Placenta Encapsulation
Photo by Little Earthling Photography
The Placenta and your Hormones
Did you know that the placenta is a temporary endocrine organ? This means that it takes over a portion of your hormone production early in pregnancy. Once the placenta leaves your body there is a two week adjustment period where your body’s endocrine system readjusts to the loss of the placenta. Placenta encapsulation is thought to aid the process in this transition as a hormone therapy; reported to improve mood, energy, and decrease the likelihood of perinatal mood disorders.
For more information on the functions of the placenta check out this article.
Reported Benefits
The idea of ingesting a placenta can definitely have a yuck factor! But many who have encapsulated and consumed their placenta (Placentophagy) report a variety of benefits. These benefits are worthy of sharing and offering the option to whomever feels this is right for them.
Reduced postpartum bleeding
Faster physical healing
Increased energy level
Increased breastmilk supply
Replenish iron levels
Improved overall mood
Lessened risk of postpartum depression
Smooths the body’s transition in hormone production
In-home encapsulation set up for day 1 of processing.
To learn more about the placenta, the encapsulation process, and get a peek into what it looks like, you can visit local photographer Renee Bergeron’s blog linked here. Renee accompanied me to a client’s home to capture the process.
What to Expect During the Process
Before labor.
Once you schedule placenta encapsulation with me, two weeks prior to your due date I will provide a transport kit for you. This transport kit is compliant with the World Health Organizations guidelines for organ transport. You will bring the transport kit with you to wherever you plan to give birth.
After birth.
Once the placenta is delivered, your provider will place it in a container for you. If you birthed out of hospital, you can use the two Ziploc bags provided to double-bag the placenta. Ask for a bag of ice for the cooler and place the placenta on the ice. It’s now ready to go home with you!
At home.
Once you are home, place the placenta in the refrigerator. Most families just put the entire cooler into the refrigerator. I will come and begin processing the placenta within the first few days after delivery. I only encapsulate in your home because this is the safest option. I do not want to introduce your placenta to the bacterial and microbial life in my own home. It is best that your placenta only be exposed to your home environment. Processing the placenta in your home also provides full transparency. You can be assured that full safety and sanitary precautions are taken. This also gives you the option to be involved in the process if you would like. I am always happy to give a tour of the placenta and answer any questions you may have.
The process always begins with a deep cleaning of your kitchen, no need to do the dishes! I am happy to take care of that. Then my work space is covered top to bottom with a protective barrier and deep cleaned once more before I leave.
It is a two day process that takes 2-3 hours each day. The first day the placenta is cleaned, steamed, sliced, and dehydrated. The dehydrator is left on your counter over night. On day two I grind the dehydrated placenta and fill the capsules. I give my clients three types of capsules to choose from, gelatin, vegan, or strawberry gelatin.
The finished product is a very palatable way to offer your body the benefits of placenta consumption.
Placenta Encapsulation Package Includes:
Your choice of capsules, gelatin, strawberry gelatin, or vegan
Placenta prints
Cord keep sake
Broth from steaming
Placenta Tincture for long term use (+$25)
While I’m visiting your home for encapsulation, I also plan time to check-in with you. I am available for any postpartum questions or concerns. I am first a doula, and always here for processing and emotional support.
Cost $350
**$50 discount for labor clients
"Katie encapsulated my placenta and it was an amazing experience! She was so knowledgeable and didn't mind all my questions. Her calm energy and sweet passion for what she does, radiated from her. She was respectful of our space and left it exactly how she found it. If you're considering encapsulating, I highly recommend Katie!"
-Megan A