What You Need to Know
Since the placenta is a filter, is it safe to eat?
The placenta is less of a filter and more of a passageway; think less liver and more lung. Because everything a mother ingests gets to a baby, mothers know to be mindful of foods and medications they take. We know that the placenta won’t hold on to toxic substances, it just passes them through.
Why do we need to provide blood work for HIV and Hepatitis B? Don’t you use universal precautions?
Yes, I do practice universal precautions; verifying blood work is an extra layer of protection. Most pathogens die when they are exposed to the air; these two stick around. Every client using our tools before has been negative, I need to be able to say that to every client after as well. Even in a hospital setting, more safeguards are used if a patient is known to be positive (i.e. use of a one-piece special gown that leaves little or no skin exposed, double or triple gloves, a face shield instead of or in addition to a face mask).
I am HIV/Hepatitis B positive, will you still encapsulate my placenta?
To protect my equipment, I cannot encapsulate in my space with my tools. I would love to, however, come to your house and use your tools (steaming pot, dehydrator, etc) in your kitchen. I will provide consumable materials. Everyone deserves this remedy!
What type of tools do you use?
I have a set of tools specifically for placenta work including a steamer, cutting boards, disposable shears, dehydrators with parchment paper liners, Magic Bullet, capsule machines, and wash bins. These tools are not used for normal cooking to keep everyone safe.
Will you encapsulate in my home?
This article contains an excellent analysis of the benefits and drawbacks of encapsulation in the client's home vs. the encapsulator's space. Because of the specialized tools, I choose to encapsulate in our workspace. I would be happy to video chat so you can watch the process or find another way to set your mind at ease. Most of the time, I get finished capsules back before mom is home from the hospital; I wouldn’t want her to have to wait or to make partner leave to be with me for the work.
How many capsules will I get?
This depends on the method of encapsulation as well as the size of the baby. Bigger babies have bigger placentas yielding more capsules. Raw preparation yields more than steamed as the finished powder is more fibrous and takes up a bit more space. Anywhere between 60 and 130 is considered normal.
My placenta’s been in the freezer for six months, can I do anything with it?
As long as it was kept cold, a frozen placenta can still be encapsulated using the steamed method. The print may not be as defined and the cord may not be as transparent, but the capsules should still be beneficial.
From what hospitals do you pickup and deliver?
I will collect from Castle Rock to Boulder, University to Lutheran. Most hospitals are good about releasing placentas; some are tricky. I will help you navigate any roadblocks.
Why won’t you encapsulate a placenta that’s gone to pathology?
In talking with personnel from pathology, they could not guarantee that the work area was sterile. Because it is possible for the placenta to be in contact with other patient’s fluids, I do not feel it is safe for consumption; it is a liability I am not willing to take on.
I’m giving birth at one of the trickier hospitals, what can I do?
Hospitals have a Patient Advocate on staff to help patients get what they want. Remember that it is your placenta, not the hospital’s. Offer to sign a waiver, be firm. Remind them that it was birth, not a "placentadectomy."
What temperature do you use for raw preparation?
I start at 160 for 60 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 115. The initial higher temperature is to ensure any pathogens on the cut sides are destroyed; the lower temperature is to maintain protein and enzyme function.
Do you add lemon, pepper, and ginger to the steaming water?
No, I do not. Though this is considered by some a “Traditional Chinese Medicine” preparation, I am not a TCM practitioner. Though I respect this modality, I am not trained. In talking with some TCM practitioners, there is controversy over using these items; placentas are already “warming” and these foods are warming too which may be detrimental. I do add Bach Flower Rescue Remedy to the steaming water. Rescue Remedy is a homeopathic like tool that helps in any time of stress. I am a Bach Flower Practitioner, so I do feel comfortable with this energetic addition.
Do you add any herbs to the placenta capsules?
Absolutely not. This is another tool that I respect, but am not trained in. If you would benefit from the use of herbs, those can be taken separately and under the direction of an herbalist.
I had postpartum depression with my last baby; what type of capsules would you recommend?
The steamed method has a stronger impact on the emotional side of things though still greatly benefits the physical. If you have a history of depression or concern about the baby blues, steamed may be more beneficial.
