I have successfully completed the training and exam for the course “Bloodborne Pathogens for Doulas, Midwives & Placenta Encapsulators” in accordance with and exceeding the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard 29 CFR 1090.1030
Placentophagy, especially in dehydrated capsule form, is a complementary alternative therapy that is growing in popularity.
Below is a list of the most commonly noted benefits of placenta consumption:
- Less dramatic hormone fluctuation, which reduces the chances or severity of Postpartum Depression and the “Baby Blues”
- More energy sooner after the birth
- Helps establish milk supply and can help milk to come in sooner
- Reduced postpartum bleeding
- Less postpartum pain/discomfort as it helps uterus return to its pre-pregnancy state
- Helps to replenish vitamins & minerals (specifically iron) lost during pregnancy and birth
The Process
I will come to the place where you gave birth as soon as possible to collect your placenta. It will be clearly labeled immediately and will be treated with the utmost care and respect from the moment I come into contact with it. I will store the placenta in its container on ice in a cooler designated for placenta transport and begin work on it as soon as I reach your home or my sterilized work space (for those giving birth at home, please store your placenta in a container in your fridge or freezer). I then create the preparations that you have requested. Capsules will be delivered to you within 72 hours of when I receive your placenta. Prints and digital photographs are also delivered in the 72 hour timeframe. Tinctures, essences, and homeopathic remedies are created over a period of 6 weeks and delivered in the 7th week postpartum.
Capsules
Capsules are created using the raw dehydration method to retain as much of the original nutrient and hormone composition as possible. The placenta is gently prepared and dried on low heat (less than 118 degrees Fahrenheit), then ground into a powder and encapsulated in size 00 vegetarian capsules. Capsules will be delivered in a blue glass container with dosage instructions. Capsules should be refrigerated, and can be stored indefinitely in the freezer. You will also receive the cord, dehydrated in the shape of a heart if at all possible, in a decorative bag as a keepsake. I also offer preparation using the TCM or Aviva Romm method, so please specify if you prefer this steamed method over the raw method when you contact me.
The fee for encapsulation is $200.
Prints & Photos
I can make a print of either side of your placenta on acid free watercolor paper as a keepsake or piece of art. Note: The best prints tend to be made when the placenta has not been washed with water. I also will take a photograph of each side of your placenta and deliver to you as high resolution digital files. (I am also happy to honor your specific photography requests)
The fee for a print and digital photos is $25.
Tincture and Essence
To make the tincture, I take a small piece of the placenta before dehydrating and tincture it in 80-100 proof grain alcohol for a period of 6 weeks. This becomes the “Mother Tincture” to which you can add more alcohol each time the bottle gets below 3/4 full to extend indefinitely. Tinctures are delivered in a tinted glass dropper bottle with storage and dosage instructions.
The essence is similar to a flower essence in that it retains the vibrational energy or “vital force” from your placenta. It is created in distilled water over a period of hours, and then combined with alcohol for a long lasting remedy. Essences are also delivered in a tinted glass dropper bottle with dosage instructions and should be stored in a cool dark place. A placenta essence is wonderful support for both mama and baby during times of stress, illness, transition, etc.
The fee for a a tincture and an essence is $50. (you receive both)
Placenta Salve
While not often discussed, placenta is widely known to have therapeutic qualities for the skin. Many expensive anti-aging and restorative creams, lotions, and serums contain sheep placenta as their “secret” ingredient.
I can prepare a soothing salve using organic coconut oil infused with healing herbs and a small amount of your dehydrated placenta powder (additional essential oils such as lavender and/or tea tree are optional), and organic beeswax. This salve can be used on cesarean scars, perineal injuries, stretch marks, sore nipples, diaper rash, eczema, and more to soothe, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.
The fee for a 9oz jar of this custom salve is $55.
Placenta Consultation
If you are curious about other forms of placentophagy or simply wish to discuss encapsulation in more depth, we can have a chat about your preferences and devise the perfect plan for you to consume your placenta, cooked, raw, or encapsulated.
The fee for a consultation is $50.
**Despite a long history of safe use, these statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult with your healthcare provider if you experience any unusual symptoms. Placental services are not clinical, pharmaceutical, or intended to diagnose or treat any condition. Women and their families who choose to utilize the services on this page take full responsibility for their health and use these remedies at their own risk.