The Magical Placenta

Offerings:

⦁ Steamed akin to the Traditional Chinese Method (TCM) - The steamed method helps more with the emotional energy, though it still has a positive impact on physical energy as well. It is safe to use for frozen placentas. $395

⦁ Raw - This method requires that the placenta be very fresh (within 48 hrs of birth), but this method maintains the protein and enzymes that naturally occur. Raw is the inverse of steamed; it helps more with the physical energy, though it still has a positive impact on the emotional energy as well. This method yields slightly more capsules. $395

⦁ Tincture - While capsules are good for up to 2 years when stored properly, a tincture can be used indefinitely. A tincture can be used later when mother's menses return, when her daughter begins her cycle, and during other times of stress (illness, teething). It requires a 6 week period for steeping so when it is returned to you it will not be ready for use.  $65 for 4oz when added on to encapsulation services, $175 if stand-alone service. 

FAQ:

How many capsules will I get from my placenta?

The total yield of capsules often depends on the size of the size of the placenta - typically somewhere between 60 to 240 capsules. Most women will receive enough capsules to last between 4 – 8 weeks postpartum.

How long do the capsules last?

Placenta capsules have a 2 years shelf life if stored properly (away from sunlight, in a cool dry location).

After the initial postnatal period, any leftover capsules can be transferred to a ziplock bag, and stored in the freezer to use as needed.

How do I take the capsules?

The standard dosage is up to 2 capsules, up to 3 times a day for the first 2 weeks (best taken with food).

Some TCM practitioners suggest taking the pills with a little white wine, saying that it helps diffuse the placenta energy throughout the body. After 2 weeks you can start to decrease the dosage down to 1 or 2 pills a day as needed.

Every-body and their postpartum period is different, so I find  it’s best to judge what dose suits you better according to how you feel and how you respond to the capsules.

What sanitation precautions are taken?

Safety and hygiene are paramount with any kind of placenta preparation. The method I use consists of rigorous sanitation standards.

I have dedicated supplies and equipment. They are all stainless steel, food grade plastic and some of them disposable, so it is discarded after one use.

All equipment are washed in very hot water with hospital-grade antibacterial soap, then sanitized in a bleach solution.

As part of my initial training, I also completed the Bloodborne Pathogens Training for Doulas and Placenta Encapsulators with Biologix Solutions, as well as the NYDOH Food Protection Course.

Is my placenta safe for encapsulation…

… if drugs were used such as an epidural in labor and/or if I had a C-Section?

Yes. The placenta is able to filter out medication quickly. There will be some epidural medication passed to the baby and a small residual amount left in the placental blood.

I have encapsulated placentas from people who have had epidurals, spinals, c-sections and inductions.

... from a waterbirth?

Yes. Although sometimes, depending on the condition of the water the Raw Method may not be suitable and it’s recommended for the placenta to be steamed to make sure all bacteria are eliminated.

… from a lotus birth?

Yes, this is possible as long as the placenta is taken care of properly and diligently during the

lotus birth.

… if it is stained with meconium?

Yes. Meconium is dangerous for the baby to inhale, but is otherwise harmless. Your placenta is thoroughly washed and the membranes removed before the encapsulation process begins. The high heat of steaming and/or dehydrating eliminated any remaining bacteria.

… if I tested positive for Group B Strep?

Yes. Group B streptococcus (GBS) is a normal bacteria that can be found in a pregnant persons vagina or rectum. Your placenta can still  be encapsulated as the high heat of steaming and/or dehydration will eliminate any remaining bacteria.

... if it was sent to pathology for testing?

When the placenta is sent to pathology there are always risks associated. There is a chance that the placenta has been contaminated with chemicals, that the equipment used for examination has not been properly sterilized and even the placenta that was returned does not belong to you.

If your placenta needs to be taken to pathology for any reason, you can ask your care provider to take a little piece of it to examine while the rest is properly stored for encapsulation. If the results come back negative then you can still go ahead with your choices.

... and also do cord blood banking?

Yes. You will need to voice your wishes to keep the placenta for encapsulation to the company you are using, and therefore to have it handled as a food product at the time of cord blood collection.

… if it has calcifications?

Yes. Small areas of calcification within the placenta often disintegrate during the drying process. Larger deposits are removed prior to the process. They offer no benefit to the new parent, and also cause no harm.

… if I developed pre-eclampsia in pregnancy or during labor?

Yes. The development of preeclampsia does not exclude using it for encapsulation.

… if I have placenta previa?

Yes. This has no effect on the ability to encapsulate the placenta.

… if I have gestational diabetes?

Yes. Whether diet-controlled or insulin-controlled, this does not affect the ability to encapsulate the placenta.

… if it has been frozen?

If your placenta was handled and stored properly soon after birth and also properly frozen, ideally within 24 hours from the birth and up to 4 days of properly storage in the refrigerator, then it is safe to encapsulate for up to six months after the birth.

The  process of encapsulation will be longer, as the placenta will need to be completely thaw in the refrigerator first.

If the placenta has been frozen more than once then it will not be possible to encapsulate.

… if my baby was premature or of low birth weight?

Depending on the level of prematurity, the placenta may still be used. Smaller babies typically have smaller placentas, so the amount of capsules will be less than that of an average full term baby.

… if I have twins or triplets?

Yes, although there will be an additional fee, as the process will take more time and more supplies. Please contact me for details.

When it is NOT possible to encapsulate a placenta?

• Chemically contaminated placentas in pathology, either sanitizing or preserving.

• Placentas that have sat out longer than 3-4 hours at room temperature post birth.

• Placentas that have sat in the refrigerator for more than 4 days without being frozen.

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

• Heavy drug usage.

• Heavy smoking during pregnancy.

• Cancer of the placenta, which is called choriocarcinoma.

Is anything else put in the capsules with the dried placenta?

No. There are no binders, fillers or preservatives added into the capsules. The content is 100% your placenta.

Can I request the cord is also dried as a keepsake?

Yes. The ability to dry the cord into a keepsake shape will depend of the length that has been left uncut. You can always request your caregiver cuts the cord ‘long’; meaning leaving as much length to the placenta end of the cord as possible.

Is there any time that I shouldn’t take the capsules?

According to the TCM principles of using placenta, it is recommended that the capsules are not taken if the birthing person is experiencing symptoms of an infection, fever, cold/flu, including mastitis. This is due to the energetics of the placenta being ‘warming and ascending’. It is viewed that adding this energy onto an already ‘warm’ condition is thought to worsen the symptoms and delay the rebalancing of homeostasis.