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Frequently Asked Questions 

What does it mean to have your placenta encapsulated?

Encapsulating your placenta is the process of turning your raw placenta into capsules that are safe for consumption.

There are two options for encapsulation: RAW & TCM (Traditional Chinese Method). I currently only offer the TCM method to my clients, which means that your placenta will be cleaned, steamed, & dehydrated. I then grind it up and manually place it into capsules for you.  

How do I keep my placenta after giving birth? 

Before you arrive at the hospital for your birth, please speak with your provider about your wishes to keep your placenta. Most hospitals/birth centers are familiar with women wishing to take their placenta home. It is your responsibility to remind the provider once again that you are wishing to keep your placenta. Make sure everyone in the room is aware of your plans. 

How do I store my placenta?

Please bring a cooler with you to the hospital. You do not need anything large, a small cooler bag would be fine too. Double bag your placenta in gallon ziploc bags and cover the placenta with ice. You can place your cooler in your car until I am able to get to you to pick it up. 

How do I get my placenta to you after I have given birth?

My current pickup hours are 9:30am-6pm DAILY. If you have your baby outside of this window of time, please keep your cooler in your car until I am able to pick it up from you. As Long as there is ice in the cooler, your placenta should be just fine. I will pick your placenta up as soon as I can the following day. 

If you would like to deliver and pick up from me (currently located in New Bern, NC), I can offer you a small travel discount ($50). 

Are there any reasons the hospital may not allow
me to keep my placenta?

This is very rare. If there are significant abnormalities of the placenta your healthcare team may send your placenta for further examination. Other conditions, such as signs of infection during labor, may mean that consuming your placenta is not advisable. Once your placenta is sent to pathology, I am no longer able to take it from you. The most common reason is that your hospital, doctor or midwife are not aware that you want to keep your placenta. Clear communication is therefore essential!

Are there any situations that would make it unsafe for
me to consume my placenta?

There are a few situations where I would not be able to process your placenta. These are:

  • If the placenta is sent to pathology

  • If there is a uterine infection 

  • If the placenta is improperly stored

  • If the mother smoked during pregnancy

Please let me know if you have any specific questions. If you are on medication during your pregnancy I ask you to seek advice from your doctor before deciding on placenta encapsulation.

Can I encapsulate if I’m induced, have a cesarean section or a medicated birth?

Encapsulation is still possible if you give birth with an epidural or if you have a cesarean section. The placenta acts as a filter, filtering out toxins and sending them back to the mother’s liver to be detoxed from the system. If you are on medication during your pregnancy I ask you to seek advice from your doctor before deciding on placenta encapsulation.

Can I encapsulate my placenta if I have a water birth?

Yes, but it is important that the placenta is delivered onto a clean surface (such as an inco pad or towel) and not into the birthing pool.

What happens if my placenta is stained with meconium?

Meconium is sterile, it does not contain the fecal bacteria that normal stool does and therefore is perfectly fine to encapsulate. Meconium is only dangerous for the baby to inhale, but is otherwise harmless. If your placenta is heavily stained I will wash it thoroughly before encapsulation preparation. Because I only offer the TCM preparation, any meconium will be removed during the cleaning/steaming process. 

Can I have my placenta encapsulated if I am diagnosed
with pre-eclampsia?

Placenta encapsulation is not contra-indicated for mothers with pre-eclampsia. Many women who have had pre-eclampsia have very successfully used placenta capsules. No one fully understands pre-eclampsia or exactly how to prevent it, and although the placenta does seem to play a part, it is not usually unfit for consumption. After the birth, your placenta will be examined for irregularities and problems. Most of the time the placenta is completely fine and you should have no problem encapsulating.

What if I am Group B Strep positive (GBS) or have an infection and need antibiotics, will I still be able to use my placenta?

Group B Strep is a common bacterium that does not normally pose health risks to the mother. All bacteria in the placenta are killed during the steaming process, and  because I only use the Traditional Chinese Medicine method of placenta encapsulation.

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Rarely, Group B Strep can lead to uterine infection. If you developed a uterine infection or fever during your labor, your placenta would not be considered useful in healing, and is likely to be taken to the pathology lab for testing. Otherwise Group B Strep is not contra-indicated in placenta remedy preparation.

Can I delay cord clamping if I am encapsulating my placenta?

Delayed cord clamping (waiting at least 10 minutes after delivery to cut the cord, preferably until it has completely stopped pulsing) has been proven to hold lifelong benefits for babies, and is something we encourage all families to research before giving birth. Delaying cord clamping will not have any negative effect on your placenta.

Can I have my placenta encapsulated if my baby is premature?

Yes, moms of premature babies need all the help they can get bringing in their milk, healing quickly, and balancing post-natal mood. As long as your placenta is examined and cleared for any type of abnormality after birth I am happy to encapsulate it.

How many capsules will my placenta make?

Each placenta will vary in size. Resulting in a different number of capsules for each person. The average amount of capsules is 75-125. I have gotten as many as 185 before!

Do placenta capsules go bad?

Yes they can. It is also important to store your pills correctly. Traditional Chinese Medicine capsules should be consumed within 6 months of birth. Capsules should be stored in a cool, dry place, but not in the fridge.

How long will my capsules last?

While your capsules will not "go bad" for 6 months, most clients will finish their capsules by their 6 week postpartum checkup. Every woman will respond differently to their capsules, and it is important that you listen to your body and act accordingly. 

How soon will I receive my caspules?

I do my absolute best to get your capsules back to you within 24 hours. Ideally before you're discharged from the hospital. Late requests & holidays can reflect different times. 

What is the booking process?

Submit a consult request on the homepage, letting me know your due date and where you are having your baby! a $50 non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking. The remaining cost is due upon pickup. Failure to secure your placenta removal from the hospital will NOT result in any refund. 

How big are the capsules?Are they hard to swallow?

The capsules I use are size 00. They are slightly larger than an Excedrin migraine pill, but smaller than a prenatal vitamin. 

I offer colored vegan capsules: pink, blue, green and purple. 

How much does it cost?

Your package with me includes: 

  • ​Capsules 

  • 8oz Tincture 

  • Placenta Print 

  • Cord Keepsake 

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I charge $275-which includes pickup and drop off of your placenta package. 

If you pickup and drop off to me (Located in New Bern, NC) I will charge $225. 

Do you offer smoothies?

I do!! This is by request only, so please let me know if you would like me to add one to your package drop off! 

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