The presence of meconium does not affect the ability of the placenta to be encapsulated.

True infections are relatively uncommon. A fever does not always indicate infection, and is commonly associated with epidurals given during labor. If you have a fever for only a few hours before birth, then it is unlikely that the placenta is infected in any way. Many of our clients that have had a fever during labor end up having clear lab test results two days postpartum, meaning the placenta is able to be safely encapsulated. Please consult with your care provider.

Our capsules are organic. They are  plain, non-flavored vegetarian capsule that do not contain animal gelatin. They are free of Preservatives, Gluten, BSE/TSE, GMOs, and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. 

Yes. If you have a c-section, tell the nurse you plan on encapsulation, and provide him/her with the bag provided in your kit.

For Home Birth:

At home, your placenta can go into the bag we provided in your kit, and then put directly into the freezer. If you are shipping, wait at least 12 hours until the placenta is well frozen. Then follow the instructions provided in your kit.

Again, if you are local, and we are picking up, please call us when you go into labor, and then again when you have delivered.

For Birth Centers:

Birth Centers run by midwives are usually very accepting and helpful with preparing your placenta for transport. It is prepared in the same way as in hospital birth. Be aware that the birth center may not have ice, so please bring the cooler packs that were provided in your kit with you.

Again, if you are local and we picking up, please call us when you go into labor, and then again when you have delivered.

For Hospital Births:
Most hospitals will accommodate your wishes to take the placenta home by preparing it for transport. This being said, placental encapsulation is a fairly new thing, and hospital staff are just getting used to these requests. They are busy, and often operate doing things in a certain way. Thus, it’s best to gently remind them of your wishes, and to be mindful of the whereabouts of your placenta at all times. Please DO NOT allow the hospital staff to store your placenta.

We recommend that either your spouse/partner, family member, birthing partner, or doula be in charge of the placenta once it is birthed so that it is properly stored, and not lost or damaged.

Hospital staff will package the placenta inside a container, or biohazard bag that is sealed. This container/bag can be placed inside of the bag we provided in your kit. Once the placenta is packaged by hospital staff, please leave it in that packaging to avoid any cross- contamination.

As soon as possible, place the packaged placenta in your cooler, and then add ice to ensure it will stay cold. Continue to replenish the ice to ensure the placenta does not spoil. If you have a private room and refrigerator, you can keep your placenta in there.

If you are local and we are picking up, please call us when you go into labor and then again when you have delivered.

Premature birth does not automatically make your placenta unfit for encapsulation. If your care provider suggests that the placenta be tested, you can ask that they send only a piece of placenta to pathology, so you are still able to have your placenta encapsulated. However, in some cases the placenta does need to be sent to pathology for in-depth testing in order to determine the possible cause of preterm birth.

Yes. In this case please call us. We will make “special” accommodations. 

Placentas birthed by mothers who received epidurals, IV pain medications during labor, and pitocin inductions are all afe for encapsulation. Any medications or drugs that are considered safe to administer during pregnancy, labor, and delivery are also safe for placenta encapsulation.

Most hospitals have policies that allow mothers to take their placentas home. However, some hospitals are much more placenta friendly than others. Please know that at the end of the day, the placenta belongs to you. Be respectful but firm. If you are told that the placenta needs to be sent to pathology, you may simply request that a piece of it go to pathology, not the entire placenta. Within reason, you can decline testing. The hospital may require you to sign a standard release form to have it in your possession.

You should tell your doctor or midwife ahead of time that you plan to take your placenta home, and write it in your birth plan. It is also recommended that you mention your intentions again upon admission, and then again once the placenta is birthed.

Yes. You can delay cord clamping up to 2 hours before the placenta needs to be placed on ice or refrigerated.

Yes. This works as long as you are doing traditional cord blood banking only, and no placenta blood banking. You will need to check with the company you are working with for instructions.

If only the cord and/or part of the placenta is being banked then yes. If the entire placenta is being banked, then no.

Placenta tinctures can be used well after your capsules are gone. They can be helpful during times of emotional distress, postpartum anxiety, premenstrual symptoms, and more. Your placenta tincture is made by tincturing a small amount of the placenta in a high grade, 80 proof Vodka (grain-free and gluten-free). It will be ready for use when your baby is six weeks old. It is recommended to allow the placenta to steep for at least six weeks before use, but for maximum benefit we recommend letting it steep for a full 6 months. Shaking it periodically will help it steep thoroughly. The tincture is shelf-stable if kept sealed, and in a cool dark place. Tinctures last for many years. The tincture may be taken by placing it in a small glass of water, or juice. Dosage is included on the bottle label, but 5-20 drops is the normal recommended amount, and may be taken a few times a day as needed.