FAQ for Placenta Encapsulation Service

What are the benefits of placenta capsules? 

Scientific research shows placenta to contain iron, protein, B12, and hormones to promote healing in the postpartum period. Capsules can boost energy, balance hormones, decrease baby blues, increase breast milk, and tonify uterus. Updated research on ingesting placenta capsules here. My 13-minute placenta video answers this question more fully.

Why hire a PBi-Trained Encapsulator?

I am a PBi-Trained Encapsulator and:

• Follow strict OSHA guidelines
• Renew my certificate in Food Safety & Handling
• Knowledgeable in the benefits of placentophagy
• Trained in PBi method of placenta encapsulation
• Have a network of experienced professionals
• Able to answer your questions
• Check in during your postpartum period

What medications during pregnancy or labor make it unsafe to encapsulate? 

As a PBi Placenta Encapsulation Specialist®, I don’t make recommendations on if the placenta is suitable for encapsulation. This is a decision for the client’s medical care provider to make, about the viability of each placenta to be ingested during the postpartum period. If the client and her provider(s) deem the placenta healthy at birth, and want that to be prepared in capsule form, then I am available to provide that service.

Can I use capsules if I have GBS+? 

Depends on the preparation method because not all Encapsulationists use the same safety standards. GBS+ is not typically an issue for placenta encapsulation when the placenta is properly prepared using a cooked method like I am trained in. Never ingest a GBS+ placenta that has been prepared “raw”. I trained with a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) method on file with FDA; a method that addresses issue of bacterial pathogens like group B strep. Read more here.

How does this work? 

Best to reserve your spot 1+ month before estimated due date by emailing tara@happybellies.net. I have mothers book early in pregnancy. I respond to your booking or inquiry within 3 days and will provide you with an intake form to fill out at that time.

The encapsulation is completed in your home after birth. I bring all supplies and only need a sink, stove-top, electrical outlet, and bit of counter space. The entire process is completed in two steps (#1 step takes 2-3 hours and #2 step takes 1-2 hours). In between steps, the placenta is dehydrating in a machine on the counter. Your kitchen will be sanitized after each step.

You might feel awkward to have me in your home and though I may be a minor inconvenience, I am not a guest nor expect to meet the mother and baby. I come and go quietly; leaving all you need in your kitchen upon completion. I am often in the home while parents recover at the hospital or upstairs in bed. I am respectful of this intimate time in your life.

You receive capsules, tea/tincture, and dosaging instructions. Placenta prints are an additional fee of $45.

How to get my placenta from hospital?

Most hospitals in Vermont are familiar with my work and used to moms requesting a placenta be released to be ingested using a traditional Chinese medicine method that is FDA approved and prepared safely with extended heat (not raw). Each hospital has a unique set of policies and procedures; some require a release waiver to be signed others don’t say anything. I recommend you share in advance with your care provider(s) about your plan to keep your placenta for consumption after birth. 

Once you book I will send an informative letter you can share with your birthing team about placenta encapsulation and the standards I adhere to.

I have encapsulated in Vermont since 2011 and have not had a hospital prevent a mom from taking her placenta home unless there is infection present. In the rare case you contract an infection during or immediately after birth you will not be allowed to take home your placenta.

Many parents send the placenta back with a friend or family member to put in their home fridge for me to than schedule in a time with you for me to encapsulate. Others give birth far from home and getting placenta home early is not possible. If this is your case then I will walk you through caring for placenta from birth to the day of encapsulation.

Why encapsulate in my home?

To comply with state/federal guidelines and create a clean, safe environment, I encapsulate in your home because:

• It is not legal for me to transport a placenta that I will be encapsulating for you to consume.
• NO facility in United States is approved for preparing placenta pills.
• You get your placenta and ONLY your placenta. 
• You know that your placenta is stored at proper temperatures.
• If you choose, you can observe capsules being made 😉
• You can be assured placenta is prepared in a clean environment. Without regular health inspections/monitoring, the only way to ensure capsules are prepared in clean environment is prepare them in your home by a Specialist trained to handle blood properly.

It is legal to have your placenta prepared at your residence or the residence of a friend/family member (with paperwork in place). You only get one hormonal, nutrient-dense placenta when you have a baby, maybe two if you have twins! If your placenta is handled unsafely, over-processed, ridden with mold due to excess moisture then you will lose an opportunity to get the benefits of your placenta in your postpartum period.

What is your training and certifications?

As a PBi-Trained Placenta Encapsulationist with Placenta Benefits (leading resource in placenta encapsulation) I learned to prepare placenta medicinally in 2010 with a Traditional Chinese Medicine method on file with FDA. I update my trainings and certificates with “OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens” through Biologix Solutions and “ServSafe Food Handler” with ServSafe. I follow same procedures in a food service establishment. My handling and disinfection practices meet Federal (OSHA/EPA) and local guidelines and PBi-standards meet same EPA guidelines for licensed small laboratories handling blood-borne pathogens and medical waste.

I worry about the smell.

If your home is properly ventilated with a working hood above the stove and if you’d like a window open, there is little to no smell. Some describe what smell there is as gingery and like cooked liver. Any smell dissipates quickly once encapsulation is complete.

What if I have an epidural/c-section?