I have a toddler and my new baby; what type of capsules would you recommend?
Because the raw method maintains the proteins and enzymes, it has a greater impact on the physical side of things, though still greatly helps the emotional. If you’re concerned about caring for toddlers, newborns, and yourself, raw may be a better idea.
I have gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, group B strep, Rh negative – can I still encapsulate?
Yes. If you are GBS positive, we do recommend steamed preparation only.
I’m planning a cesarean, induction, epidural – can I still encapsulate?
Yes, not a problem at all.
What do you do if there is meconium?
I rinse the placenta in organic raw apple cider vinegar before processing. You may taste a bit of the vinegar in the finished capsules.
What contraindications are there to encapsulation?
Chorioamnionitis (inflammation of the amnion and chorion due to a bacterial infection) is the main contraindication. If you have other concerns, we will talk about them.
Do the capsules smell? Have a flavor?
If apple cider vinegar was used to rinse, you may notice that smell/flavor. Occasionally we’ll have an “earthy” smelling placenta. Other than that, nope. The capsules look like vitamins. If you are concerned, we have colored and/or flavored capsules.
I see other people charge less, why are your rates higher?
My rates include pickup, delivery, your choice in preparation methods, a variety of capsule options, prints, and a cord keepsake. Many other encpasulators charge extra for these services. I also work hard to get your finished capsules back within 48 (often 24) hours; many others take longer to return the completed goodies. And I have been providing this service since 2011 which offers me great experience and client feedback.
I’m having twins, do you charge double?
No. Mamas of twins need a break.
I’m vegetarian/vegan, can I still encapsulate?
Yes! I offer vegetarian capsules at no additional cost.
I’m allergic to latex, will that be a problem?
No problem. I only use non-latex gloves and tools.
What can I do with my print?
Some parents put it in a frame on the wall, others fold it up and put it in the baby book.
What can I do with my cord?
Many parents keep baby’s first lock of hair, first tooth, and so forth; the cord can go with these other mementos. It can be used in a blessingway ceremony .
The placenta is less of a filter and more of a passageway; think less liver and more lung. Because everything a mother ingests gets to a baby, mothers know to be mindful of foods and medications they take. We know that the placenta won’t hold on to toxic substances, it just passes them through.
Why do we need to provide blood work for HIV and Hepatitis B? Don’t you use universal precautions?
Yes, I do practice universal precautions; verifying blood work is an extra layer of protection. Most pathogens die when they are exposed to the air; these two stick around. Every client using our tools before has been negative, I need to be able to say that to every client after as well. Even in a hospital setting, more safeguards are used if a patient is known to be positive (i.e. use of a one-piece special gown that leaves little or no skin exposed, double or triple gloves, a face shield instead of or in addition to a face mask).
I am HIV/Hepatitis B positive, will you still encapsulate my placenta?
To protect my equipment, I cannot encapsulate in my space with my tools. I would love to, however, come to your house and use your tools (steaming pot, dehydrator, etc) in your kitchen. I will provide consumable materials. Everyone deserves this remedy!
What type of tools do you use?
I have a set of tools specifically for placenta work including a steamer, cutting boards, disposable shears, dehydrators with parchment paper liners, Magic Bullet, capsule machines, and wash bins. These tools are not used for normal cooking to keep everyone safe.
Will you encapsulate in my home?
This article contains an excellent analysis of the benefits and drawbacks of encapsulation in the client's home vs. the encapsulator's space. Because of the specialized tools, I choose to encapsulate in our workspace. I would be happy to video chat so you can watch the process or find another way to set your mind at ease. Most of the time, I get finished capsules back before mom is home from the hospital; I wouldn’t want her to have to wait or to make partner leave to be with me for the work.
How many capsules will I get?
This depends on the method of encapsulation as well as the size of the baby. Bigger babies have bigger placentas yielding more capsules. Raw preparation yields more than steamed as the finished powder is more fibrous and takes up a bit more space. Anywhere between 60 and 130 is considered normal.
My placenta’s been in the freezer for six months, can I do anything with it?
