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Benefits of Placenta Encapsulation

The placenta can continue to nourish mom and baby through times of transition throughout the entire lifespan.  There is no other medicine created by your body, made specifically for you or your child.  Ingesting one's placenta comes with many benefits.  The benefits of placentophagy are supported by ongoing research but have not been evaluated by the FDA.

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Benefits include and are not limited to:

  • Hormonal support.

    • The hormones the placenta has are:​

      • Estrogen and Progesterone:  These hormones, found in the placenta, can help stabilize postpartum mood, regulate uterine contractions, and reduce postpartum depression. 

      • Oxytocin:  This hormone, also present in the placenta, is known for its role in bonding with the baby, reducing pain, and potentially helping the uterus return to its normal size. 

      • Human Placental Lactogen:  This hormone, found in the placenta, is believed to play a role in milk production and preparation of the mammary glands for breastfeeding. 

      • CRH (Corticotropin Releasing Hormone):  Low levels of CRH are implicated in postpartum depression, and the placenta is a source of this hormone. 

      • Prolactin:  This hormone, also found in the placenta, promotes lactation and increases milk supply. 

      • Other Hormones:  The placenta also contains other hormones like thyroid-stimulating hormone, cortisol, and prostaglandins, which may play a role in energy regulation, stress response, and uterine contraction. 

  • Promotes smooth transition through the postpartum recovery period.

  • Less postpartum bleeding.

  • Fewer after pains.

  • Increased energy.

  • Increased milk production.

  • Decrease in postpartum depression and "baby blues".

  • Increase in iron.

  • Helps regulate sleep.

  • Decreased healing time.

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A study was done by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.  Its called: "Steamed, Dehydrated or Raw: Placentas May Help Moms’ Post-Partum Health UNLV anthropology survey examines why women consume their placentas after childbirth."

https://www.unlv.edu/news/article/steamed-dehydrated-or-raw-placentas-may-help-moms-post-partum-health

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I encapsulate my placenta if I deliver in the hospital or birth center? 

  • Yes, you can.  You are protected under the Texas law (HB 1670, Sec.172.002).  Governor Greg Abbott signed it into law on June 17, 2015.  Most of the hospitals and birth centers that I have picked up from have been wonderful about allowing moms to take home their placenta's.                                     

      Here is the link for the bill: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/HS/htm/HS.172.htm

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What if I am Group B Streptococcus (GBS) positive, will I still be able to encapsulate my placenta?​

  • Yes, you are still able to encapsulate your placenta.  Please let me know if you tested positive for GBS.  GBS is a common bacteria in the vaginal flora.  It does not disqualify you from being able to have our placenta encapsulated.  When you test positive for GBS the placenta will be washed in vinegar before beginning the dehydration process.  By rinsing the placenta in vinegar it will help sanitize the outer part of the placenta and minimize bacteria and yeast before it is steamed.  We recommend that you use the TCM Method when this occurs.   

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Can I encapsulate if the baby has meconium?

  • Yes, you are still able to encapsulate your placenta.  Please let me know at the time of pick up of the placenta or in a text after the placenta is secured.  Meconium is sterile.  It is made of amniotic fluid, bile, and cells, rather than fecal matter.  The placenta will be washed in vinegar before beginning the dehydration process.  By rinsing the placenta in vinegar it will help sanitize the outer part of the placenta and minimize bacteria before it is steamed.  We recommend that you use the TCM Method.  

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What if I am running fever during labor?

  • This is going to depend on the reason for the fever.  The best way to know if your placenta is safe for consumption is pathology.  They can cut a small piece of the placenta and have it tested.  If the placenta is infected you will not be able to encapsulate.  This is the only reason we are ever unable to encapsulate a placenta.

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What if I delivered or I am about to deliver but haven't secured services with you?

  • We are happy to encapsulate anyone who is in being induced, in labor, having a c-section or already delivered.  You may have a slight delay depending on mom's who are already on our books and have delivered.  But we will do everything we can to help get your placenta encapsulated.  Please call me if it's in the middle of the night so we can get your encapsulation set up.  If you have already delivered please put your placenta in the refrigerator if it's within the first 72 hours.  If it is after that point please put it in the deep freezer.   

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How do I let you know I am in labor or delivered in the middle of the night?

  • We are a 24/7, 365 day a year service.  I ask that if it is in the middle of the night that you call me and let me know you are in labor, delivered, going back for a c-section, etc.  You are welcome to text me and if I don't respond right away then please call me.    

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How do I store my placenta for pickup from the hospital, birth center, or home?

  • Bring a styrofoam or otherwise disposable cooler (they have the perfect sized cooler at Dollar Tree for $1.25) and 2 ziplock baggies (one gallon sized) with you to the hospital or birth center.  The placenta will be placed in the baggies (if the hospital doesn't provide a container), then into the cooler, and covered in ice. The hospital has ice machines on all L&D floors for you.  We do ask that you not use a hard sided cooler.  We are unable to return them if you do.  If you are getting your placenta hand delivered back to you then it will be fine to use one. 

 

What do I do if I'm unsure if I want to encapsulate my placenta but take my placenta home?

