FAQs

Q: How many capsules will I receive?

The amount of capsules varies from placenta to placenta. It will depend on the size of your placenta, as well as the method chosen.  You can expect anywhere from 80 capsules to upwards of 200+. Traditional Method tends to yield less capsules due to the steaming process.

Q: Is it easy to keep the placenta after birth?

In Massachusetts, the placenta is not considered "medical waste" if the patient chooses to keep it. Many hospitals in Massachusetts already have a policy in place for placental release, which often includes a release form, as well as offering a leakproof container for transport. It's advisable to discuss your decision with your health provider and put your wishes in your birth plan so all are aware you plan on keeping your placenta. 

Q: What if I have a c-section?

The same would apply for c-section births as vaginal births. Be sure your doctor is aware you are keeping the placenta. In the event you cannot advocate for yourself, be sure your birth support is also aware of your choice so they may ensure you keep your placenta.

Q: Are there circumstances where consumption is not recommended?

Yes. Unfortunately, if there was an infection or fever during birth, it's not recommended that the client consume their placenta. Be sure to discuss this with your doctor if a fever or infection is suspected, leading to possible infection of the placenta. In most cases, if there is any suspicion that the placenta is infected, it will be sent to pathology for further testing. If the placenta is sent to pathology, or taken out of your sight at any time, it's not recommended to consume the placenta. Instead, ask if a piece of the placenta can be tested, while the rest is stored properly. If an infection is not detected, the rest of the placenta will be safe for consumption. Improper storage of the placenta after birth must be taken seriously to ensure safe handling and avoid spoilage. If refrigeration is not available, the client is advised to bring a cooler to keep the placenta on ice until arrangements can be made to get the placenta to the specialist. Improper storage can lead to food poisoning.

Q: What is the process time for encapsulation?

The whole process takes two days. Day 1 will be preparation of the placenta and dehydrating for a minimum of 12-18 hours. The following day will entail grinding and encapsulating.  The client can expect a 48-72 hour turnaround. It is ideal if the client begins taking the capsules by or before day 3 postpartum. Dosage recommendations will be given with completed capsules. 

Q: I am planning on banking cord blood/delaying cord clamping. Can I still encapsulate?

Yes! No nutrients will be lost with either process. Encapsulation is compatible.

Q: What is your service area?

I service all areas within 25 miles of 01453. This includes pick up of placenta and drop off of capsules.  Areas beyond this would be subject to a travel fee. Alternatively, this fee could be waived if the placenta is brought to me. I am always willing to work with clients.

Q: I have Group B Strep, will I be able to encapsulate?

Yes. Group B Strep is not considered a contraindication for encapsulation. In most cases, if no fever or infection was present at birth, encapsulation would be acceptable, however only in the traditional method, where the placenta would be steamed prior to dehydrating.

Q: I have Gestational Diabetes, will I benefit from encapsulation?

Yes, a mother with gestational diabetes would still benefit from placenta encapsulation and it's not considered a contraindication.  It's recommended that the client montior her blood sugar over the course of the first 3 days of consumption, and to discontinue for 7 days if there are any adverse reactions before starting up again. However, many mother's claim positive experiences with no issues.

Q: I'm not sure encapsulation is for me.

Often times a mother isn't sure if she wants to go through with encapsulation or not. A great option for those who are on the fence is to freeze the placenta until a future date. A frozen placenta, free of frostbite and frozen immediately after birth will be available for encapsulation 6 months to a year after birth. Although encapsulation benefits are best during the immediate postpartum period, many mothers can benefit from the increase in energy and hormone stabilization months after birth.

Q: My baby passed meconium during labor, can I still encapsulate?

Meconium is not a contraindication, however it would require TCM preparation (steaming) to ensure safe consumption. I also do a vinegar rinse during prep to wash off any bacteria or impurities.

Q: Is it safe to encapsulate if I had an epidural, pitocin, or any other drugs during labor?

Yes. The concern is often how much of the drugs are left behind in the placenta tissue after labor & delivery. Many pain relieving drugs have a short half life and are only active for a few hours at a time, the same with pitocin. The thought with an epidural and pitocin is relatively the same, depending on how long the epidiural or pitocin have been administered may determine how much is left behind in the placenta, though the residual amount would be miniscule. Many mothers have encapsulated after an epidural and/or pitocin and claimed positive results with no issues.

Safety. Speed. Service.

• APPA Trained

• Trained in accordance to OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard 29 CFR 1090.1030.

• Certified Massachusetts Food Handler

• 72 hour turn around, often sooner!