General Questions:
What is placenta encapsulation?
Placenta encapsulation is a more modern way to ‘consume’ your placenta and a growing practice because of the astounding benefits. Consuming the placenta after birth is something that has been done for centuries by humans and mammals.
What are the benefits?
Read about all the amazing benefits on our Placenta Encapsulation Benefits page.
What causes these benefits?
There are several components in the placenta that cause these amazing benefits. Such as various mineral, trace elements, hormones, vitamins, stem cells, opioids, fatty acids, amino acids, indoleamines, glucose stores, and more. Read more on each component on our Placenta Components Page
What products do you offer?
- Placenta Capsules (the best vitamin you’ll ever take)
- Placenta Tinctures (with long-lasting shelf life)
- Placenta Salves (seriously… so many uses)
- Placenta Keepsakes (perfect for the baby book/box)
What’s the price?
Packaging starting at $297. All packages include completed placenta products, pickup/drop-off within 40 miles of Wentzville, MO (extended mileage available for addtl cost.), printed storage/dosage/usage information for each product, text/call/ email support from certified placenta specialist. See all of the available packages here.
What are the types of placenta encapsulation?
There are 2 different types of placenta encapsulation. Traditional Chinese Inspired Method (also known as TCM/Heated Method) and the RAW method. As a standard, I prepared with the TCM/Heated Method, unless otherwise specified. Read more about the differences here.
What certifications/licenses do you have for placenta encapsulation?
I am a Certified Placenta Encapsulator through Brilliant Birth Academy™, meaning I have completed all their education and tutorial material, completed two book studies, and sat for a comprehensive exam (that required a certain passing rate). I have completed my Biologix OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Training for Placenta Encapsulation Professionals, and will renew certification annually as required. I have completed food-handlers courses with an ANSI accredited program, and will renew my license every two years, as required.
Do you follow state/nationwide regulations?
There are no statewide/nationwide regulations for placenta encapsulation. I do however have a home occupation license, follow all regulations and recommendations from OSHA in regards to bloodborne pathogen and follow all regulations and recommendations from an ANSI accredited food handler class. This process is done in a personal, non-commercial kitchen that has not be accredited or approved by OSHA or any Food Safety and Handling Governing Board. If you choose to use my services, you are putting trust in me that this process is completed in a sanitary and safe environment.
Where is the placenta encapsulated?
All processing is done in a placenta-only processing kitchen addition in the low level of our home. Therefore, it is not around the normal day-to-day exposures of a normal kitchen such as food, pets, children, etc. This placenta-only processing kitchen has a coded door handle and I am the only one with access to it.
How long have you been encapsulating placentas? How many placentas have you encapsulated?
I’ve been encapsulating placentas since 2015, and officially as a business since 2018. As of January 2022, I have encapsulated just over 320 singleton placentas and 6 sets of di-di twin placentas.
Is this process FDA Approved?
This service has not been evaluated by the FDA. The services offered are not clinical, pharmaceutical, or intended to diagnose or treat any condition. Families who choose to utilize these services take full responsibility for their own health and for researching and using capsules.
Process Questions?
What do I need to do ahead of time?
Ideally, the following needs to be completed by 36 weeks of pregnancy. But, please, if you are past that point, don’t let it deter you from having your placenta encapsulated.
- Complete the Client Sign-up Form
- Next, you’ll receive information on the paperwork to be completed. A simple liability waiver and copies of previous bloodwork for HIV, hepatitis, etc.
- Then, tell your doctor or midwife that you intend to have your placenta encapsulated put it on your birth plan, have them put it in your chart). Just to make sure everyone is on the same page and the placenta doesn’t get thrown out in the excitement of baby arriving.
What do I need to do after baby is born?
Once baby is delivered and things have calmed down, please contact me. My pickup hours are 8:00am – 8:00pm. We will arrange pick-up time asap. Your provider may require you sign a release in order to keep your placenta. If so, please have that completed prior to our arranged pick-up time.
