How many capsules will I get from my placenta?
The total yield of capsules often depends on the size of the baby, and the size of the placenta. Both are usually relative to each other. The choice of encapsulation method will also affects the total yield.
From experience, the total capsule yield has ranged from 60 to 240 capsules.
Most women will receive enough capsules to last between 4 – 8 weeks postpartum.
How long do the capsules last?
On average, placenta capsules have a 2 years shelf life if stored properly.
After the initial postnatal period, any leftover capsules can be transferred to a ziplock bag, and stored in the freezer to use for hormonal or stressful times. Such times may include the return of your menstrual cycle, milk supply concerns, returning to work.
After 2 years the nutritional and hormonal quality greatly decreases. If you have capsules left at 1-2 years postpartum your best option is to turn the powder into a tincture to stop any further degrading in quality.
What is the difference between the 2 methods of placenta encapsulation offered?
| TCM Method | Raw Method | |
| Is the placenta steamed? | Yes | No |
| Is the placenta dehydrated? | Yes | Yes |
| Dehydration temperature | 160F for first 2 hours 125F for the remaining time | 160F for first 4 hours 118F for the remaining time |
| For how long? | 10-14 hours | 16-24 hours |
| How many capsules? | 60-120 capsules | 100-200 or more capsules |
| Best prepared within | Within 72 hours after birth | First 24 hours after birth |
| Effects | Milder capsules, easier to digest | Nutrient and hormone dense capsules.
Dietary considerations like raw food diets. |
| Contraindications | Suitable for all moms | Not recommended if there’s a history of anxiety/depression |
How do I take the capsules?
You will receive full instructions regarding dosage with your capsules, the suggested dosage will be written in the label of the bottle and also in a separate handout.
Every woman and their postpartum period is different so I find it’s best to judge what dose suits you better according to how you feel and how you respond to the capsules.
The dosage instructions given are generalized. Different women have different needs and we will discuss what will be best for you. I suggest taking the capsules at meal times.
What sanitation precautions are taken?
Safety and hygiene are paramount with any kind of placenta preparation. The method I use consists of rigorous sanitation standards.
I have dedicated supplies and equipment. They are all stainless steel, food grade plastic and some of them disposable, so it is discarded after one use.
All submergible equipment are washed in very hot water with antibacterial soap, then sanitized in a bleach solution and air dried for a minimum of 10 min. Antiviral and antibacterial solutions are used for the non-submergible equipment.
As part of my initial training in 2014, I also obtained my National Food Safety Practices Certificate I also completed the Bloodborne Pathogens Training for Doulas and Placenta Encapsulators with Biologix Solutions.
Is my placenta safe for encapsulation…
… from either delayed or immediate cord clamping?
Either of them is fine, however the World Health Organization recommends to wait at least 3 minutes before clamping the cord.
Waiting until the cord stops pulsating and up to 3 hours has the most effective results for the newborn, ensuring that your baby receives the 30% of the blood that still circulating through the placenta and cord. This volume of blood belongs to your baby and it’s rich in red cells, white cells, stem cells, iron and oxygen that your baby needs to transition from the womb into the best possible start to life.
… if drugs were used such as an epidural in labour and/or if I had a C-Section?
The placenta is able to filter out medication quickly. It acts like an interface between mother and baby. There will be some epidural medication passed to the baby and a small residual amount left in the placental blood.
I have encapsulated placentas from women who have had epidurals, spinals, c-sections and inductions.
... from a waterbirth?
It is common for caregivers to ask the woman to leave the pool to birth the placenta. In some cases the placenta is birthed quickly so it may happens whilst in the water.
It is safe to encapsulate. Although sometimes, depending on the condition of the water the Raw Method may not be suitable and it’s recommended for the placenta to be steamed to make sure all bacteria are eliminated.
… from a lotus birth?
Yes, this is possible as long as the placenta is taken care of properly and diligently during the
lotus birth.
… if it is stained with meconium?
Yes. Meconium is dangerous for the baby to inhale, but is otherwise harmless. Your placenta is thoroughly washed and the membranes removed before the encapsulation process begins. The high heat of steaming and/or dehydrating eliminated any remaining bacteria.
… if I tested positive for Group B Strep?
Group B streptococcus (GBS) is one of the normal bacterias that can be found in a pregnant woman’s vagina or rectum.
At around 36 weeks gestation you will be tested to alert your care provider for this to become a problem during labour. Some women choose to be treated for it and others don’t.
Regardless of your choice, your placenta can still be encapsulated as the high heat of steaming and/or dehydration will eliminate any remaining bacteria.
.
On the 30th June 2017, the Centres for Disease Control and Infection (CDC) in America published a report associating the consumption of placenta capsules by a mother with the late onset of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) infection in her infant.
Since then there has been numerous news reports, articles, discussions within the birth and parenting communities on social media and speculation by many. But what do we actually know about this case and about the process of placenta encapsulation?
Please read https://placentaassociation.com/group-b-strep-placenta-encapsulation-safety-gbs/
for more information.
... if it was sent to pathology for testing?
