Photo by Andrea Stone

Does it produce any smell?

In the Traditional Chinese Medicine method, the placenta is steamed before dehydration. The steaming process does produce an odor, however, the placenta is being steamed with herbs that overpower that smell. Additionally, I always turn on the stovetop fan to help the steam dissapate. None of my clients have ever complained of a smell or lingering odor. The smell that it produces is similar to steak or liver. Please let me know prior to encapsulation if this is a concern for you and we can discuss the ways to make you the most comfortable.

Do you have to perform the encapsulation at my house?

In order to stay in good keeping with federal health and safety guidelines, I must perform the encapsulation in your home. I am happy to be as flexible as you need me to be, with regards to your schedule. I make it my aim to be as unobtrusive as possible and always leave your kitchen cleaner then I found it.

I am a vegetarian/vegan; can I still ingest my placenta?

I have had many vegetarian/vegan clients who have ingested their placentas and felt that it didn't conflict with their dietary lifestyle. If you have concerns about this, feel free to be in touch and I can ask a former client to talk with you to help answer any questions you might have.

 

 

Whether you are having a home birth or hospital birth, you can have your placenta encapsulated.

How do I get my placenta home from the hospital?

You will need to inform your OB or your midwife team that you are interesting in keeping your placenta. Its also a good idea to put this in your birth plan. Ask your birth partner or doula to help advocate for you if you feel that you won’t be able. Several hospitals in the area require a waiting period of 7 days before they release your placenta to you. Don’t be discouraged! You can still encapsulate. You will want to ask them to freeze it and request that it NOT be sent to pathology. I cannot go and get the placenta for you. If the hospital allows you to take it home with you after you are discharged, they will either refridgerate it for you until you leave, or provide you with ice to keep it cold in your room. Once you return home, place the placenta in the refridgerator.

How many pills will my placenta make?

Typically, you could expect anywhere from 100-150 pills from your placenta. Plenty for the first weeks of your postpartum healing, plus some to save, if you choose, for when your menses return or other life transitions.

How long does this process take?

The encapsulation process takes two days. The first day prepares it to go into the dehydrator, where it stays for 10-16 hours (depending on if you do the raw or the TCM method). The second day I return to prepare your placenta to go into capsules. This process is done entirely in your home. I bring all of my own supplies and materials and completely clean and santize them before and after use. I will need access to your sink and your stove.