What do I need to do with my placenta before pick-up?
It is your responsibility to keep the placenta refrigerated and/or on ice until our arranged pick-up time. If you’re having a hospital birth, please bring your own cooler/large lunch box and be prepared to use their large ice machine because most hospital may not offer refrigeration of placentas. Please make sure the placenta is double bagged and then put in a container that does not leak. This ensures sanitation for both parties during transport. Most providers will take care of this for you, this note is more for homebirths.
What kind of cooler do you recommend?
You likely have something that already works, anything from a picnic style cooler to a large waterproof lunch box with a plastic insert/liner will work. Just ensure it doesn’t leak. Sometimes the hospital will place the placenta in a plastic container that may not fit into smaller cooler. If choosing a smaller cooler, you can pack (2) 1-gallon size ziptop bags into your hospital bags and ask the staff to transfer and double bag the placenta into those ziptop bags in order to fit into your cooler.
What are the storage guidelines for the placenta before pick-up?
- Room Temperature: Encapsulation is not recommended if the placenta is/was at room temperature for longer than 4 hours without any cooling preservation methods.
- Refrigerator: Encapsulation is not recommended if the placenta is/was held in the refrigerator for more than 5 days without freezing.
- Freezer: Encapsulation is not recommended if the placenta is/was held in the freezer for more than 6 months.
- Not adhering to above guidelines can lead to varying degrees of placenta spoilage, adding a risk of bacterial growth.
- If client continues with consumption against advisement, results could be similar to food poisoning symptoms. It is up to the client to make an informed decision.
What happened if birth plans change?
If birth plans change and you are transferred to a different location, I am more than happy to travel to your new location for pick-up/drop-off within my mileage range or as discussed.
How long until I get my completed capsules?
The placenta will usually be encapsulated in a 24-48 hour time frame. I do not encapsulate more than one placenta in each station at a time to avoid cross contamination. If I have another client’s placenta mid-process when you deliver it may push back your delivered capsules a day or so.
What supplies do you use?
Supplies consists of kitchen equipment such as stainless steel pot, stainless steel colander, dehydrator, capsule press machine, various sets of tongs, scissors, etc. and disposable equipment such as sanitation towels, gloves, gowns, absorbent pads, etc. All supplies that touch your placenta are either disposable or designated for placenta encapsulation use only.
Do you offer client in-home preparation?
I do not offer client-home preparation for various reasons. Placenta encapsulation and other services include several small steps with resting time in between across the two day process. Therefore preparation in a client’s home would mean a lot of additional driving/travel time, packing up the various tools used and transporting them in a sterile way, being in the new mother’s/baby’s ‘space’ while recovering, exposing the new mom/baby to various smells of the sanitation/dehydration process, etc. There is zero difference in preparation location when it comes to microbiome as long as all safety/sanitary protocols are met. The academy that my placenta encapsulation certification is through states: “We are in alignment with all other service-based occupations with a high risk of blood exposure, none of which require you to provide [clients] own tools for services rendered, and none of which require services to be performed in the client home. We have confidence in our placenta workers and the mothers they service to be able to come to a safe and agreeable decision on a preparation location and do not believe this decision required institutional interference.” ~Brilliant Birth Academy
Are you a nut free home? Allergy free home? Cigarette free home? Pet free home?
- Nut/other allergies: We are not a nut free home. However, all processing is done in a placenta-only processing kitchen addition in the low level of our home. Therefore, it is not around the normal day-to-day exposures of a normal kitchen such as food, pets, children, etc. This placenta-only processing kitchen has a coded door handle and I am the only one with access to it. That being said, I cannot guarantee all allergens are avoided. The use of my services should be a personal decision based on your allergies/severity of the allergies. Please let me know ahead of time if you have any specific allergies.
- Latex allergy: I most commonly use latex gloves as part of my PPEs. If you have a latex allergy, let me know and I can use vinyl/nitrile gloves instead.
