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What is Placenta Encapsulation?
Simply put, it is the process of drying, powdering and
encapsulating placenta for the purpose of consumption.
Why
would someone do that?
Did you know that nearly all mammals instinctively ingest their own placentas when they birth? We are mammals. What is strange is that we have lost this practice. The Chinese have not. They have been prescribing the placenta as medicine for the postpartum mother for centuries. The premise behind placenta encapsulation is that the negative conditions experienced by the postpartum woman can be safely and naturally remedied by the ingestion of the nutritional and hormonal properties contained in the placenta.
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Common
Postpartum Conditions
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Placenta Healing Benefits
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Basically the placenta takes over as the endocrine organ responsible for producing and regulating hormone levels in the mother. During the last trimester of pregnancy the placenta secretes so much CRH (corticotrophin releasing hormones) that the hypothalamus gets the message that it should stop producing it. At term blood levels of CRH are three times as high as normal. Mother gets used to these levels and then after birth there is a sudden drop in CRH with the expulsion of the placenta. It then takes 2-3 weeks for the hypothalamus to begin producing CRH again. This 2-3 week period is the critical time to replace the hormones still contained in the placenta in order to curb the “baby blues” and help the mother regain homeostasis.
Healing properties
in the placenta
- Placental CRH (Corticotrophin Releasing Hormone)-stress reducer
- Prolactin-promotes milk production
- Oxytocin-increases bonding and uterine contraction and lessens bleeding
- Progesterone and Estradiol-low levels are linked to depression
- Rich in Iron-anemia (lack of iron) is a significant risk factor for depression in postpartum
- Rich in Vitamin B6-an essential vitamin
What does it cost?
The Cost for a Traditional Chinese Medicine encapsulation is $250. This fee includes:
- Addressing mom's particular concerns and wishes
- Prompt placenta pick up
- Quickest processing time possible ( back to you within 12-48 hours)
- Several follow up calls for support and to answer questions
What Happens Next:
After you submit your registration two forms will be emailed to you. They need to be signed and returned either by mail or electronically. Payment is due no later that one week prior to the expected birthing date (Pay Pal on this site or send check). Once you are in labor, have your birth partner text or call us so that we can schedule your placenta pick up from your place of birthing. If you have already gone home, please secure your placenta in a zip lock bag and place it in the back part of your fridge or keep it in a cooler on ice until we get there. If it has been over 72 hours your placenta must be stored in the freezer.
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Raw placenta fruit smoothie
(Hospital deliveries excluded) Prepared soon after birth, provides a quick energy boost and significant cessation of bleeding-$30
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Umbilical keepsake
Mom will always have a physical keepsake of her child-free of charge
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Placenta tincture
Lasts for years and is used for immune remedy for both mom and child-$40
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Postpartum Doula Services
(see tab at top of page)-$25 per hour
What is the Traditional Chinese Encapsulation Process?
After the work area has been completely sterilized the placenta is placed in a colander and the amniotic sack and umbilical cord are removed and discarded. It is then bled thoroughly by gentle massage and rinsing for approximately 30 minutes. The next step is to lightly steam using the Traditional Chinese Medicine formula of fresh lemon, ginger, pepper and myrrh. After cooling, it is sliced into thin strips and dehydrated for approx 6 hours. After grinding the pieces into powder it is finally encapsulated and ready for consumption.
Note: It's important to check with your hospital AND your provider to see what their policies are regarding your placenta. There is no state law that requires it stay with the hospital. Law suits regarding the placenta from around the U.S. have ruled that the placenta belongs to the baby and since the baby is a minor, as the parent, you can do with it as you wish. If your placenta goes to lab, you have no way of knowing if it was handled in a safe manner. Labs are not sterile environments and in this case, it would not be safe to consume.
If testing must be done on the placenta you should explain your intentions of processing the placenta for ingestion and direct the health care professionals to clip only a small piece with sterile scissors for testing. Remember, you have the right to refuse all testing and keep the placenta with you.
All hospitals will require you to sign a release of tissue form before giving it to you. American Fork Hospital does not store it for you but allows you to keep it in your room on ice (bring your own cooler). This is why I am very prompt to pick up! Some hospitals will only release the placenta upon your discharge from their facility. Of course all birthing centers and midwives are 100% supportive of your encapsulation plans and you will have no complications with these.
*If we currently have a placenta in our home, yours will be picked up after the previous placenta is delivered and our home is sterilized and ready for yours.
