FAQs

Placenta encapsulation is the process of drying, grinding, and placing the placenta into capsules for consumption. It is a homeopathic remedy, meaning it is a natural alternative to traditional medicine.

The placenta is a temporary organ, grown during pregnancy, that joins the mother and fetus, and transfers oxygen and nutrients from the mother to the fetus.

-The functions of the placenta are: [B.R.E.E.D]

·Barrier/Filter- The placenta acts as a protective barrier to prevent an abundance of maternally ingested toxins from reaching the fetus.

·Respiratory- The placenta brings oxygenated blood to the fetus.

·Endocrine (hormonal)- The placenta becomes partially responsible for producing some of the hormones that support the pregnancy.

·Excretory-The placenta is responsible for removing the waste created by the fetus.

·Digestive- The placenta is responsible for bringing nourishment to the fetus through the umbilical cord.

There are 2 methods of encapsulation, The Raw Method, and the Traditional Chinese Method (TCM).

I use TCM which consists of steaming placenta over an infusion of fresh lemon & ginger.

These warming herbs familiar to Chinese medicine are believed to warm & energize you, destroy bacteria & preserve placenta.

•Decrease in postpartum mood disorders

•Decrease in stress hormones

•Restoration of iron levels following bleeding after birth

•Reduced postnatal bleeding

•Increased milk supply

•Potential for losing baby weight

•Uterus to return back to pre-pregnancy size faster

•An increased production of oxytocin

(Oxytocin acts as a chemical messenger and has an important role in many human behaviors including recognition, trust, mother-infant bonding, etc.)

Placenta encapsulation is a specialty birth service, which means prices can easily reach upwards of $400. However, I would like to be inclusive to all people, including those of lower financial status. I have created an all-in-one package for $250. I am also offering payment plans for those who book prior to giving birth. If you are experiencing financial hardships but still want to encapsulate your placenta, contact me and we can discuss your options.

The birth service package that I provide includes placenta capsules, placenta tincture, placenta salve, umbilical cord keepsake, and placenta print (if possible).

Unfortunately, most insurances do not cover placenta encapsulation as it is a specialty birth service, therefore, I do not accept insurance as a form of payment. However, there are cases in which your insurance company will reimburse you. Contact your insurance company for their specifications.

Absolutely! Placenta encapsulation is a wonderful gift for parents who would like to experience natural postpartum healing. Please contact me to discuss more.

A placenta tincture is a solution of 80+ proof alcohol infused with dried placenta. It can be used after the capsules are gone to:

·Balance postpartum hormonal fluctuations

·Help reduce symptoms of PMS

·Soothe indigestion

·Decrease insomnia and sleep disorders

·Stabilize mood

·Ease anxiety and emotional distress

Placenta salve is a lotion, cream, or ointment made with oil, beeswax (optional), essential oils (optional), and dehydrated placenta powder. It can be used on most skin irritations, minor wounds, or just as a soothing balm. Many clients find that it helps soothe a healing perineum or cesarean incision after birth and can be used on your baby's diaper area. Can also be used on cracked nipples, stretch marks, parent/child eczema, etc.

The encapsulation process takes 2 days, 2-3 hours each day.

Day 1- setup, placenta print, steaming, prep overnight dehydration process, cleanup.

Day 2- setup, check dehydrator, begin grinding process- tincture & salve process, fill capsules, cleanup.

The number of capsules depends on the size of the placenta. Your body naturally produces a placenta in the size that you need to recover. It typically produces between 80-200 capsules.

The size 00 capsules that I use are 100% plant based, made from vegetable cellulose. They are vegan, vegetarian, Certified kosher, and Certified halal. They are also free of gluten, GMO’s, additives, preservatives, BSE/TSE, and Sodium Lauryn Sulfates.

-You should NOT consume capsules if an infection develops such as mastitis, flu, or a cold with fever. The “warming” effect of the placenta can counteract the body's natural healing process. Once symptoms are gone for at least 24 hours, you may resume normal consumption.

