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Placenta Services....
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The placenta is an amazing organ which allows your baby to feed and grow, produces hormones - lactogen, oestrogen, progesterone, and even acts as a lung for your baby while in utero.
The placenta plays an important role in many cultural rituals - burial, consumption, preservation, ceremony. The Maori & Navajo people honor through burial to emphasize the relationship between humans and the earth. The Maori word for placenta, whenua is the same word used to describe the land. In Costa Rica & Cambodia burial is believed to protect the health and wellbeing of the infant and Mother. Some cultures conduct full funeral rituals for the placenta, where a symbolic object was buried with the placenta to influence the life of the child. Did you know that the origins of the birthday cake actually comes from the placenta?! The Latin word placenta is derived from the Greek "plakous" meaning flat, round cake. On birthdays a flat, round cake made from bread dough with honey, olive oil and nuts was created to offer to Artemis, their moon Goddess. - the size and shape reflecting the placenta and day of birth.
Obviously, placentaphagy (consuming the placenta) is not without controversy in our modern day but the benefits that are described by women who partake definitely outweigh the criticisms. In my 12 years of working with placentas I have witnessed the benefits felt by postpartum women over and over again.
What is Placentaphagia?
In a nutshell, it is the ingestion of the placenta by the mother after birth. The placenta can be honored and prepared in a number of different ways, but the easiest (and most user-friendly) way to experience the benefits it through encapsulation (placenta is dried, ground into powder and placed into capsules). I am always open to whatever you envision for your placenta - perhaps you would like to bury a portion as well as having some made into capsules? Maybe just the dried powder sans the capsules? Possibly you would be interested in some frozen portions as well as some dried capsules? I am here to serve your placenta wishes!
Benefits of Consuming the Placenta
There is growing research into the benefits of placenta ingestion during the post-partum period. The placenta contains a balance of hormones and nutrients that are specific to the mother. Many women have experienced:
When should the encapsulation process begin?
In order to receive maximum benefit from your placenta, the encapsulation process should begin as soon as possible after your baby is born. Usually (depending on what time bubs decides to arrive) I can pick up your placenta pretty swiftly and get things happening - I have my method down to a fine art after 12 years of encapsulating, so can get your capsules back to you in with 24-48 hours. My dosing guidelines encourage you to wait until the morning of Day 3 to begin taking your capsules. Birth can be an intense experience so if you cannot encapsulate straight away just get the placenta to a fridge and then freeze after 3 days - you can still reap all the benefits and encapsulate from a frozen placenta.
Which Method of encapsulation should I choose!?!
This is the question I get asked the most! It really depends on what resonates with you best - most women are drawn to one method more but I also offer the option of encapsulating half & half (half steamed, half raw - both dry capsules as end product) Your birth experience may dictate the way your placenta is processed to ensure safety for consumption. Those with a sensitive digestive system may prefer the steamed method with additional supportive herbs such as ginger.
Traditional Method (Steamed) The "original" method of encapsulation - Traditional Medicine theory (that of Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine) says that after a woman gives birth, the balance of heat needs to be restored in the body. I lightly steam the placenta with warming herbs - ginger and lemon (if you have a special request for herbs, I can work with you on this) then the placenta is dehydrated, ground and put into capsules. With this method the yield of capsules is usually a little less due to shrinkage, but you can also utilize the "Mother's Broth." Recommended for those with a more sensitive digestive system or more likely to suffer from anxiety/nervous system ailments.
The broth is a natural by-product of the steaming process and I provide this for every client (when requested on booking) free of charge. While it is mostly water, it does contain the pure essence of the placenta. It also contains the Traditional “warming” herbs - organic lemon, ginger (perhaps turmeric and black pepper if this resonates with you and your constitution.) You can put a few teaspoons or tablespoons into a drink (herbal tea, juice) or into a stew or soup. You can drink as much as you would like, and there is no limit of intake per sitting. It can be stored, like any other natural broth, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you aren’t sure about drinking this within 3 days after receiving it, the broth may be placed in an ice cube tray to be frozen. The cubes can then be popped out and placed in a zip bag. You can then use one or two in your teas, soups, stews, smoothies etc. as you need them. Some women take advantage of this broth, while others would prefer to only take the capsules. Many new mum's feel that the broth gives their capsules a "jump start." If you prefer not to consume the broth, it also makes an awesome plant food!
