Placenta Encapsulation
The placenta has amazing abilities during the postpartum period. It can heal, sustain and strengthen a the postpartum body, mind and spirit when experiencing rapid hormonal shifts, sleep deprivation and fatigue. It is considered the "force of life" in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Rich in vitamins, minerals and hormones that nourish the baby in the womb, it is perfectly suited for postpartum restoration, replenishing hormones and iron levels, increasing energy, enhancing milk supply and balancing mood.
Traditionally, placenta capsules are used to:
Other significant benefits may include the following:
If you plan to have your placenta encapsulated for consumption right after the birth of your baby, you should keep it refrigerated or on ice in a cooler, wrapped inside two clean plastic ziplock bags inside a container for up to 48 hours. If you plan to have the placenta encapsulated later than this, it will need to be frozen until you are ready.
Our doulas can pick up the placenta at your home, birthing center or hospital or arrange for pick up/hand off with your doula, partner or a friend. The placenta is prepared in the doula's home with properly sanitized equipment and utensils. The capsules are delivered to you either at home or in the hospital usually with 1 to 2 days after pick up.
Our method of preparing the placenta is according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The process takes place in two phases: cooking and encapsulating. First, we steam the placenta for about 30 minutes. After the placenta is steamed, we dehydrate it, which can take several hours. Then it is ready for the second stage, grinding and encapsulation. During the entire process of preparing the capsules, your doula takes great care to handle your placenta gently and with love.
You may start taking placenta capsules on or after Day 3 after birth. A common dosage is two pills twice a day during the first 6 weeks or simply as needed. Pills should be consumed with food. Capsules can be saved for hormonal imbalances (during weaning for example), to increase milk supply, to give energy during periods when the mother feels worn down or exhausted or experiences a low mood. Placenta pills should be stored in the refrigerator and then transferred to the freezer after a year to keep for menopause.
A placenta will make between 75-225 capsules depending on its size, the size of the baby and length of gestation. The average amount of capsules from a placenta delivered at 40-42 weeks gestation is 120, size 00 capsules.
Our fee for this service is $300. The preparation will be done outside of the doula's postpartum hours.
Please call Dianne at 434.989.3311 or email us at [email protected] if you have any questions about this process.
We hope that you enjoy all of the nurturing, nourishing benefits of your baby's placenta!
The placenta has amazing abilities during the postpartum period. It can heal, sustain and strengthen a the postpartum body, mind and spirit when experiencing rapid hormonal shifts, sleep deprivation and fatigue. It is considered the "force of life" in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Rich in vitamins, minerals and hormones that nourish the baby in the womb, it is perfectly suited for postpartum restoration, replenishing hormones and iron levels, increasing energy, enhancing milk supply and balancing mood.
Traditionally, placenta capsules are used to:
- balance your hormones
- enhance your milk
supply - increase your energy
Other significant benefits may include the following:
- Significantly reduces post-birth bleeding
- Helps the uterus contract
- Encourages a quick and healthy milk supply
- Replenishes essential hormones, such as prolactin, oxytocin (the "love hormone" which helps bonding), thyroid stimulating hormone, cortisone, interferon (stimulates the immune system), hemoglobin (replenishes iron) and others that support the immune system, reduce inflammation and assist with healing and blood loss.
- Replenishes essential nutrients such as Vitamin B6 and iron
- Reduces stress levels
- Prevents or eases the "baby blues"
- Increases a sense of calm
- Provides the energy to cope with a busy day
If you plan to have your placenta encapsulated for consumption right after the birth of your baby, you should keep it refrigerated or on ice in a cooler, wrapped inside two clean plastic ziplock bags inside a container for up to 48 hours. If you plan to have the placenta encapsulated later than this, it will need to be frozen until you are ready.
Our doulas can pick up the placenta at your home, birthing center or hospital or arrange for pick up/hand off with your doula, partner or a friend. The placenta is prepared in the doula's home with properly sanitized equipment and utensils. The capsules are delivered to you either at home or in the hospital usually with 1 to 2 days after pick up.
