Frequently Asked Questions
What if my baby comes before or after my due date?
Don’t worry! Babies come when they are ready, and when they are ready, I am ready for them. I cap the number of placenta encapsulation clients I take on per month to ensure everyone’s safety - and my sanity!
What if I’m unable to keep my placenta?
Your placenta is yours as much as your baby is yours. Only you have agency over your placenta.
That being said, all hospitals in my service area have placenta release policies, so you won’t have any problem keeping yours.
With proper handling and following my instructions, you should have no trouble keeping your placenta. Very few circumstances render a placenta unfit for consumption, and these are typically due to improper storage or the placenta being sent to pathology.
Refunds for placenta encapsulation cannot be provided, as it is your responsibility to ensure proper care of your placenta. However, if your placenta is deemed unfit for reasons beyond your control, I will make an exception to my refund policy. For all other cases, you’ll receive a credit that can be used toward a future encapsulation, gifted to a friend, or applied to my other postpartum support services. (You can explore them here.)
where’s the placenta encapsulation research?
Check out this link for a list of articles and studies.
Can placenta pills prevent postpartum depression or anxiety?
The "baby blues" is a common postpartum symptom where new moms experience feelings of sadness, anxiety, and are highly emotional after giving birth. These symptoms can progress to postpartum depression (PPD) or postpartum anxiety (PPA) if not addressed. Research shows that PPD/PPA symptoms are linked to a deficiency in vital nutrients like iron, vitamin B6, and the stress-reducing hormone CRH, all of which are found in high concentrations in your placenta. Taking placenta pills can potentially help prevent these symptoms by providing new moms with the essential nutrients and hormones they need after childbirth. However, it's essential to note that placenta pills are not a substitute for medical treatment or a magic solution to postpartum issues. It's crucial to take a holistic approach to postpartum care, and if you experience anxiety or depression symptoms, reach out for professional help.
Does placenta encapsulation work?
The reported benefits of placenta encapsulation are based on anecdotal evidence from individual experiences. While many women—myself included—have reported positive effects from consuming our placentas, there’s no proven research YET.
You can check out my reviews on Google to see what my specific clients have to say about it.
Are placenta pills safe?
Placenta pills are safe. There is no evidence anywhere that anyone has gotten sick or worse from taking placenta pills. If anyone tells you otherwise, they are flat-out wrong. The risks of taking placenta pills are about the same as when you eat out in a restaurant — you’re trusting that the person preparing what you are about to eat has taken all precautions to keep you healthy and safe.
As a professional placenta encapsulator, your safety is my top priority. I hold both a food handler’s card and a certificate with OSHA for bloodborne pathogens. I follow all recommendations carefully. Every time.
How do you turn my placenta into capsules?
Before I begin, I sanitize my workspace then I rinse your placenta with cold water, removing any clots or vernix that may be present. If there is meconium, I remove the membranes and rinse with rice vinegar for added safety. Then, I steam the placenta gently for 5-10 minutes, depending on its size. Next, I slice it into thin strips and place it on unbleached parchment paper on stainless steel dehydrator trays. It dehydrates for about 12 hours, and when it cools I grind it into a fine powder. That powder goes into the capsules, and voila! Placenta pills!
How many placenta pills will i get?
The number of capsules get depends on the size of your placenta. On average, a placenta produces around 140 capsules. The placentas I’ve worked with have yielded between 90 capsules and 310! But don’t worry! You’ll get enough capsules to support you during your postpartum until your hypothalamus gets back to work regulating your hormones, about 3 weeks out or so.
Can placenta pills prevent postpartum depression or anxiety?
The "baby blues" is a common postpartum symptom where new moms experience random bouts of sadness, and anxiety, and are highly emotional for a couple of weeks after giving birth. These symptoms can progress to postpartum depression (PPD) or postpartum anxiety (PPA) if they persist and are not addressed.
Research shows that PPD/PPA symptoms are linked to a deficiency in vital nutrients like iron, vitamin B6, and the stress-reducing hormone CRH, all of which are found in high concentrations in your placenta.
Taking placenta pills can potentially help prevent these symptoms by providing you with the nutrients and hormones you need after the depletion that occurs with pregnancy and childbirth.
BUT! There is no guarantee here, and it’s important to take steps to ensure you have the support you need throughout your postpartum period.
Placenta pills are NOT magic.
how do i know i’m getting my own placenta back?
I’m extremely careful that there are no mix-ups! I only process one placenta at a time, and I have a placenta-specific fridge in my workspace. Every placenta that goes in the fridge is labeled. Everything is labeled along the way, and I do not work on another placenta until your package is safely on its way to you.
how long will my placenta pills last?
I recommend using your placenta pills within two years. To preserve the potency of your placenta, keep the capsules away from direct heat, light, and moisture. After about 6 weeks, you can store them in your freezer for up to two years. While they won't "go bad", like most herbal supplements, their potency may decrease over time. It's best to use all of your capsules before your baby's second birthday.