Placenta Release in South Jersey Hospitals
Planning to keep your placenta after birth in South Jersey? Here’s the good news: all hospitals in the area allow for placenta release, and the process is simpler than you might think!
Key Facts About Placenta Release
It’s Your Right: It’s illegal in all 50 states for a hospital to deny you your placenta. You have every right to take it home.
It’s Easy in South Jersey: Hospitals in the region make it straightforward. You’ll just need to sign a release form, typically during your admission process.
Navigating the “Weird” Rules Some Hospitals Have
While most hospitals handle placenta release smoothly, some have quirks:
No Placenta in the Mom and Baby Unit: Some hospitals may insist you can’t bring your placenta with you to your postpartum room. If this happens, no worries! I recommend taking a cooler bag to your car after delivery. As long as the placenta is properly packed, it will remain safe there.
Transport Kit to the Rescue: I provide a transport kit with everything you need, including:
Packing instructions
Biohazard bags and placenta storage bags
Bags for ice (nurses will help you get ice!)
Nurses Will Pack It for You: They’ll take care of the packing so you don’t have to. The worst reaction you might encounter is an eye roll.
When Misunderstandings Happen
Occasionally, you might run into misinformation or unsolicited comments:
Uninformed Remarks: One client was told by a snippy nurse, “You know that doesn’t do anything, right?” (Spoiler alert: that’s unprofessional and irrelevant.)
Doctors Err on the Side of Caution: Doctors may be overly cautious about placenta release due to liability concerns. However, common concerns like meconium staining or GBS (Group B Strep) are not contraindications for placenta encapsulation.
When a Placenta Is Unfit for Consumption
In rare cases, your placenta may not be suitable for consumption. These include:
Certain Infections: Such as chorioamnionitis or hepatitis.
Signs of infection during labor.
For the vast majority of people, the placenta is perfectly safe to encapsulate.
Takeaway: Keeping your placenta in South Jersey is legal and manageable. Pack your cooler, sign the release form, and know that a little planning ensures a smooth process. Don’t let anyone’s comments or misinformation shake your confidence—you’ve got this!
Curious about placenta encapsulation? Check out my website for more info!
