Many mothers report that placenta encapsulation can help regulate postpartum hormones, support breastmilk production, improve energy levels, and decrease the risk of postpartum depression and anxiety in the weeks and months after birth.
As a professional placenta encapsulator, I will pick up your placenta at your home or birth place, thoughtfully and carefully prepare it, and deliver your capsules to you within 3 days.
What is Placenta Encapsulation?
Also known as placentophagy, placenta encapsulation provides a convenient way to consume the placenta in the postpartum period and may improve the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of new mothers. I offer both the raw and steamed methods of preparation, which potentially offer different benefits. You can also order your placenta capsules half raw, half steamed if you'd like to try both! At your consultation, we can discuss which method may be better for you.
The general process of placenta encapsulation involves multiple steps: rinsing the placenta, steaming it (unless you choose the raw method), slicing in strips, thoroughly dehydrating it, grinding into powder, and placing the powder into easy-to-swallow capsules with a shelf life of 2+ years. I will also make you a placenta tincture in organic vodka, which will last indefinitely. Taken as directed, you will receive enough capsules to last approximately six weeks and can then supplement with the tincture as needed.
The placenta is a complex organ that is almost entirely developed in the first three months of pregnancy. It has multiple functions, including hormone production, the exchange of nutrients and oxygen to your growing baby, and filtration of waste products. After your baby is born, your uterus will expel the placenta, which initiates a hormonal cascade that signals your body to begin milk production.
Consumption of the placenta after birth is a traditional practice with many anecdotally reported benefits:
-Faster healing from the birth process -Reduced postpartum bleeding -Increased iron levels, which may reduce risk of anemia -Increased breastmilk production -Increased energy levels -Regulates hormones to reduce the risk of postpartum depression and mood disorders
When Will I Get My Placenta Capsules?
If I've attended your birth as your doula, I will take your placenta home with me in a cooler and begin preparing it for you right away. If I am not attending your birth, you will need to ensure that your placenta is properly cooled and stored until I arrive. Plan to bring a couple of gallon ziploc bags, an ice pack, and a quality cooler for storage to your hospital or birth center. After you notify me of your baby's birth, I will come to your birthplace or home to collect your placenta as soon as possible -- typically the same day or the next day, depending on when your baby is born and your location.
I will prepare and encapsulate your placenta in my home with the highest standards of care and sanitation. In most cases, I will be able to deliver your finished placenta capsules and tincture to you within 2-3 days, sometimes sooner.
Are there Contraindications to Placenta Encapsulation?
The vast majority of mothers can consume their placenta safely, but some situations where the placenta should not be consumed include:
-Placenta has gone to pathology for testing - if your provider wants to test your placenta, ask them to take only a small piece -Placenta has not been kept cool or properly stored -You developed an infection during birth, such as chorioamnionitis -Active infection of Lyme disease or other tick-borne illness during this pregnancy -You carry Hepatitis A, B, or C, or are HIV/AIDS positive -Heavy toxin exposure during pregnancy -Drug use or smoking during pregnancy
If you are Group B Strep (GBS) positive, your baby passed meconium in utero, or you are an Rh- mother carrying an Rh+ baby, you CAN consume your placenta and I would be happy to talk further with you! We can discuss these and other situations in further detail during our consultation.
Are there Negative Side Effects to Placenta Encapsulation?
Although the vast majority of mothers report positive effects from consuming their placenta, not everyone will experience all of the benefits. It's important to work with a trained professional who understands how to properly handle the placenta because many reported negative side effects are the result of cross-contamination, spoilage, or improper handling. As a professional placenta encapsulator, I hold a current Food Handlers certificate and have successfully completed OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen training to promote the highest standards for handling your placenta. Clients are welcome to reach out to me any time with questions or concerns while they are taking their placenta capsules.
How Much Does it Cost to Have my Placenta Encapsulated?
As a standalone service, placenta encapsulation is valued at $250 for families within 60 miles of Mora, MN. I am sometimes able to travel farther with an added mileage charge -- please click the "contact me" button below and reach out!
If I attend your birth as your doula, placenta encapsulation is valued at $200 as an add-on service with no mileage limit.
How Can I Move Forward? Contact me to schedule a free consultation! I would love to more fully discuss the process of placenta encapsulation and what to expect, review any potential contraindications, answer your questions, and help you prepare to have your placenta released from the hospital, if applicable.
Disclaimer: Placenta encapsulation is not the right choice for everyone. This page is intended to be for informational use only and makes no claims. Consumption of your placenta in any form is not intended to prevent, diagnose, treat, relieve, or cure any conditions.