- We are a cigarette free home.
- We do have one dog, however all processing is done in a placenta-only processing kitchen addition in the low level of our home. Therefore, it is not around the normal day-to-day exposures of a normal kitchen such as food, pets, children, etc. This placenta-only processing kitchen has a coded door handle and I am the only one with access to it. That being said, I cannot guarantee all allergens are avoided.
How do I know I am getting my placenta?
Each placenta is tagged with clients name and date, the label stays with the placenta though every step of the way. I rarely have more than one placenta in my possession at a time, but in the rare instance that I do, only one placenta is kept in each station at a time to avoid cross contamination/mix-ups. If I have another client’s placenta mid-process when you deliver it may push back timeframe of your completed capsules.
What if you get push-back from doctor about keeping your placenta?
With placenta services becoming more common, most doctors/facilities will give you the placenta without much issue. However, some providers are not as graceful about it. Here’s a little more information incase that is the case with your doctor/facility. You DO NOT need the doctor’s or hospital’s “permission” to keep your placenta. It is currently illegal in all 50 states to prevent parents from keeping placenta, it’s considered a “trespass to the person” and can even be considered a type of bodily battery if they try. You DO NOT have to share your reasoning for keeping the placenta. They need to be respectful of all culture/religious/choices/values surrounding your placenta. Keep the placenta in your possession, in your hospital room. As it is difficult to get the placenta back once taken by staff, and you cannot be clear of how the placenta was cared for/stored while away. Assign dad, doula, birth partner, another family member, etc. to advocate for the placenta to avoid loss/contamination since you’ll be recovering and likely with new baby. Depending on the policies of your provider/facility, you may be required to sign a ‘release form’ or ‘liability form’ in order to keep your placenta.
Product Questions:
What is the Tree of Life Print?
The Tree of Life Print is basically a stamp of the vein side of the placenta. Each looks different, as each placenta is unique. I cannot guarantee the look of completed print. If you do not want it completed, just let me know. It does not remove any cost.
What is the umbilical cord keepsake?
The umbilical cord is removed and formed into a heart (if enough cord is left attached) and it is dehydrated along with the placenta. It’s just something cool to keep in a baby box to remember the lifeline that connected mom and baby. If you do not want it completed, just let me know. It does not remove any cost.
What kind of capsules do you use?
As a standard I use ‘Capsuline’ brand size 0 clear gelatin capsules which are 100% BSE free, no additives or preservatives, gluten free, KOSHER and HALAL verified, manufactured in a cGMP facility. The ingredients are: bovine gelatin, purified water. I do have vegan capsules available, if requested. The vegetarian/vegan capsules are ‘Capsule Express’ brand and are also gluten free, made with non-GMO ingredients, certified kosher and HALAL, free of additives, preservatives. The vegetarian/vegan capsules ingredients are: vegetable cellulose 100% plant based.
What goes into the placenta capsules?
Is it 100% just your placenta, we do not add supplements, herbs, spices, or other additives to your placenta capsules
What is the storage recommendations for completed placenta capsules (and other items)?
Complete dosage recommendations, storage recommendations, and more will be provided along with your completed items.
What is the dosage for the completed placenta capsules (and other items)?
Dosage depends a few factors, such as encapsulation method. Dosage starts higher and changes throughout the weeks postpartum gentle weaning you off the capsules. Complete dosage recommendations, storage recommendations, and more will be provided along with your completed items.
Do you offer placenta tincture?
Yes, both raw and powdered tinctures are available. As a standard, tinctures are prepared using the powdered method, unless specified. Complete tincture steeping instructions, storage, dosage, and other notes will be provided with completed items. Read more about tinctures here.
Do you offer placenta salves?
Yes, both raw stem cell and powdered salves are available. As a standard, one raw salve and one powdered salve is prepared for clients who choose the package that includes the salves. Complete usage instructions, storage, dosage, and other notes will be provided with completed items. Read more about salves here.