As long as it was kept cold, a frozen placenta can still be encapsulated using the steamed method. The print may not be as defined and the cord may not be as transparent, but the capsules should still be beneficial.
From what hospitals do you pickup and deliver?
I will collect from Castle Rock to Boulder, University to Lutheran. Most hospitals are good about releasing placentas; some are tricky. I will help you navigate any roadblocks.
Why won’t you encapsulate a placenta that’s gone to pathology?
In talking with personnel from pathology, they could not guarantee that the work area was sterile. Because it is possible for the placenta to be in contact with other patient’s fluids, I do not feel it is safe for consumption; it is a liability I am not willing to take on.
I’m giving birth at one of the trickier hospitals, what can I do?
Hospitals have a Patient Advocate on staff to help patients get what they want. Remember that it is your placenta, not the hospital’s. Offer to sign a waiver, be firm. Remind them that it was birth, not a "placentadectomy."
What temperature do you use for raw preparation?
I start at 160 for 60 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 115. The initial higher temperature is to ensure any pathogens on the cut sides are destroyed; the lower temperature is to maintain protein and enzyme function.
Do you add lemon, pepper, and ginger to the steaming water?
No, I do not. Though this is considered by some a “Traditional Chinese Medicine” preparation, I am not a TCM practitioner. Though I respect this modality, I am not trained. In talking with some TCM practitioners, there is controversy over using these items; placentas are already “warming” and these foods are warming too which may be detrimental. I do add Bach Flower Rescue Remedy to the steaming water. Rescue Remedy is a homeopathic like tool that helps in any time of stress. I am a Bach Flower Practitioner, so I do feel comfortable with this energetic addition.
Do you add any herbs to the placenta capsules?
Absolutely not. This is another tool that I respect, but am not trained in. If you would benefit from the use of herbs, those can be taken separately and under the direction of an herbalist.
I had postpartum depression with my last baby; what type of capsules would you recommend?
The steamed method has a stronger impact on the emotional side of things though still greatly benefits the physical. If you have a history of depression or concern about the baby blues, steamed may be more beneficial.
I have a toddler and my new baby; what type of capsules would you recommend?
Because the raw method maintains the proteins and enzymes, it has a greater impact on the physical side of things, though still greatly helps the emotional. If you’re concerned about caring for toddlers, newborns, and yourself, raw may be a better idea.
I have gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, group B strep, Rh negative – can I still encapsulate?
Yes. If you are GBS positive, we do recommend steamed preparation only.
I’m planning a cesarean, induction, epidural – can I still encapsulate?
Yes, not a problem at all.
What do you do if there is meconium?
I rinse the placenta in organic raw apple cider vinegar before processing. You may taste a bit of the vinegar in the finished capsules.
What contraindications are there to encapsulation?
Chorioamnionitis (inflammation of the amnion and chorion due to a bacterial infection) is the main contraindication. If you have other concerns, we will talk about them.
Do the capsules smell? Have a flavor?
If apple cider vinegar was used to rinse, you may notice that smell/flavor. Occasionally we’ll have an “earthy” smelling placenta. Other than that, nope. The capsules look like vitamins. If you are concerned, we have colored and/or flavored capsules.
I see other people charge less, why are your rates higher?
My rates include pickup, delivery, your choice in preparation methods, a variety of capsule options, prints, and a cord keepsake. Many other encpasulators charge extra for these services. I also work hard to get your finished capsules back within 48 (often 24) hours; many others take longer to return the completed goodies. And I have been providing this service since 2011 which offers me great experience and client feedback.
I’m having twins, do you charge double?
No. Mamas of twins need a break.
I’m vegetarian/vegan, can I still encapsulate?
Yes! I offer vegetarian capsules at no additional cost.
I’m allergic to latex, will that be a problem?
No problem. I only use non-latex gloves and tools.
What can I do with my print?
Some parents put it in a frame on the wall, others fold it up and put it in the baby book.
What can I do with my cord?
Many parents keep baby’s first lock of hair, first tooth, and so forth; the cord can go with these other mementos. It can be used in a blessingway ceremony .