FAQs on Placenta Encapsulation
Placent Encapsulation Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer: The information provided has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Most of the information we have on the benefits of placenta encapsulation is anecdotal. Please always consult with your medical provider regarding any medical decisions. New World Doula Services does not promise or guarantee any outcome from placenta encapsulation and consumption.
Your safety and peace of mind as well as our professionalism are our top priorities as a ProDoula-trained Postpartum Placenta Specialist. ProDoula’s guidelines far exceed the standards of the industry. Processing your placenta in your home offers the following benefits:
- You can be sure that your placenta is yours since you are the one transporting it.
- The risk of your placenta being exposed to an unfamiliar bacteria or germs that may interfere with your postpartum recovery is negated by the fact that this is done in your own home.
- Part of our training as Postpartum Placenta Specialists includes support during the immediate postpartum period and you can best take advantage of these benefits when we are with you in your home.
New World Doula Services offers the traditional method of encapsulation which is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). There are many factors that go into the TCM method and our method draws on some of that, such as using ginger and lemon in the water that the placenta is steamed in. This is said to be warming, balancing, expel cold while warming the middle of the body. The ginger restores the yang while the lemon has antiseptic properties and is thought to replenish yin energy efficiencies. The placenta is first steamed prior to dehydrating in order to kill germs or bacteria. This gives our clients peace of mind about the safety of our methods.
Your placenta has to be placed in a cooler on ice or in a refrigerator within 4 hours after birth. If the process is unable to be started within 3 days of birth, the placenta should be placed in the freezer and defrosted for 24 hours in the refrigerator before the specialist comes to your home.
We ask that you contact us by phone between the hours of 9am and 9pm within 12 hours of birth. It is our goal to encapsulate your placenta as quickly as possible. Early contact with us will ensure proper coordination of schedules.
Your Postpartum Placenta Specialist will provide everything needed for encapsulation when coming to your home. You will be provided with a transport and spill kit ahead of time to transport your placenta in from the hospital or birth center to your home. All equipment and supplies are properly sanitized. We will need access to a stove, sink, and an outlet for the dehydrator.
Ideally, the process can be started within 2 days of birth so that you can begin taking your capsules on day 3. If the timing does not work for you freezing and then defrosting your placenta prior to encapsulation can be done. The placenta can be frozen for up to 3 months.
It is not necessary for you to be home during the process but we want you to do whatever is most comfortable for you. Frequently, the family is home during the process adjusting to new life. Your comfort is our priority so we will work with you to figure out the best option.
The whole process takes about 24 hours, but only requires our active presence at your home for 2 hours each day for 2 consecutive days.