Why is your price is higher/lower than others?
Prices are based on several factors… the time it take to communicate with mothers before the process begins, driving time, time to sanitize, time to actually encapsulate. The cost of equipment, such as kitchen equipment, dehydrator, capsule press machine, etc. The cost of sanitation, such as disposable gloves/gowns, absorbent pads, etc. And even the added cost of items such as my previous training, certification renewal costs, printing, website fees, etc. So, prices are based on what I feel is fair-market value for the process you’re receiving, the price may change in the future as the market grows and changes.
Location Questions:
What areas do you service?
I’m located in Wetnzville, Missouri and service the following counties: St. Louis City and County, St. Charles County, Warren County, and Lincoln County. Service area is within 40 miles from Wentzville, MO. Extended service area is 40-60 miles from Wentzville, MO ($25 additional travel fee applies).
Can we meet within your mileage range/extended mileage range to still use Midwest Placenta and/or avoid extended mileage fee?
Of course, we can meet wherever in the Midwest Placenta mileage ‘bubble’ to get you placenta services.
Do you offer shipping?
Yes, if you’re located outside of my serving range, we have a shipping program where you pay a little extra to receive a shipping kit what has everything you need to prepare, freeze, package, and ship your placenta to Midwest Placenta! Learn more here.
Can I have my placenta encapsulated if…?
Can I have my placenta encapsulated if placenta is sent to pathology?
Once the full placenta is sent to pathology, encapsulation is no longer recommended. It is often exposed to preserving chemicals, sanitization measures, examination equipment, not-ideal storage, etc. Ask if a small section of placenta can be sent to pathology instead, and you can keep the rest of the placenta on ice/refrigerated/frozen until results of pathology are returned. Ask for this to be completed in your room, to ensure safe handling and avoid mishaps. If pathology is returned as normal, the placenta can then be sent out for encapsulation. Be prepared with these questions:
- #1. “Will the medical knowledge obtained from pathology of the placenta potentially change the recommended care for me or child?”
- #2. “Would a piece of placenta being sent to pathology suffice rather than the whole organ?”
- #3. “Would the medical information desired be obtainable by an in-room visual examination or a blood test rather than sending the placenta to pathology?”
You have the legal right to informed refusal of placenta being taken to pathology. You can ask for a second opinion. Keep the placenta in your possession (cooled on ice in prepared cooler) while waiting on second opinion.
Can I have my placenta encapsulated if substance abuse was present during pregnancy?
No, consumption is not recommended if mother had heavy drug/cigarette use or consumed 3+ alcoholic drinks a day during pregnancy as it can cause toxin buildup within the placenta. Cannabis use is generally considered safe.
Can I have my placenta encapsulated if meconium is/was present?
Yes, to some degree. Meconium is sterile and general only considered harmful if baby inhales. Encapsulation is still available with the TCM/Heated method. RAW encapsulation is not recommended. The placenta is rinsed prior to encapsulation and the heating/dehydration process helps eliminate surface bacteria.If meconium is present for over 1 hour, physical changes may occur to the placenta. The placenta will show heavy meconium presence during our 6 point initial exam and we will contact you for next steps if this happens. An additional sanitation step is added.
Can I have my placenta encapsulated if mother/baby have infection?
No, if mother and/or baby have an active infection of ANY KIND, the placenta should not be encapsulated. The infection can be retained in the placenta and can possibly reinfect baby/mother when the capsules are consumed. Placenta should not be consumed if an active infection is present or if 2 or more of the below signs of infection are present:
- Long lasting maternal fever of 100.4+
- Infant fever of any kind
- Foul smelling/discolored discharge and/or amniotic fluid
- Foul smelling/discolored placenta tissue
Can I have my placenta encapsulated if twin/triplet pregnancy?
Yes, I love doing twin placentas and have yet to have the opportunity to do triplets. There is an additional $25 fee for di-di twins as the additional placenta adds more time/supplies to the placenta encapsulation process.
