Placenta FAQ

Why use a Certified Placenta Encapsulation Specialists?

Follow strict OSHA guidelines
Trained in Food Safety Handling
Trained in Blood Borne Pathogens (yearly)
Certified in the steamed and dehydrated method of placenta encapsulation
Experienced professional
Answer your questions

If I have a medicated birth or caesarean section can I still use my placenta for encapsulation and/or other placenta remedies?

Yes, you can still use your placenta if you have a caesarean birth as long as your placenta has not been sent to pathology. If you are on any other type of medication during your pregnancy I ask you to seek advice from your consultant before deciding on placenta encapsulation.

What if I am Strep-B positive or have a uterine or placental infection and need antibiotics, will I still be able to use my placenta?

Strep-B, GBS infection is not cause to throw away your placenta. You can still encapsulate. If you have tested positive or are suspected of having a uterine or placental infection, I advise you to not consume your placenta.

What if I give birth prematurely?

Premature births are often associated with problems in pregnancy. As long as your placenta is examined and cleared from any type of abnormality after birth your placenta is suitable for consumption.

How many capsules will my placenta provide?

Normal size placentas usually provide 80-120 capsules. Sometimes placentas are small and provide 60+ and sometimes they are large and provide over 140. The most capsules from a single placenta, I have seen, is 185.

I want to donate my baby’s cord blood. Will I still be able to have my placenta made into capsules?

Yes, you can do both. We advise parents to ensure their midwife or doctor knows you are planning on both consuming your placenta and banking cord blood. The placenta should be put into a separate container from the umbilical cord.

Are there any circumstances when it would not be possible to use the placenta for encapsulation?

Yes, if your placenta has been sent to pathology in hospital for any reason we do not recommend you consume your placenta because it may have been contaminated while in the pathology department.

If you have HIV or Hep A, B or C, you cannot encapsulate your placenta, for the safety of you and others.

I also do not recommend using your placenta for encapsulation if your placenta has not been stored properly after birth. It needs to be refrigerated after birth.

How do I store my placenta safely after birth?

Your placenta should be put into a clean and sterile container (bin or two gallon ziplock bags) and stored in a refrigerator or in a hard sided cooler with fresh ice (ice needs to be replaced when starting to melt, otherwise temperatures can rise). Some hospitals provide the container and have a fridge to store the placenta until pickup. Some hospitals do not provide a container or have a fridge. Make sure you check with the hospital you will use to see what their procedures are surrounding placenta release.

I’ve heard the placenta is full of waste and may contain toxins, is this true?

Your placenta acts as a life supply for your baby during pregnancy and if it were full of toxins this would make a very dangerous organ for your baby to be fed from, therefore it is not possible for the placenta to be ‘full of waste’. The placenta acted as a gateway for nutrient supply to your baby and waste from your baby to be passed back to your body to be filtered through your organs. There are small amounts of heavy metals in the placenta however it is scientifically proven that these levels are no grater than normal levels of heavy metals found in the body and in mothers colostrum and breast milk. Source 1 Source 2

Can I still get my placenta encapsulated if there is meconium present in my water?

Yes. Meconium is sterile, it does not contain fecal bacteria that normal stool does. Meconium is dangerous for the infant to inhale, but is otherwise harmless. Additionally, your placenta is thoroughly washed before encapsulation preparation.

Where do I store my placenta pills?

In a cabinet or freezer.

If I have twins, can I get both placentas encapsulated?

Yes! I am happy to encapsulate both. I only ask for $5 extra for the second placenta - just to cover the cost of the pills. It also adds about 1 hour to each day.