Many moms I encapsulate for have epidurals or cesareans and 9 out of 10 times the doctor releases the placenta without problem. These new moms benefit as much as those who had un-medicated ‘natural’ births. In some ways, even more, because placenta hormones act as a natural pain reliever to give mom relief during what is a sensitive, heightened, and vulnerable time. I have moms take the capsules and tea, and not need any painkiller. Same for stitches or epidural after-effects. Updated research here.

Why do you use a TCM method? 

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), new moms are cold (yin) inside after releasing blood and baby (yang) during birth. One way to return heat (yang) and a flowing balance of energy is to consume “warm” food, such as cooked warm food.

The TCM method I use to prepare a placenta has been used for centuries and involves a steaming process to warm the new mothers and balance her. I do not offer RAW encapsulation because this method has a cooling effect and can cause a new mom to feel ‘cold’ inside. Ingesting raw placenta is also not safe due to bacteria present and cooking the placenta kills these bacteria. We want to warm the new mother. To contract, not expand. To calm, not stimulate. To ground her in body, mind, and spirit.

Placenta capsules made with a TCM-method are warming to counteract cold and re-establish homeostasis, rebuild blood (chi), and regulate the endocrine functions (thyroid, adrenals) for good metabolism, sleep, and mood. The tea and tincture I make has a similar effect.

This method allows you to save any remaining capsules for future use (i.e. returning to work or other stressful situations and menopause). Stored properly, capsules and the nutrients and hormones within, remain potent.

Why TCM capsules and not raw? 

I prepare capsules with a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) method. This potent way to ingest placenta capsules involves a steaming process used to break down cell walls of placental tissue; allowing the new mother’s body to more easily access vitamins, protein, and hormones stored in the placenta tissue. Research shows iron levels in the placenta doubles when it is prepared using a TCM-method.

Placenta carries bacteria, viruses, and other blood borne pathogens. This is another reason not to ingest raw placenta capsules. The bacteria, and all that exist on and in the placenta and surrounding blood, are inherent in the body and vaginal canal, but once the placenta is born it is exposed to oxygen and the bacteria quickly take on life of their own.

Downsides of raw capsules: Increase postnatal bleeding, decrease breast milk production, cool body, inhibit healing. For these reasons and more, I prepare capsules with a cooked TCM method on file with FDA. 

How many capsules do I get?

Each placenta varies in size, but most women receive  80 to 125 capsules for postpartum recovery. You’ll use about 85 capsules in the immediate postpartum then freeze rest or take them all until gone. Your body makes what you need and your placenta is the perfect size for you.

What if baby comes early or late? 

If more than 14 days overdue from EDD or have baby earlier than 14 days before then you are still a client guaranteed service. There is simply a chance I may be unable to encapsulate within 3 days of birth. If this occurs, you will receive instructions to freeze placenta briefly for what is typically no more than 1-3 days. Frozen properly, hormones and nutrients in placental tissue are shown to remain intact.

Will insurance cover placenta encapsulation service?

This is a question for your insurance company. Most do not. If you have history of PPD you may have better luck. If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) through insurance then this service might be covered.

Contradictions to ingest placenta? 

Placenta capsules made with TCM method have a warming nature to move blood and tonify reproductive organs. If new mom has an existing “warm” condition (mastitis, flu, infection) the capsules can interfere with her own body’s ability to cool down and why recommended to stop capsules until symptoms of chills, fever, or aches are not present.

The only true contraindication for placentophagy would be a uterine infection that affected the placenta (as in, there is or could potentially be an infection in the placental tissue). All other situations as listed below would have to be considered by the care provider.

Contraindications when a placenta may be unable to encapsulate:

• Chorioamnionitis (infection of the membranes).
• Maternal infection during or immediately after labor/delivery.
• Neonatal infection within the first 48 hours postpartum.
• Improper storage  of the placenta.
  • Not placed on ice within 2 hours of delivery.
  • Refrigerated longer than 72 hours before being frozen.
  • Placenta not kept under 40°F for the entire storage
• Active infections that may be reacquired.
  • Lyme Disease
  • Clostridium difficile, commonly referred to as C. Diff
• Mom regularly used tobacco during pregnancy (heavy metals can remain in placenta tissue) – if only for a brief time then up to mom.

Special circumstances not contraindications to placenta encapsulation are: Sexually Transmitted Infections (i.e. HSV, HPV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea), meconium staining, GBS+, Gestational Diabetes, HELLP, PUPPS (some pupp moms wait a few weeks before starting capsules), use of antibiotics during labor, cesarean, epidurals, spinal anesthesia, IV medication (i.e., Nubain, Pitocin, Mag Sulfate).

Having an epidural, induction, or cesarean  birth does not typically interfere with the TCM encapsulation process. 

My placenta is in the freezer, can I encapsulate?

If placenta was frozen shortly after birth and not damaged from freezer-burn, it will still hold medicinal value. If frozen more than 6 months, the hormonal potency will decrease but nutritional value may be present. 

What does this cost?

See pricing. If your placenta cannot be obtained because of high fever or infection during birth or immediately after then I refund all but non-refundable deposit in 2 weeks of request. Gift certificates make a great baby shower gift for mom-to-be and can be purchased through me by her friends. Due to sensitive nature of this service, please no surprise gifts.