When the placenta is sent to pathology there are always risks associated. There is a chance
that the placenta has been contaminated with chemicals, that the equipment used for examination has not been properly sterilized and even the placenta that was returned does not belong to you.
If your placenta needs to be taken to pathology for any reason, you can ask your care provider to take a little piece of it to examine while the rest is properly stored for encapsulation. If the results come back negative then you can still go ahead with your choices.
... and also do cord blood banking?
Yes, you can do both. You will need to voice your wishes to keep the placenta for encapsulation to the company you are using, and therefore to have it handled as a food product at the time of cord blood collection.
… if it has calcifications?
Yes. Small areas of calcification within the placenta often disintegrate during the drying process. Larger deposits are removed prior to the process. They offer no benefit to the new mother, and also cause no harm.
… if I developed pre-eclampsia in late pregnancy or during labour?
The development of preeclampsia does not exclude using it for encapsulation. After the birth your placenta will be examined routinely for irregularities and problems. If your care provider detect an issue or infection in the placenta, it will be sent to pathology and therefore it will not be possible to encapsulate
… if I have placenta previa?
Yes. This has no effect on the ability to encapsulate the placenta.
… if I have gestational diabetes?
Yes. Whether diet-controlled or insulin-controlled, this does not affect the ability to encapsulate the placenta.
… if I have smoked throughout my pregnancy?
Please contact me to discuss this.
… if it has been frozen?
If your placenta was handled and stored properly soon after birth and also properly frozen ideally within 24 hours from the birth and up to 4 days of properly storage in the refrigerator) then it is safe to encapsulate for up to six months after the birth.
The process of encapsulation will be longer, as the placenta will need to be completely thaw in the refrigerator first.
If the placenta has been frozen more than once then it will not be possible to encapsulate.
... if my baby was premature or of low birth weight?
Depending on the level of prematurity, the placenta may still be used. Smaller babies typically have smaller placentas, so the amount of capsules will be less than that of an average full term baby. If the hospital does not send the placenta to pathology, encapsulation is recommended! Mums of premature babies often need a little extra support for their breast milk to come in and balancing their postpartum mood. Even if your doctor wants to culture the placenta, you can often negotiate to have just a piece of the placenta taken to pathology so you can encapsulate the rest.
… if I have twins or triplets?
Yes although there will be an additional fee, as the process will take more time and more supplies. Please contact me for details.
When it is NOT possible to encapsulate a placenta?
- Chemically contaminated placentas in pathology, either sanitizing or preserving.
- Placentas that have sat out longer than 4-5 hours at room temperature post birth with no preservation methods.
- Placentas that have sat in the refrigerator for more than 4-5 days without being frozen.
- Uterine infections or chorioamnionitis ( an inflammation of the fetal membranes due to bacterial infection)
- Heavy drug usage.
- Heavy smoking during pregnancy.
- Cancer of the placenta, which is called choriocarcinoma.
Is anything else put in the capsules with the dried placenta?
No. There are no binders, fillers or preservatives added into the capsules. The content is 100% your placenta.
Can I have a tincture made as well as have my placenta encapsulated?
Yes. A placenta tincture is made from taking a very small portion (almond size) of the raw or steamed placenta, whichever is preferred, and placing it in a prepared solution of high grade alcohol for a minimum of 6 weeks. .
Tinctures can be used once your placenta capsules are finished. Stored in a cool, dark place the tincture will remain shelf-stable for many years. .
Can I request the cord is also dried as a keepsake?
Yes. The ability to dry the cord into a keepsake shape will depend of the length that has been left uncut. You can always request your caregiver cuts the cord ‘long’; meaning leaving as much length to the placenta end of the cord as possible.
What happens if you are not available to encapsulate my placenta when I’ve had my baby?
If for some unforeseen circumstances I am not able to complete your encapsulation within a suitable time frame, I will enlist the services of one of my trusted backup providers. This would be the case if I was at a birth (as a doula), unwell or away unexpectedly.
I only use fully trained and experienced Placenta Encapsulation Specialists, and those that I know personally. These women are also doulas, so are very sensitive to the needs and circumstances surrounding the new mother. If this situation arises, I will advise you as soon as possible and contact my backup provider who will then get in touch with you.
Why is a dehydrator used, and not an oven?
A good quality dehydrator removes the moisture out evenly. It can also be set to a very low and specific temperature; consistent with the preparation of raw and living foods, keeping the nutrients and enzymes intact. It is true that the placenta is steamed slightly before being dehydrated, but it is a low and slow steam only for a short time period. Using an oven to dehydrate can be tricky as most don’t go below 70°, and temperatures and ‘hot spots’ can fluctuate. The last thing you want is a burnt placenta!
Is there any time that I shouldn’t take the capsules?
According to the TCM principles of using placenta, it is recommended that the capsules are not taken if the mother is experiencing symptoms of an infection, fever, cold/flu, including mastitis. This is due to the energetic of the placenta being ‘warming and ascending’. It is viewed that adding this energy onto an already ‘warm’ condition is thought to worsen the symptoms and delay the re balancing of homeostasis.