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. Most women will receive enough capsules to last between 4 – 8 weeks postpartum.
What if I have a c-section?
You can still encapsulate even if you have a cesarean. Be sure to tell your provider, include it in your birth plan, and have your partner or doula advocate for you to take your placenta home.
When is consumption not recommended?
If there was an infection during birth, it's not recommended that the client consume their 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.
What is the difference between the two methods?
Is there any time I shouldn't take my 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 energetics 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.
What is the process time?
Turn around time is typically 2-5 days.
Isn't the placenta a filter and filled with toxins?
The placenta is a facilitator organ designed to transfer oxygen and nutrients to the baby, therefore it is nutrient rich. It functions similarly to lungs as an exchange/transfer organ and is not a toxic filter, like the liver or kidneys.
The metabolic toxins from the baby are sent back via the placenta to the mother’s liver to be detoxified from her system. The placenta does prevent some toxins from passing through to the baby but they are not stored in the placenta.
What are some possible benefits from consuming your placenta?
-
Increased oxytocin, which helps the uterus return to normal size and encourages bonding with the infant
-
Increase in CRH, a stress-reducing hormone
-
A decrease in post-partum depression levels
-
Restoration of iron levels in the blood
-
Increase in milk production
Data, in a small study, has demonstrated that following the preparation process, hormones do remain present in placentas. Researchers have found that levels of both progesterone and estradiol are present at high enough levels that they could cause physiological effects when consumed. According to the American Pregnancy Association, placenta encapsulation has demonstrated to assist with mood stabilization through supplementing oxytocin levels. Additionally, this suggests that placenta encapsulation has a potential regulatory effect on postpartum hormones, which can affect both postpartum mood and milk supply.