Placenta Encapsulation
Placenta Services
As an expecting parent, you have spent a great deal of time preparing for your child’s birth. You’ve researched providers and hospitals, taken childbirth classes, created baby registries and spent endless time researching and learning about how to care for your newborn. So often during this time mother’s overlook their own personal postpartum wellness.
During the birth of your child, your body looses a great deal of blood, iron, and nutrients. In addition, your hormones are all over the place all the while you and your new baby are learning a new routine and you are most likely running on fumes. Herein lies the amazing properties of your placenta! Sometimes referred to as the tree of life, your placenta is rich in so many of the things that your body needs replenishing of. By encapsulating your placenta you are re-introducing these wonderful nutrients back into your body to help you recover.
Some of the known healing properties of the placenta include:
* Oxytocin- Referred to as the LOVE hormone, oxytocin promotes bonding, has great aphrodisiac properties that help with pain relief, and helps reduces postpartum bleeding.
* Prolactin- Helps promote a healthy milk supply
* Hemoglobin- Helps to boost energy
* Iron: Helps to replenish iron lost during childbirth as well as increase energy and decrease in fatigue and depression.
* Thyroid stimulating hormone- Regulates the thyroid and boosts energy
* Human Placental Lactogen (hPl): Aids in mammary gland growth to help prepare lactation in the mother.
Mother’s who chose to encapsulate their placenta report:
* Less occurrence of postpartum depression or the “baby blues”
* Less postpartum bleeding and pain
* A fuller milk supply
* Less sluggishness due to an increased level of energy
Preparation Methods
Raw Method
When using the raw method the placenta is sliced, dehydrated and then ground into a powder and put into capsules. Raw food activists believe that steaming the placenta destroys some of the essential nutrients. Using this raw preparation method creates a high yield of very nutrient and hormone dense capsules. Many users have found that raw preparation provides a burst of energy upfront and is a great hormone stabilizer. If you have a history of anxiety, insomnia or bipolar tendencies, raw preparation might not be right for you, as consuming your placenta raw with these predisposed tendencies may lead you to feel jittery and overwhelmed.
Heated Method
Inspired by Traditional Chinese Medicine, the theory behind the heated preparation is that the process of labor and birth leaves a lot of open, empty space, which is considered to be cold or “yin.” To help restore balance with the “yang” the placenta is gently steamed. This method of preparation involves cleaning the placenta, gently steaming the placenta and then dehydrating the placenta before grinding and putting it into capsules. Using this preparation is thought to bring out the placentas healing and toning properties as well healing the uterus.
Placenta Tincture
Making a tincture from your placenta is another way to stretch out its longevity. A small portion of placenta is added to >100 proof alcohol and set to ferment for 6 weeks. Some of the benefits include hormone stabilization in your postpartum cycles, less bleeding during those cycles, energy and for menopause years down the road.
“Christine worked quickly to transform my placenta so I could begin taking it the next evening. I was so surprised at how fast she processed everything. It was very helpful in my healing process. My endless gratitude to her for putting care and speed into her work. I highly recommend her services.”
– Jahnan, owner of Hibscus Healing
Photo Credit: Emeigh Photography
Placenta Encapsulation
Packages & Options:
Basic Encapsulation: $325
* An initial consultation, (phone or via Skype), to discuss both the benefits and risks of placenta encapsulation. We will use this time to answer any questions you may have about encapsulation and to discuss the different methods of preparation that you have to choose from.
* Choice of raw or steamed preparation for your capsules.
* Pick up of your placenta after delivery during business hours.
* You may also chose to have the umbilical cord dried into an optional cord keepsake.
* A brief postpartum follow up when I drop off your capsules. At this time, you will receive instructions on suggested dosage, and storage guidelines, and I will answer any questions or concerns you may have.
Encapsulation with Print: $335
* Includes everything in the Basic Encapsulation as well as a placenta print.
* All placenta prints are done on acid free watercolor paper.
* Your placenta is painted with blood or food grade dye to make a beautiful keepsake that will last forever.
Full Encapsulation: $375
* Includes everything in the above encapsulation/print combo package as well as a 4 oz tincture.
Placenta Services Add On Options:
Split Preparation (half raw, half steamed): $25
Additional Placenta Print: $5
Twin Placenta Preparation: $50
Prepared Organic Placenta Smoothie: $15
Current Placenta Services Trainings and Certifications:
* Trained Placenta Encapsulator, IPPA
* OSHA Certificate in Bloodborne Pathogens
* Pennsylvania Food Handler’s Safety Certificate, ServSafe
For Your Safety: I adhere to all OSHA, EPA and ServSafe guidelines regarding blood-borne pathogen transmission, infection prevention, standards for sanitation, and safe food handling. All encapsulating materials used are disposable (when possible) or thoroughly cleaned and disinfected between each use and all materials meet food grade standards.
Disclaimer: The placenta capsules being prepared are for your own personal consumption and are not designed to reverse medical conditions or ailments from pregnancy, to treat postpartum depression, to ensure normal milk supply or to replace medical attention. I am not a licensed medical professional and I am not able to diagnose, treat or prescribe for any health condition. Each woman will react to her placenta capsules in different ways. Some of the ascribed benefits of placenta consumption are supported by ongoing research; however these benefits have not been evaluated or approved by the United States government or the Food and Drug Administration. It is your responsibility to determine whether using placenta capsules can be beneficial to your postpartum well being.