Can I have my placenta encapsulated if low-lying pacenta, placenta previa (total, partial, marginal)?
Placenta previa of any kind does not affect the ability to encapsulate.
Can I have my placenta encapsulated if placental calcifications are present?
Yes, calcifications on the placenta do not interfere with the placenta encapsulation process. Large deposits are removed before the process begins and smaller deposits usually disintegrate during the dehydration/drying process.
Can I have my placenta encapsulated if premature and/or low-weight births?
Depending on the level of premature birth the placenta can still be encapsulated. However, the smaller the placenta, the smaller number of capsules will be received.
Can I have my placenta encapsulated if planning a waterbirth?
Yes, Most midwives will scoop up the placenta into a container shortly after birth of the placenta to avoid it sitting/free floating in the water. The condition of the water can change shortly after birth, therefore the ‘raw’ preparation method may not be recommended if the placenta stays prolonged in the water. It may be recommended to encapsulate with the Traditional Chinese Inspired Method (TCM/Heated) because the heating process of the placenta helps eliminate surface bacteria. This is the most commonly done method of encapsulation for waterbirths for that reason. On a personal note, I hold waterbirths near and dear to my heart as two of my babies were birthed in water.
Can I have my placenta encapsulated if maternal fever is present during labor?
Please do not let a fever during labor convince you an infection is present. Fevers during labor can be a natural and normal process. However, if any kind of diagnosed infection presents itself shortly after birth, prolonged maternal fever, or infant fever occurs ingestion of the placenta is not recommended. Placenta should not be consumed if an active infection is present or if 2 or more of the below signs of infection are present:
- Long lasting maternal fever of 100.4+
- Infant fever of any kind
- Foul smelling/discolored discharge and/or amniotic fluid
- Foul smelling/discolored placenta tissue
Can I have my placenta encapsulated if I plan/have a C-section?
The type of birth does not affect ability to encapsulate. Simply notify the birth team that the placenta will be used for consumption so it should not be exposed to any chemicals, and safe handling/cross contamination precautions should be taken. Assign dad, doula, birth partner, other family member in charge of placenta since mom will be in recovery.
Can I have my placenta encapsulated with cord clamping variations?
- Delayed Cord Clamping/Immediate Cord Clamping: Either delayed cord clamping or immediate cord clamping is fine. World Health Organization (WHO) recommends waiting at least 3 minutes before clamping the cord. But, waiting until the cord stops pulsating after birth has the most effective results for newborns. That will ensure your baby will receive the approximately 30% of the blood still circulating through the placenta and the cord and will help your baby to the best possible start by giving them all the possible blood which is rich in red blood cells, white blood cells, stem cells, iron, etc.
- Cord Burning Ceremony: Cord burning does not affect placenta encapsulation as long as placenta is handled in a sterile way and cooled/refrigerated within 4 hours of birth.
- Lotus Birth: Placenta encapsulation is usually not recommended for lotus births (the practice of leaving the umbilical cord uncut after childbirth so that the baby is left attached to the placenta until the cord naturally separates at the umbilicus. This usually occurs within 3–10 days after birth.
Can I have my placenta encapsulated if amniocentesis is needed during pregnancy?
Getting an amniocentesis does not affect the ability to encapsulate, however it can lead to a higher rate of infection. If any kind of infection is present or presents itself shortly after birth, ingestion of the placenta is not recommended.
Can I have my placenta encapsulated if using cord blood banking?
As long as the placenta is cared for in a sterile manner during the banking process, encapsulation is completely fine. However, cord blood banking has been shown to negatively affect baby after birth as the cord must be immediately claimed to collect cord blood. Placental tissue samples and the umbilical cord may be taken by the company (which can affect the look of keepsake and the amount of capsules you receive).
Can I have my placenta encapsulated if I took medications during pregnancy, labor, etc.?
