Placenta FAQ

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, we 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 mother before has been negative, we need to be able to say that to every mother 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?

We believe this amazing tool should be available to everyone who wants it! To protect our equipment, we cannot encapsulate in our work space with our tools. We would love to come to your house and talk you through the process so that you can encapsulate your own placenta with your tools in your kitchen. We will provide consumables (capsules, jar, etc.).

How do you process my placenta?

Safely and quickly! Please read our entire process here. ​

What type of tools do you use? ​

We have a set of tools specifically for placenta work including a steamer, glass (nonporous) cutting board, dehydrators, Magic Bullet, capsule machines, wash bins, and drying racks. These tools are not used for normal cooking to keep everyone safe. We also use disposable parchment paper in the steamer and dehydrator and disposable shears. 

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, we choose to encapsulate in our workspace. We would be happy to invite you over or Skype so you can watch the process or find another way to include you in the process if you like. Most of the time, we get finished capsules back before mom is home from the hospital; we wouldn't want her to have to wait or to make partner leave to be with us 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. Anywhere between 70 and 120 is considered normal.

My placenta has been in the freezer for six months, can I do anything with it?

As long as it was properly frozen, it can still be encapsulated using the steamed method. The print may not be as defined and the cord may not be as transparent.

From what hospitals do you pick up and deliver?

We will collect from Castle Rock to Boulder, Aurora to Wheatridge including:
Aurora Medical Center
Avista Medical Center
Baby + Co Birth Center
Boulder Community Hospital
Castle Rock Adventist
Denver Center for Birth and Wellness
Denver Health
Good Samaritan Hospital
Littleton Adventist
Lutheran Medical Center
Mountain Midwifery Birth Center
North Suburban Medical Center
Parker Adventist
Platte Valley Medical Center
Presbyterian St. Luke
Rose Medical Center
Sky Ridge Medical Center
St. Joseph's
Swedish Medical Center
University of Colorado Hospital

If your birth place isn't listed, please contact us. 

Most hospitals are good about releasing placentas; some are tricky. Let us know where you are birthing and we can help you navigate the protocols of that birth place. ​

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, we do not feel it is safe for consumption.

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?

We start at 145 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, we do not. Though this is considered by some a "Traditional Chinese Medicine” preparation, we are not TCM practitioners. Though we respect this modality, we are 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. We do add Bach Flower Rescue Remedy to the steaming water. Rescue Remedy is a homeopathic like tool that helps in any time of stress. Melissa is a Bach Foundation Registered Practitioner, so we do feel comfortable with this energetic addition.

Do you add any herbs to the placenta capsules?

Absolutely not. If you would benefit from the use of herbs, those can be taken separately. We are not herbalists and encourage you to work with someone who is knowledgeable about this tool. ​

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. Though for some mothers with pre-eclampsia, capsules may cause symptoms to persist. It seems to vary mother to mother, and may be dependent on the severity. 

I'm planning a cesarean, induction, epidural –- can I still encapsulate?

Yep.

What do you do if there is meconium?

We rinse the placenta in apple cider vinegar before processing. You may taste a bit of the vinegar.

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.

Would you refund my deposit if my placenta wasn't safe to encapsulate?

Yes. And probably cry a little with you too.

Would you refund my deposit if I change my mind?

We would retain $20 to cover fees and materials purchased, but refund the rest. ​

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. We now offered flavored and colored capsules. ​

I see other people charge less, why are your rates higher?

Our rates include pickup, delivery, prints, and a cord keepsake. Many other encpasulators charge extra for these services. We also work hard to get your finished capsules back within 48 (often 24-36) hours; many others take longer to return the completed goodies. And we have four years of experience and positive feedback from our clients.

I'm having twins, do you charge double?

No. Mamas of twins need a break.

I'm vegetarian/vegan, can I still encapsulate?

We default to gelatin capsules, but do have vegetarian options we are happy to use. You will be able to indicate this on our intake form. 

I'm allergic to latex, will that be a problem?

Not a problem. We only use non-latex gloves and tools.

I am gluten free, can I still have an essence/tincture/homeopathic?

We default to Ever Clear grain alcohol; we also have corn or potato alcohol so we can provide a gluten free option. You will be able to indicate this on our intake form.

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. If you truly don't want it, let us know. We have a project we can use them for.

What can I do with my cord Keepsake?

Many parents keep the cord stub after if falls off their baby's navel; this is just a bigger version. Some parents use in a blessing way. It serves as a reminder of the strong and literal bond between mother and child. 

Learn More About:

The Benefits of Placenta Encapsulation
Product Choices
How to Prepare for Your Encapsulation
The Process of Placenta Encapsulation

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