Our method of preparing the placenta is according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The process takes place in two phases: cooking and encapsulating. First, we steam the placenta for about 30 minutes. After the placenta is steamed, we dehydrate it, which can take several hours. Then it is ready for the second stage, grinding and encapsulation. During the entire process of preparing the capsules, your doula takes great care to handle your placenta gently and with love.
You may start taking placenta capsules on or after Day 3 after birth. A common dosage is two pills twice a day during the first 6 weeks or simply as needed. Pills should be consumed with food. Capsules can be saved for hormonal imbalances (during weaning for example), to increase milk supply, to give energy during periods when the mother feels worn down or exhausted or experiences a low mood. Placenta pills should be stored in the refrigerator and then transferred to the freezer after a year to keep for menopause.
A placenta will make between 75-225 capsules depending on its size, the size of the baby and length of gestation. The average amount of capsules from a placenta delivered at 40-42 weeks gestation is 120, size 00 capsules.
Our fee for this service is $300. The preparation will be done outside of the doula's postpartum hours.
Please call Dianne at 434.989.3311 or email us at [email protected] if you have any questions about this process.
We hope that you enjoy all of the nurturing, nourishing benefits of your baby's placenta!
Client testimonials:
"I first heard about placenta encapsulation through my doula, Jen. We were discussing my severe mood levels after the birth of my first child and how I was scared of going through that again. I never experienced true post-partum depression, but the intense change in hormones definitely did something to me that was unwelcome and unexpected. She immediately suggested that I eat my placenta. I literally almost gagged and looked at her like she was insane. She explained to me the process of encapsulation and it seemed like a no brainer to me. Those first days/weeks after a new baby can be so challenging, so what is the harm in trying something that can be so beneficial?
That’s when I began my own personal study on the topic. I found that it is such a common practice in other countries and the philosophy behind it makes so much sense. If you put back into your body this super rich nutrient dense supplement your body can then rebuild itself in magical ways! Having not taken my placenta with my first and having done so with my daughter, I can tell you there was a significant change. I was brighter and cheerier, I never experienced that intense shift in my mood that made me feel “crazy”. I was handling a 3 day old and a 2.5 year old with a smile on my face. Sure, it was challenging but the feeling of bliss just seemed to resonate over the constant diaper changes, feedings, and toddler attention. I really enjoyed this time in such a different way than with my first. And bonus - my milk supply was GREAT! I ended up with some issues down the road that affected my breastfeeding but the placenta helped ease that emotional transition as well." ~C.M.
"I first heard about placenta encapsulation through my doula, Jen. We were discussing my severe mood levels after the birth of my first child and how I was scared of going through that again. I never experienced true post-partum depression, but the intense change in hormones definitely did something to me that was unwelcome and unexpected. She immediately suggested that I eat my placenta. I literally almost gagged and looked at her like she was insane. She explained to me the process of encapsulation and it seemed like a no brainer to me. Those first days/weeks after a new baby can be so challenging, so what is the harm in trying something that can be so beneficial?
That’s when I began my own personal study on the topic. I found that it is such a common practice in other countries and the philosophy behind it makes so much sense. If you put back into your body this super rich nutrient dense supplement your body can then rebuild itself in magical ways! Having not taken my placenta with my first and having done so with my daughter, I can tell you there was a significant change. I was brighter and cheerier, I never experienced that intense shift in my mood that made me feel “crazy”. I was handling a 3 day old and a 2.5 year old with a smile on my face. Sure, it was challenging but the feeling of bliss just seemed to resonate over the constant diaper changes, feedings, and toddler attention. I really enjoyed this time in such a different way than with my first. And bonus - my milk supply was GREAT! I ended up with some issues down the road that affected my breastfeeding but the placenta helped ease that emotional transition as well." ~C.M.
Email Month 10 for more information: [email protected]