  • You can have your support person take the placenta home.  You will have a window of 72 hours to decide.  If you are still not sure then put the placenta in 2 ziplock baggies and store it in the deep freezer.  It will be good for up to 1 year.

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Do I let the hospital hold my placenta until the encapsulation specialist picks it up?

  • It is best that your support person or a family member hold onto the placenta and make sure it stays in their possession at all times.  If for any reason the hospital is giving you a hard time please contact me immediately.

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How long will it take for my placenta to be picked up?

  • This depends on the distance away from the hospital.  It shouldn't take more than 1 1/2 hours to get it picked up.  Some of the hospitals give a time limit on how long the placenta can be in the building.  If for any reason they give you a hard time please call me immediately.  I always let you know who is coming to pick up the placenta and the eta (estimated time of arrival).

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What is the process for encapsulating my placenta?

  • This will depend on the way you want your placenta prepared.  You can use TCM (Traditional Chinese Method).  TCM balances the Yin and Yang, and provides warmth and energy for the postpartum mother.  TCM focuses on balancing the body's energies with herbs and water while being steamed.  TCM helps nourish the blood, restore vital energy, and provides a gentle transition for postpartum hormones.  The herbs used are: lemon which has an antiseptic property and helps the placenta move through the body, ginger and jalapeno are warming agents that help energize you.  This is the most common one used by mom's getting their placentas encapsulated. 

  • You can use simple preparation (raw) which means there will be no steaming or liquid used before dehydrating the placenta.  The placenta is rinsed with water for cleaning before being cut into pieces and placed into the dehydrator.  Simple preparation is used to preserve the highest possible concentration of hormones, enzymes, and nutrients. Proponents believe this provides a stronger energy boost and yields more capsules because the tissue does not shrink from the steaming process.  

  • If you are getting any of the extras those are prepared according to what they are. 

    • The tincture is prepared by pouring gluten-free vodka, a small piece of the raw placenta into the 4 oz. bottle. 

    • The salve is a combination of organic oils, herbs, and placenta powder from the amniotic membrane and placenta, infused to create an incredibly soothing skin balm and put in a 2 oz. tin.

    • The whipped body cream is a combination of organic butters, organic oils, and placenta powder from the amniotic membrane and placenta, infused to create a silky smooth butter and put into an 8 oz. or 16 oz. airtight glass canister.  

    • The placenta prints are done before anything is done to the placenta so it is able to showcase the, "tree of life".    

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What is the difference between TCM (Traditional Chinese Method) and Simple Preparation (Raw)?

  • The difference between the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Simple Preparation (Raw) method of placenta encapsulation lies primarily in the initial preparation.  With the TCM method you steam the placenta with warming herbs (jalapeno, ginger, and lemon) before dehydration, while Simple Preparation doesn't steam the prior to dehydrating the raw placenta.

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  • The difference between Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Simple Preparation (Raw) is:

 

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Method: 

  • TCM suggest that after a woman gives birth it leaves the body depleted or in a cold state.  The steaming is believed to add warmth and energy, promoting healing and balancing the mother's mother's Yin and Yang. 

  • The benefits of TCM:  By steaming it manages the hormones naturally found in the placenta  It provides a gentler introduction of hormones into the mother's body.  

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Simple Preparation (Raw) Method:

  • By not steaming the placenta prior to dehydrating it helps preserve the highest possible concentration of hormones, enzymes, and nutrients.  This method is said to retain higher levels of vitamins, enzymes, and active hormones. 

  • The benefits of Simple Prep:  Proponents believe this provides a stronger energy boost. 

  • It is not recommended for clients with meconium from baby, bacterial infections, or positive for GBS.

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How long does it take to get my placenta?

  • This can take anywhere from 48 to 72 hours to get it prepared and mailed out.  If this is during the weekend or holiday shipping may take a little longer. 

  • Nationwide shipping will differ depending on when the placenta is shipped to me.  For example:  If I receive the placenta on a Thursday and it is thawed, I would start the process that day and the finished product should be mailed that Friday.   

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How many capsules will I get?

  • Typically the placenta will yield around 70 to 200.  It will depend on the size of the placenta and the preparation of the placenta.  Multiples will yield more.  Average is around 100 capsules per placenta.

 

How do I take my capsules and what do I do with any leftover capsules?

  • I will send you a text with the directions on how to take the capsules.  If you got a tincture or salve I will include that as well.

  • Once you are finished taking the capsules regularly you can take the desiccants packet and place it in a ziplock bag with the left over capsules and put them in the freezer.  I would even suggest placing them in a deep freezer if you have one.  You don't want them to be subjected to temperature change because that can cause moisture.     

 

What do I do if I am outside of the service area for pickup?

  • We are happy to work out a way to get the placenta to us so we can start the encapsulation.  If you are not in the service area but would like to get your placenta encapsulated please do not hesitate to reach out to me.  If it is within 130 mile radius we can set up a way to meet half way.  Anything beyond that would need to go through our Nationwide Shipping.  I am gladly willing to look at different ideas so a mother is able to benefit from her placenta being encapsulated.      

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