The placenta has the ability to filter medications out fairly quickly (filtration was one of its main jobs in the womb). Therefore some small amount of medications may be passed to the placenta/baby during medicated inductions/medicated deliveries and a small residual amount may be left in the placenta depending on dosage/time medication was received. The placenta is thoroughly rinsed during preparation, limiting the amount that may be present. Steaming the placenta is thought to make medications more ineffective, so mother may chose the TCM/Heated method, instead of Raw Method. Placenta encapsulation is generally considered safe for medications/drugs with a molecular weight of 400D-500D (Daltons) and a ‘complete’ or ‘incomplete’ transfer type. Medications/drugs with higher molecular weight and an ‘exceeding’ transfer type are not considered safe (these types of medications/drugs are rarely used during pregnancy/labor/birth. The general rule with medications are: If it is safe to have during pregnancy, then it is safe for placenta encapsulation. Please consult with your medical provider if this is an area of concern.
Do you offer refunds?
If for any reason encapsulation is no longer recommended for your situation before birth or if parents are unable to obtain placenta, a refund will be given if already paid. (minus shipping kit, if purchased for non-local clients). Full refund may be granted before services rendered, partial refund may be granted depending on stage of preparation at time requested, no refund will be granted once contracted services have been completed.
What about (various pregnancy ailment or genetic condition)? And does it affect encapsulation?
Group Beta Strep
If it’s just a positive GBS colonization and not an active GBS infection you can still utilize placenta encapsulation with the TCM/Heated method. RAW encapsulation, raw salves, and/or raw tinctures is not recommended. Placenta can be dehydrated at a higher temperature for first hour of dehydrating. In July of 2017 the CDC released a case study on a newborn who had a recurrent GBS infection after the mother had her placenta encapsulated. According to the APPA (Association of Placenta Preparation Arts)… “Shortly after the birth the newborn showed signs of infection and tested positive for GBS. Due to the immediate onset of newborn infection, this placenta should not have been encapsulated. Maternal or fetal infection at or immediately following the time of delivery is an absolute contraindication to encapsulation. It is unsafe to encapsulate in these cases. The encapsulation specialist had a responsibility to verify with the client that an infection was not present.” (source APPA – 1)It is vital that you let me know if any type of infection presents itself after birth. At that point ingestion of the placenta is not recommended and I will cease the process of encapsulating.
PUPPPS
Clients can continue with encapsulation, but will need to take a supplement to support liver function. Consumption may or may not cause symptoms (such as hive-like rash) to re-emerge once clear. It all depends on how your body reacts. It is up to the client to make an informed decision once educated on chances of re-exposure happening. I like clients to be well informed with all possibilities, regardless of how slight, so they can be well informed.
Chorioamnionitis
Chorioamnionitis is considered inflammation of amniotic sac resulting in uterine bacterial infection. The placenta will have yeasty odor with slight yellowing of fetal side tissue. This can be caused by amniotic sac rupture for 24+ hours, numerous vaginal exams during pregnancy, scalp monitoring during labor, etc. Placenta should not be consumed if an active infection is present, or if 2 or more of the below signs of infection are present:
- Long lasting maternal fever of 100.4+
- Infant fever of any kind
- Foul smelling/discolored discharge and/or amniotic fluid
- Foul smelling/discolored placenta tissue
If chorioamnionitis is suspected, a small piece of placenta can be sent to pathology to see if active infection is present. Do not allow whole placenta to be sent to pathology (see more in pathology section). If pathology returns with positive infection, encapsulation of any kind is not recommended.
Cholestasis
Clients can continue with encapsulation, but will need to take a supplement to support liver function while continuing with placenta encapsulation. Be advised consumption may or may not cause symptoms (such as itching of hands, feet, etc.) to re-emerge once clear, due to consuming placenta. It all depends on how your body reacts, if is up to the client to make an informed decision once educated on chances of re-exposure happening. I like clients to be well informed with all possibilities (regardless of how slight) so they can be well informed. It is up to the client to make an informed decision.
