Placenta Arts

What is placenta encapsulation? 

Placenta encapsulation is the process of preparing the placenta after the birth of your baby.  The placenta is dehydrated (using a modified Raw Method unless otherwise discussed) ground into powder, and placed into capsules for maternal ingestion.  

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What is placenta tincture?

A placenta tincture stretches the longevity of consumption and is made by steeping a piece of raw placenta in high proof grain alcohol and allowing it to ferment.  The benefits are similar to encapsulation and include hormone stabilization in your postpartum cycles, less bleeding and increased energy during those cycles, and for menopause down the road. The female child can also benefit from placental tincture once she begins her menstruation cycles. This extra tincture could also be given to your mother or sister. A tincture lasts for virtually forever.

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Why consume my placenta? 

The benefits of placenta consumption are largely anecdotal, due to lack of research.

Placental consumption is thought to​reintroduce beneficial vitamins, minerals, hormones, proteins, and other nutrients into her body after birth to help restore a more balanced body function, prevent “baby blues” and postpartum depression.  It can also help with increasing breastmilk production, shorten healing time, increase maternal energy levels, and provide an over-all feeling of wellness to aid in the transition between pregnancy and the postpartum period.

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Limitations and Disclaimer

I am not a licensed medical professional and I am not able to diagnose, treat, or prescribe for any health condition. Services and fees are for the preparation and encapsulation of your placenta, not for the sale of the pills. No specific benefits or effects are promised. Any benefits will vary from person to person. Some of the ascribed benefits of placenta consumption are supported by research; however these benefits have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA. It is your responsibility to determine whether using placenta preparations may be of benefit to you.

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Client Responsibility

It is your responsibility to notify me after the birth (ideally within 24 hours) to make arrangements for pick up, drop off or for me to come to your home. (Whenever possible, I will come to pick up your placenta from your home/hospital with in four (4) hours of receiving your call.)  Failure to do so may result in delayed placenta preparation and encapsulation and may cause spoilage of the placenta, which would render it unusable for encapsulation.

It is your responsibility to discuss release of your placenta from your birthing place and to ensure proper labeling and storage of your placenta in a refrigerator or cooler with the placenta placed on ice until it can be picked up or delivered for preparation and encapsulation. Your placenta should not be treated with alcohol, formalin, or any other preservative. Please contact me if you need assistance with hospital release.

(For hospital births, you should contact the hospital directly, not just your provider.)

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Placenta Transport Preparation

Whether birthing at home or in a hospital, please ensure your placenta is kept fresh. It can remain at room temperature for 3-4 hours following the birth. After that it should be refrigerated or otherwise kept cool. If you are practicing some form of extended delayed cord cutting or lotus birth, ice packs may be wrapped up with the placenta to prevent spoilage. If, for some reason, it is going to be more than 3 or 4 days before the placenta can be prepared, it should be frozen. A frozen placenta will take somewhat longer to prepare since I prefer to gently defrost it prior to preparation.

 ***Where possible, it is my goal to begin processing your placenta within 24 hours of the birth of your baby. ***

You can prepare your placenta for transport by placing it a freezer strength Ziploc bag.

(Your hospital should have ice available)

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Placenta Restrictions

It is important to note that there may be circumstances under which your placenta cannot be used. Significant abnormalities of the placenta may necessitate your doctor or midwife sending your placenta to Pathology for further examination. Other conditions, such as signs of infection in the mother during labor, may mean that consuming your placenta will not be beneficial to you. If in doubt, I will consult with you before proceeding.

It should be possible to claim your placenta after Cesarean surgery.

Please let me know if you have any health conditions which may affect the health of your placenta or the health and safety of anyone who may come in contact with your placenta, including but not limited to HIV, Hepatitis B or C, etc..

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All information is kept confidential in accordance with privacy laws.

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What now?

Once you have decide to encapsulate, fill out the contact form below and I'll email you detailed information and instructions with in 24 hours.