Placentophagy is the practice of ingesting the placenta after delivery. Placenta encapsulation is the process of thoroughly cleaning the placenta, steaming it (optional), cutting it into slices, dehydrating it, grinding it up, and placing into capsules.
What are the benefits of Placenta Encapsulation?
Increase general energy
Allow a quicker return to health after birth
Increase production of breast milk
Decrease likelihood of baby blues and postpartum depression
Decrease likelihood of iron deficiency
Decrease likelihood of insomnia or sleep disorders
Everybody is unique and has a different response to placentophagy and because of the powerful effects of the placenta other benefits are also likely but too numerous to mention. We believe that placentophagy is particularly beneficial to vegetarian mothers and those prone to postpartum depression.
Other Considerations
It is best to check with your care provider to be sure that your placenta is healthy and able to be consumed. It may be best to just ask if it is healthy as most care providers don’t know much about placentophagy.
Why choose you over someone cheaper?
Quality matters. We choose only the best ingredients, tinted BPA free jars, and training. A lot of the people processing placentas, do not know much about how to properly and safely process and encapsulate.
Yes. We have received our Bloodborne Pathogens & Universal Precautions Certificate along with our Utah Food Handler Permit.
How do you sanitize your equipment and the area where you will be encapsulating?
We sanitize according to OSHA guidelines prior to and after preparation using a 10:1 bleach solution for sanitizing and follow OSHA guidelines.
What if the doctor or midwife wants to take my placenta to pathology?
If your care provider deems it necessary for the placenta to be sent to pathology, ask if only a piece can be sent instead of the whole thing. If the whole placenta has to be sent to pathology you won’t be able to use it for encapsulation.
Can I still encapsulate if I developed a uterine infection?
Unfortunately, no. If you developed a uterine infection during your labor, your placenta would not be considered helpful in healing.
Can I still have my placenta encapsulated if I was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia?
Yes. You can still encapsulate your placenta if you develop pre-eclampsia in pregnancy. After birth, your placenta may be studied for abnormalities and problems. Most of the time, the placenta is fine and can be released. If the whole placenta has to be sent to pathology you won’t be able to take it home and use it for encapsulation.
Can I have my placenta encapsulated if I had a c-section?
Yes! Be sure to state in your birth plan that you will be keeping the placenta. Make sure your partner or doula is diligent about keeping track of your placenta.
What is the average amount of pills a placenta makes?
About 100-200 capsules, depending on size and method used for encapsulation. The Raw Method tends to yield more pills than the Traditional Chinese Method because the steaming used in TCM causes the placenta to shrink.
Can I have my placenta encapsulated if my baby was premature?
Yes, unless the doctor sends your placenta to pathology. Mothers of premature babies need as much help as possible to get their milk supply to come in, heal quickly, and normalize postpartum mood.
How do I store my Placenta Capsules?
Your capsules will keep the longest if they are stored in an airtight, tinted container in the freezer. Keeping them away from light will help with longevity. Your product will come in a jar that satisfies both of these criteria.
How often do I take my capsules?
You will take between 2-6 capsules daily depending on how many days postpartum you are and how you are feeling. We will provide you with further instructions with your finished products.
Does the umbilical cord keepsake have to be a heart?
We can make it into the word “Love”, baby’s first initial, or whatever you prefer, provided the cord is long enough.
How should I store my placenta until you receive it?
Your placenta will need to stay on ice or in the fridge until we receive it. Bring a storage container that will keep it cool and two gallon Ziploc bags with you to your place of birth.
What if I’m having a hospital birth?
Some hospitals won’t release your placenta until you are released. Other hospitals require that the placenta be picked up within 10 minutes of delivery. Be sure to check with your hospital to see what their protocol is. Specify in your birth plan that you will be keeping your placenta. You will have to sign a release form if you are birthing in hospital.
When do we contact you?
After you have paid your non-refundable $50 deposit to be placed on our calendar, please text or call us once you go into labor and again after you deliver.
Have cross-contamination or placenta mix-ups occurred?
No. We always make sure to very carefully sanitize our area and equipment according to OSHA guidelines. We also make sure to only have one placenta at a time so that there are no mix ups.
What is the Traditional Chinese Method vs. Raw Method?
Using the Traditional Chinese Method, the Placenta is thoroughly cleaned and steamed with some herbs. We choose not to use herbs because some mothers have a negative reaction to the herbs. After it is steamed it is then sliced into thin pieces, dehydrated, ground up, and put into capsules.
Using the Raw Method, the placenta is thoroughly cleaned, sliced into thin pieces, dehydrated, ground up, and put into capsules.
It is recommended to use the Traditional Chinese Method (TCM) if you have any of the following:
Group B Strep (GBS)
Meconium
Herpes
Anemia
Can I encapsulate my placenta if:
I want a lotus birth?
Yes, if encapsulated within 4 hours
I want to bank the cord blood?
Yes
I have ABO incompatibility?
Yes
I have GBS?
Yes, only by TCM*
Meconium was present at the birth?
Yes, only by TCM*
I have Herpes?
Yes, only by TCM*
I have Diabetes?
Yes
I have Toxemia?
Yes
I have PUPPP?
Yes
I have Cholestasis of pregnancy?
Yes
I have a uterine infection?
No
I have been near toxic materials** through pregnancy?
No
*TCM = Traditional Chinese Method
**Substances retained by placenta: toxic metals, pesticides, environmental contaminants including tobacco use.
Note: We will be unable to process your placenta if you have or have ever had the following:
HIV
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis C
Ebola
Disclaimer:
Placenta capsules, tinctures, and other preparations are a nutritional supplement and there are no guarantees that they will prevent PPD or absolutely ensure healthy milk supply. Placenta remedies are excellent for healing post-birth, but cannot be used to reverse present or predisposed issues.
Placenta capsules and remedies do not take the place of medical care. Please seek additional medical care for severe anemia, inadequate milk supply, postpartum depression, or anxiety.
Utah Placenta Encapsulation 
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