-You should also pay attention to your body. If you experience any negative side effects, you should stop taking your capsules immediately. If the side effect continues then it was likely not the placenta capsules, and you may continue to take them. However, if the side effects go away you can decide to lower dosage, or to stop all together.

As a ProDoula certified postpartum placenta specialist, your safety and peace of mind, and my professionalism are my priorities. The guidelines that I am required to hold myself accountable to, exceed the standards of my industry. It benefits you to have this process done in your home in the following ways:

·You can be confident that your placenta is, in fact, yours and is the only one in your home and you brought it there yourself.

·There is no risk of your placenta being exposed to any unfamiliar bacteria that may interfere with a healthy postpartum recovery.

·As a postpartum placenta specialist, I can support you best when I am with you. I am trained and certified to educate and support you during this. Also, I want you to reap my offerings full benefits.

Your decision to encapsulate your placenta is a personal one and it may not be for everyone. Sharing decisions about birth, parenting, and postpartum recovery that are personal to you may expose you to unnecessary judgment from others. Choose what is best for you and make no apologies for those decisions.

Your finished product will look like any other vitamin or supplement and will not cause a visitor to question it.

This is entirely up to you and your comfort level. Whatever you decide is how we will move forward. As a professional, it is my desire to make the process as smooth and comfortable for you as possible.

-Capsules should be stored in the back of the refrigerator, and transferred to the freezer for long-term use.

-Tincture should be stored in in a cool, dark location such as a cabinet. It is not required to be refrigerated or frozen.

-Salve should be refrigerated, to extend its life.

Most hospitals are fairly easy to work with in regards to having your placenta released. However, it is important to let them know when you arrive at the hospital for delivery that you would like to keep your placenta. Once the medical staff inspects and deems placenta is healthy you will sign a release form/ waiver. I can also provide you with a waiver to bring with you to the hospital, just in case.

In the rare event that the placenta needs to be sent to pathology, discuss with medical staff whether they can send a small sample so that you can still take the rest.

If the entire placenta is sent to pathology, it is not possible to encapsulate.

-Gestational diabetes

-GBS positive

-Cesarean birth

-Premature birth

-Delayed cord clamping

-Cord blood collection or donation

-Yeast infection at the time of birth

-Meconium staining

-Cholestasis

-Depression or anxiety medication

-Medications administered during labor, including:

-Narcotics, Pitocin, Epidural Medication

These conditions should not prevent the consumption of one’s placenta

If you have any blood-borne virus such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, or HIV/AIDs.

Also, if you smoked during pregnancy, if the placenta was stores incorrectly, or if there is a uterine infection present.

If there is more than one placenta, as in the case with fraternal twins, the placentas are encapsulated together. There may be an upcharge for the extra time and materials needed.

Postpartum Placenta Specialist Certification

OSHA bloodborne Pathogen Certification

Food Handlers Food Safety Certification

You can contact me as soon as you decide you would like my services. I can be reached through email or by phone.

ecb.birthservices@gmail.com Deanna: 475-343-2745 (Call or Text)

If you contact me before giving birth we can discuss, plan, and prepare. However, if you contact me after birth, and the placenta is stored properly, we can still schedule the encapsulation.

I am located in Meriden, Connecticut. I offer services within 30 minutes of Meriden. Towns further than 30 minutes away will have a travel fee.

The first step is to decide whether placenta encapsulation is right for you. Once you have done your own research and have decided my services work for you, we can discuss payment methods and payment plans. A contract will be signed, and basic timeline is created around the due date. A travel kit will be provided to you before giving birth, so you have one less thing to worry about.

I ask that you notify me by phone call within 12 hours of giving birth to make arrangements to begin the encapsulation process. It can be done as soon as the placenta arrives to your home, or it can be kept frozen for a later date (within 3 months of birth). After the placenta is encapsulated, I will reach out to you every so often to check in and make sure everything is going well.