Honoring the Conclusion of Your Birth Journey with Placenta Services
What is placenta encapsulation?
Placenta encapsulation is the practice of processing the after birth, also known as the placenta, into a capsule for postpartum supplemental ingestion. This practice is known as placentophagy. There are many cultures in the present day and in history that practice the consumption of the placenta such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), African cultures and Native American tribes.
Here in North America, it’s common practice to leave the placenta with the hospital staff or midwives to discard safely. Others may donate their placenta for research or stem cell retrieval. In TCM, the practice of ingesting the placenta has been applied for centuries and is known as ‘zi he che’ in which the placenta would be dried, ground and used in different medicinal applications. In Native American and African cultures the after birth is considered sacred and is utilized in rituals such as blessing ceremonies, burials and solo or group consumption.
How placenta encapsulation Supports Postpartum Healing
There are many anecdotal benefits and claims for the consumption of your placenta or placenta encapsulation which include:
hormone regulation and stabilization of mood
reduced risk of PPMD ( postpartum mood disorders) including postpartum depression
increase of energy and reduce postpartum fatigue
quickens uterine recovery time
immune system support
nutritional benefits ( iron, protein, calcium, zinc, copper and more)
increase milk production
Important Note
Not all placentas qualify for processing and encapsulation. Some contraindications include the following; if you are or have:
HIV positive (including individuals on PrEP)
Infected with any bloodborne pathogen including Hepatitis
Lyme disease
Smoked during pregnancy
A fever or infection during labour
Risk of Placenta Consumption
While placenta consumption is generally considered safe by many, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks associated with the practice.
Allergic reactions due to certain proteins and components within the placenta. We do our best to ensure hygienic working conditions and minimize the risks of cross contamination regarding inclusions. It’s important to disclose if you have any minor to severe allergies to any food products and to any of the inclusions offered in the placenta package.
Exposure to toxins is possible. While the placenta provides nutrients it also filters out toxins from the body. If the birthing person has been exposed to environmental toxins such as heavy metals during pregnancy, those toxins may be present in the placenta.
Illness, toxic shock syndrome and risk of infection may occur if the placenta is not stored properly from birth until the time of processing. The placenta is a raw organ and should be stored and handled according to food safety guidelines. Handling guidelines for a placenta are similar to raw whole refrigerated meat products.
Hormonal imbalances are a possible risk due to the presence of estrogen and progesterone. Improper doses may influence hormone imbalance especially to those who are sensitive to hormonal fluctuations.
It’s important that you speak to your primary health care provider before participating in placentophagy.
What is a placenta print?
You have spent the last 10 months growing an organ from scratch to nourish and care for your baby. That awesome organ is called a placenta and its pattern is unique to you and your baby. One way to honor and pay tribute to this accomplishment is by requesting a print of your placenta. A placenta print is a food grade coloured copy highlighting the shape and pattern of your placenta that is transferred onto canvas. A one of a kind personal art masterpiece for you to hang on the wall of your nursery or to keep in a very special place.