STD/STIs
Since mother is already carrying such infection/disease in her body, encapsulation is still available with the TCM/Heated method. RAW encapsulation is not recommended. No raw salves, powdered salves, or raw tinctures will be available.
Gestational Diabetes
The ability to encapsulate is not affected for either diet controlled or insulin controlled gestational diabetes. Encapsulation is considered safe, however mother should monitor blood sugars for the first 4-5 days of using capsules.
The mother should take the recommended capsule dose and then check blood sugar 1 hour later. If no blood sugar spike takes place, the consumption can be continued as normal. If blood sugar spike (over 100) takes place, discontinue consumption for 7 days and try again. Symptoms of GD are usually gone within 2 weeks postpartum, and capsules can usually be taken past that point without issue.
Pre-Eclampsia
If pre-eclampsia was developed in late pregnancy or during labor, the placenta can still be encapsulated as long as your provider does not detect an issue or infection of the placenta. Your provider may want your placenta to be sent to pathology (see more in pathology section).
Genetic Conditions:
Genetic abnormalities are present in the placenta, as the placenta is made with a combination of mother’s, father’s, and baby’s DNA.
Cerebral Palsy: Encapsulation is considered safe as long there is not an active infection. The hospital will probably request the placenta to go to pathology (see more in pathology section).
Cystic Fibrosis (CF): Encapsulation is safe because the mother is already a carrier of the CF gene.
Sickle Cell: If mother is the carrier of the sickle cell hemoglobin, it is safe for her to consume. If the father was the carrier of sickle cell hemoglobin, mother’s consumption is not advised as it can affect her body adversely.
Taysachs: If baby is born with taysachs trait only, encapsulation can continue. If baby is born with true taysachs, encapsulation is not advised.
Thalassemia: Encapsulation is considered safe, however some aspects/benefits of encapsulation can be lessened, as her body may not have full ability to absorb iron.
Trisomy 13, 18, 21: Placenta encapsulation is considered safe. If mother got an amniocentesis to check for genetic conditions, a higher possible infection rate may be present. The hospital may request placenta to go to pathology (see more in pathology section).
When is placenta encapsulation not recommended?
- Choriocarcinoma present (cancer of the placenta).
- Placentas that have been sent to pathology and were exposed to sanitizing and/or preserving.
- Heavy drug/cigarette usage during pregnancy.
- Maternal or infant fever postpartum indicating an infection.
- Exposure to meconium longer than one hour with visual changes to placenta.
- If a medical condition arises where placenta consumption is contraindicated.
- If you have or have had the following: HIV, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and/or Ebola.
- If the placenta is/was at room temperature for longer than 4 hours without any cooling preservation methods.
- If the placenta is/was held in the refrigerator for more than 5 days without freezing.
- If the placenta is/was held in the freezer for more than 6 months.
What to do when encapsulation is not possible?
There are various options for honoring the placenta when encapsulation is not possible. If you can still obtain the placenta, we can offer the following memory items: Umbilical Cord Keepsake Heart, Tree of Life Print, Placenta Powder: This is not for consumption, but to be used as placenta ash. Some clients like the “dust to dust” mentality. It can be added to an ern-like container, sprinkled somewhere meaningful, or even added to jewelry. (I have had several clients send placenta powder to their breastmilk jewelry company for a beautiful swirl effect in completed jewelry). Other items could be burying the placenta under a plant that blooms during the child’s birth month or a fir/evergreen during the winter, or something else meaningful such as the mother’s favorite plant. Roses are common as they are a sign of endearment. Regardless, there is no need to decide now. You can always freeze the placenta (double bagged in (2) 1-gallon size zip-lock bags) and make a decision later.
***All of the information on this page is subject to copyright, please do not copy this information without the permission of Casey Merrell (owner of Midwest Placenta Encapsulation).***
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