world, that they can become infected by cold and should be warmed both inside and out following giving birth. It is thought that there is a vacancy where baby lived for so many months and because cold stagnates, it is important to fill that “void” with warming energies. Placenta prepared following the Traditional Method is a warming energy and makes an even stronger argument for the Traditional Method over the more recent development of dehydrating placentas raw.
With the Raw Method a higher burst of energy initially after placenta capsules are taken is reported, which sometimes may lead to postpartum client overdoing it a bit, instead of using the time and energy to rest and heal. This "jittery" energy, from capsules prepared using the Raw Method, can even lead to clients "feeling off" or overwhelmed and can be intense enough for them to feel as though their capsules are of no reported during this precious time period.
Some additional compelling reasons why I practice the traditional method of placenta encapsulation are:
- Most placentas are born via the birth canal exposing it to bacteria, including maternal fecal matter. The steaming process helps to kill off this bacteria and can help protect against any potential illnesses from bacteria allowed to culture on the placenta before encapsulation. According to food safety standards, the dehydration process alone does not kill off bacteria that can culture prior to encapsulation.
- 5000 years of experience shows that the TCM method of preparations works to create a potent placenta medicine through some form of "cooking". Steaming of the placenta is believed to help balance the cold energy by infusing it with warmth. This warming energy (yang) is believed to be very healing during the postpartum period, balancing out the cold energy (yin) created by the empty space left behind in the uterus following birth. By infusing the placenta with the warm energy provided by heat the carefully steamed/prepared placenta is believed to help restore, nourish, and balance the body during the postpartum period.
- All other (pre-industrial) cultures with a tradition of placenta consumption use some form of cooking, curing, or tincturing, except when immediately used to curb bleeding during the birthing time.
- There are concerns that cooking may destroy the beneficial hormones, however research has shown it makes them more available to the mother. When discussing her research of TCM (Traditional) versus Raw placenta preparation Raeben Nolan shared, “Cooking makes a lot more nutrients available to the digestive tract that would otherwise pass through the system unabsorbed, and this is especially true for meat,” (Nolan, 2010).
- Taking a piece of raw placenta in the cheek to stop postpartum hemorrhage is different then using placenta medicinally long-term.
What do I need to know about my placenta tincture?
In addition to your placenta capsules you will also receive a placenta tincture. Your tincture is truly an added bonus! Placenta tinctures can be used in addition to and long after your capsules are gone, during times of trauma, transition, or emotional distress. Your placenta tincture is made by tincturing a small amount of the dried placenta in a high grade alcohol (vodka) & will be ready for use when baby is six weeks old. It is recommended to allow the placenta to steep for at least six weeks before use. Shaking it periodically will help it steep thoroughly. The tincture is very shelf-stable if kept sealed and in a cool dark place, such as a cabinet, and will last for many, many years. It does not need to be refrigerated or frozen. If you are interested in having enough placenta tincture to last your lifetime you may add 80 or 100 proof high grade alcohol (vodka) to the bottle as the tincture is used, never allowing it to get below 1/2 full, though this may eventually reduce the potency if done too many times. Tincture may be taken with a small glass of water or juice. Usage is included on the bottle label, but 7-10 drops is the recommended amount to take and it may be taken a few times a day if needed; for as long as desired. You can fill the dropper from the top, to only get steeped liquid. Though many practitioners may mention your tincture being able to be used for baby as well, it is important to acknowledge that children have a delicate balance of hormones, and your tincture may disrupt this balance. Unless under the care and advice of a licensed medical/naturopathic/homeopathic practitioner it is my recommendation that placenta remedies (including tinctures) should only be used by who they were made for.
Can placenta be used externally?
Yes. You can add your placenta powder or tincture to any gentle oil or lotion to use on eczema, cuts, scrapes, bug bites, etc. Placenta containing lotions should only be used on closed wounds that show no sign of infection, and should not be used on open wounds such as cesarean incisions. Making your own is as simple as opening capsules and mixing in with a small amount of coconut oil, fluffy shea butter, or other carrier oil such as almond, avocado, or apricot oil. Some prefer to use a few drops of tincture instead of powder (since it can be gritty) in the same fashion. For DIY placenta lotion & salve recipes click HERE
Why do you prefer texts &/or emails?
Just a little (placenta) mom humor. Texts are really the easiest way to reach me at anytime of day, no matter where I am, or what I am doing. They also make things so much easier for me to track and refer back to. Also, due to the areas I am in and my network coverage I do not always receive voicemails. However, please never hesitate to give me a ring. I am always happy to chat as long as you don't mind the background chaos :)
Any additional questions?
Please do not hesitate to contact me at anytime with your questions. Texting is the fastest way to reach me.
Any additional questions?
Please do not hesitate to contact me at anytime with your questions. Texting is the fastest way to reach me.