Placenta Encapsulation FAQs

What is your training?

I have been encapsulating since 2003 and I am self-taught. As professional trainings and associations have emerged over the last decade, I have read much and refined my methods. Because I am a midwife I have a thorough understanding of blood-borne pathogens, OSHA guidelines and universal precautions to protect both myself and my clients. 

Though it is my opinion that specific certification in the art and science of placenta preparation is not necessary, it IS necessary to have knowledge of relevant placental anatomy and physiology, infection control, blood-borne pathogens, universal precautions, proper dehydration technique, and postpartum physiology. Many encapsulators in our area have a healthcare background or have received specific training. Always ask your encapsulator about her training and experience! 

I have encapsulated over 200 placentas. 

Do you have dedicated space or dedicated equipment?

I do not have a dedicated space solely for placenta prep; however I follow all relevant SC "cottage" food preparation laws so that placenta preparation occurs completely separate from other kitchen activities, & away from pets and children, to avoid cross-contamination. 

I DO have dedicated equipment including: knife and cutting board, separate vitamix dry container, dehydrator, encapsulation device and preparation tray. 

All equipment and surfaces are thoroughly disinfected and sanitized before and after usage. 

How will I know my placenta is mine and not someone else's?

Your placenta is labeled from the moment I receive it, labeled on the dehydrator, labeled in its jar as bulk powder and again after encapsulation. In addition, keepsake cords are labeled immediately once they go into their containers.

How should I store my placenta once it is born?

Your placenta will be fine at room temperature for a few hours. It should be placed on ice in a cooler or refrigerated as soon as possible.  If it will be more than 48 hours until pickup, please lay as flat as possible and freeze it.

Can I have my placenta processed after it has been frozen?
As a general rule, a placenta that is less than 6 months old in a standard freezer should be fine if it has been properly stored and does not have signs of freezer-burn. 

Do you add herbs?  What is your method of preparation?

Though I am an herbalist, I do not add any herbs during the process. Some encapsulators steam the placenta with lemon and spicy peppers prior to dehydration, and they call this the "Traditional Chinese Method" though it was actually invented by a California midwife and acupuncturist named Raven Lang. 

Adding powdered herbs to the capsules is also not wise. If you have an adverse reaction, it would be hard to know if you were reacting to the placenta or the herbs. If you are taking herbs postpartum, it's best to have these as separate teas/tinctures/syrups etc.

I employ the "raw" preparation method because it better preserves the nutrients and hormones. Raw is somewhat of a misnomer, however.  Dehydrating with proper heat in a controlled setting must be performed to ensure pathogens are destroyed, and this does heat the placenta above standard raw food guidelines.

How long until my capsules are ready?

I guarantee a week turnaround from pick-up to delivery, because I am a busy midwife and mother. If there is a great need, I can usually prepare in about 2-3 days.

Can I have my placenta encapsulated if I am GBS positive; received pitocin, antibiotics, or epidural anesthesia; there is meconium staining; or if I had a cesarean birth?   
Yes!  None of these are contraindications for encapsulation. 

Are there any reasons why I should not encapsulate my placenta?

Yes; if you had chorioamnionitis, HIV, Hepatitis or another infection at the time of birth, encapsulation is not recommended.  If your placenta was sent to pathology or not refrigerated properly following birth, it is also not guaranteed to be free of contaminants or pathogens and must not be consumed. 

What potential adverse effects could I notice?
Side effects are rare, but some women have reported that their "happy pills" made them feel anxious or sad.  In addition, you may notice headaches or gastrointestinal upset.

About how many capsules should I expect to receive?

I typically use size "O" vegetable capsules. On average you can expect around 130-160 capsules, though a larger placenta can yield up to 180-200.  Placentas grow in proportion to the baby, so big babies have big placentas and little babies have little placentas. 

How should I store my capsules?

Your capsules should be stored somewhere cool, dry and out of direct light. Room temperature is just fine for the first 6 months.  Capsules should not be stored in the refrigerator, as the moist environment could cause cause your capsules to absorb moisture and become moldy.  For longer-term storage, please double-bag and place in a deep freezer. 

Any other questions?
Please post in the comments! Thanks! 

the bitch is back (apologies to elton john)

Dusting off the ol' blog here. Goodness has it really been 4+ years? So much has happened in that time: family engagements, weddings, bar mitzvahs, funerals; birth after birth after birth; starting and changing schools, a new pet, shifting friendships, starting to teach herb classes again, kids growing growing growing. So here we go. Onward.