Placenta Encapsulation
“WHAT is this!? – Placenta Encapsulation is the process of steaming, drying, processing and placing into capsules the baby’s placenta for the mother to take during her postpartum period. I am a placenta encapsulation specialist trained through Placenta Benefits (www.placentabenefits.com). I typically use the TCM (Traditional Chinese Method) of processing that ensures proper processing and preservation of the beneficial properties of the placenta.
“WHY would I want to do this?!” – Encapsulating your baby’s placenta has tremendous benefits for the mother and baby after birth.
Such as:
*Significant decrease in postpartum depression or the “baby blues”
*Increase in production of breast milk
*Can aid with afterbirth discomfort
*Replaces lost hormones and nutrients such as iron
*Increase in energy
*Greatly aids in cesarean and vaginal birth recovery
“HOW does one go about having their placenta encapsulated?” – A mother should discuss this with her midwife/doctor of her wishes. So after the mother gives birth to her baby and the placenta, the placenta is placed in a receptacle and placed on ice or refrigerated. The placenta encapsulation specialist is called as soon as possible after the birth (not in the middle of the night preferably, just the next day period) and I will meet you at your house to begin the process or schedule when I can come.
Whether you birth at home, birth center, or hospital, vaginal or cesarean section;Â you can have your placenta encapsulated. We can discuss further how to properly receive, transport, and care for the placenta for the encapsulation process. You will likely be given a release form/waiver for use in a hospital.
According to Texas State laws, the process of placenta preparation and/or encapsulation must be done in the client’s home, unless express permission is given otherwise. This ensures that the client’s placenta is indeed her’s and that the process is done following OSHA, FDA, and food safety and handling procedures. Though if the client is opposed to having this done in her home and feels comfortable with not being present for the processing outside of her home by the specialist per her discretion; the processing can be done in the specialist’s home and deliver the capsules, etc. when finished.
Traditional Chinese Method of Encapsulation
This is a 2 day process. The first stage of steaming and drying of the placenta is done the first day. The second stage of processing and encapsulating is done the second day. Each visit will take 1 – 2 hours.
I use gelatin capsules (vegetarian capsules are an option too) and add a small amount of organic red raspberry leaf to the placenta for added benefit of aiding the involution of the uterus. An average size placenta will yield around 100-150 capsules.
Raw Prep Encapsulation
Some nutrients are lost in the steaming process. For those that would prefer to maintain as many nutrients in the placenta as possible, you might choose this option. Think of of eating a raw carrot as opposed to a steamed one, and the nutritional benefits as such. In this method the placenta is cleaned and then dried without steaming. It is then encapsulated the same as the Traditional Chinese Method above.
Some moms prefer this method as they feel it gave them a bigger boost overall. Though for those with sensitive constitutions, this might be too strong for you. If you trend toward a more nervous disposition, are sensitive to medications/herbs/supplements or experience anxiety due to hormones; I would recommend the Traditional Chinese Method instead.
This is a 2 day process. Each visit will take 1 – 2 hours.
Raw Placenta Smoothie Cubes
In this option, the placenta is cleaned, cut into cubes and then frozen for use in smoothies. You will add 1 cube to a smoothie each day. The placenta in the smoothies cannot be detected.
This method is often preferred by moms who want an immediate boost in their postpartum healing or have experienced a postpartum hemorrhage.
This is a 2 day process. The first visit 1-2 hours, the second is a short visit to package the frozen placenta cubes for use and give instruction.
You have the option to choose part cubes/part encapsulation or all cubes.
Placenta TinctureÂ
A piece of your placenta is tinctured in organic vodka for 6 weeks. This can be used in times of stress, hormonal flux such as menopause, or when you need a boost in energy.
Placenta Homeopathy
A remedy is made from the placenta tincture that can be used throughout your child’s life that can be very beneficial during times of physical or emotional stress such as illness by supporting the immune system.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You will be given detailed instructions about when to take the placenta product of your choosing and how to care for them. You will also be given a special keepsake of your baby’s umbilical cord dried in the shape of a heart/wreath placed in a cloth bag.
I have all of the items needed for the encapsulation process. The only thing needed is your kitchen (sink, stove top, counter space, and trash can.) Unless otherwise arranged as mentioned above.
In order to get registered for the placenta encapsulation service, please contact me in advance (During pregnancy/before the birth.) I can send you the appropriate forms.
You may pay by cash or check, though credit card will be on option soon. Full payment is due at the beginning of the encapsulation process. Payment plans and other arrangements are available, please inquire.
If you would like more information about the benefits of the placenta to mom postpartum you can visit http://placentabenefits.info/articles/#health for articles and research on the benefits.
To register or if you have any questions at all please contact me.
**It is Texas Law now that if you birth in a hospital and you want your placenta, they have to release your placenta!
http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/06/28/414836758/texas-defends-a-womans-right-to-take-her-placenta-home
Texas Placenta Law:Â http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlodocs/84R/billtext/html/HB01670I.htm
Disclaimer:
The information on this page has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The services I offer are not clinical,pharmaceutical,or intended to diagnose or treat any condition. Families who choose to utilize the services on this page take full responsibility for researching and using the remedies.