More and more parents are choosing to have their placenta encapsulated after birth but there are still many who have never heard of placenta encapsulation or wonder why anyone would do this. Here are answers to some of your questions:
What is Placenta Encapsulation?
It is the process of drying out the placenta so that it can be ground up and put in to empty gel capsules. You can choose to have the placenta steamed before it is dehydrated or you can just have it dehydrated raw. Both preparation methods have their positives and negatives.
Why would I want to have my placenta encapsulated?
There are many reasons to consume your placenta. Many parents report that consuming their placenta helped them have more energy, better milk supply, less mood swings and less postpartum bleeding. Placentas also have lots of minerals and hormones that can be beneficial such as 24% of your daily iron. The APPA says ” When researchers looked for 17 specific hormones in processed placenta, they discovered estradiol, progesterone and allopregnanolone were found in high enough levels to reach physiological effect thresholds at normal (3,300 mg) dosages. Incidentally, aAllopregnanolone is the active ingredient in the recently approved Brexanalone, a promising pharmaceutical treatment of postpartum mood disorders.” While you can certainly cook your placenta or eat it raw, most parents prefer to have it encapsulated for ease of consumption.
Is consuming your placenta safe?
When properly handled by a trained professional, consuming encapsulated placenta is very safe. The only side effect reported from a small percent of parents after consuming encapsulated placenta was a headache. The Association for Placenta Preparation Arts has a longer more detailed article about it HERE. There are a few medical diagnosis where placenta encapsulation is not recommend.
- Chorioamnionitis (infection of the membranes)
- Maternal infection during or immediately following labor and delivery.
- Neonatal infection within the first 48 hours postpartum
- Placenta not placed on ice within 2 hours of delivery
- Placenta refrigerated longer than 48 hours before being frozen.
- Placenta not kept under 40° F for the entire storage
- Active infections that may be reacquired
- Lyme Disease
- Clostridium Difficile, commonly referred to as C. Diff
How can I have my placenta encapsulated?
Make sure to talk to your provider about being able to bring home your placenta and fill out whatever paperwork they need you to. Then contact a placenta preparation specialist in your area. They will either come pick up the placenta from your place of birth and deliver the pills a few days later, or they will come to your home and process the placenta there.
How much does placenta encapsulation cost?
This of course depends on your area. It can be anywhere from $200-$500 usually. Make sure you are choosing someone who is trained how to process placentas safely. There are no state rules about placenta encapsulation, so it is up to each business to obtain training. Not all trainings are equal so be sure to ask the person you are having do the encapsulation about their training.
If you are in the South Puget Sound area and are interested in having your placenta encapsulated, check out Wintertide Birth Services. I am a certified placenta encapsulation specialist through the Association for Placenta Preparation Arts and have up to date blood born pathogens training.
Leave a Reply