"Raw"(Dried) Method - the placenta is simply cleaned and sliced, then placed in the dehydrator - it is then processed exactly the same as above - ground and put into capsules. This method usually creates a larger yield of capsules and a more "intense" boost of energy. This method is available dependent on your birth - if there is meconium present (baby has a bowel movement during labour) then generally the placenta will need to be cleaned and steamed prior to dehydration.
Is there any reason my placenta should not be encapsulated?
If you develop a uterine infection prior to or while in labor, your placenta cannot be encapsulated. Any signs of infection in either mother or baby are a contraindication for encapsulating (for example high temperature during birth) In addition, Hepatitis and HIV/AIDS also make your placenta unsuitable for ingestion. If your placenta is treated after birth with any lab chemicals or not handled/stored/transported using the food safety guidelines that I will provide for you. There are a few other conditions that may affect your placenta - when you book in with me we can discuss any concerns you may have to work out the best option for you moving forward.
Can you still encapsulate my placenta if I have an epidural or a c-section? What about induction or medications?
Yes! Your birth choices in terms of most medications/surgery do not affect whether your placenta can be encapsulated.
How many capsules does a placenta make?
This depends on the size of the placenta, and the method of encapsulation used, but expect somewhere around 120-180 capsules (my largest haul was 375 capsules!) The raw method usually results in a slightly higher number of capsules due to the "shrink" factor from the steaming process.
About me...... I have been encapsulating placentas for 12 years and in that time have witnessed the amazing benefits of placenta encapsulation over AND over! I am a certified Placenta Encapsulation Specialist through the Brilliant Birth Academy and am also a qualified Placenta Stem Cell Consultant. I am certified as a Food Safety Supervisor (as your capsules will be consumed, it is paramount that the process is done to food safety standards in a sterile environment) and have my certification in Blood Borne Pathogens and am fully insured as a specialist - please email me if you would like me to send you copies of these certificates. I process your placenta in a dedicated, purpose built lab which is kept specifically for my work. My equipment is either single-use or able to be sterilized at high temperatures. I also have multiple dehydrators to keep up with the sterilization process but will never be processing more than one placenta at a time (why I take a limited amount of bookings per month also). I am also fully insured as a Placenta Encapsulation Specialist.
Fees
Raw (dried) Encapsulation..... The Raw placenta encapsulation process still involves dehydrating the placenta, but skips the steaming step. The concept behind this approach is that more of the essence of the placenta is preserved as the steaming process can destroy vital enzymes in food.
$300
Steamed (Traditional Preparation) ..... Placenta is lightly steamed with specific herbs and the "Mother's Broth" is available for Mum free of charge if that appeals.
Based on the principles of traditional medicine (specifically Chinese and Ayurveda) that returning the warmth to a Mother postpartum is essential. The heat from the steaming process and warming herbs pacifies imbalance especially through the womb space, digestive and nervous systems. $325
Half & Half (Both Methods) $350
Powder Only $280
Umbilical cord keepsake is included for free for any encapsulation
Fee inclusive of pick up of placenta and delivery of capsules within the GC area (Coomera to Palm Beach) - travel fees of $20-$150 apply for further travel - you will be given a quote on inquiry.
What else can be done with the placenta?
The placenta plays an important role in many cultural rituals - burial, consumption, preservation, ceremony. The Maori & Navajo people honor through burial to emphasize the relationship between humans and the earth. The Maori word for placenta, whenua is the same word used to describe the land. In Costa Rica & Cambodia burial is believed to protect the health and wellbeing of the infant and Mother. Some cultures conduct full funeral rituals for the placenta, where a symbolic object was buried with the placenta to influence the life of the child. Did you know that the origins of the birthday cake actually comes from the placenta?! The Latin word placenta is derived from the Greek "plakous" meaning flat, round cake. On birthdays a flat, round cake made from bread dough with honey, olive oil and nuts was created to offer to Artemis, their moon Goddess. - the size and shape reflecting the placenta and day of birth.
Obviously, placentaphagy (consuming the placenta) is not without controversy in our modern day but the benefits that are described by women who partake definitely outweigh the criticisms. In my 12 years of working with placentas I have witnessed the benefits felt by postpartum women over and over again.
What is Placentaphagia?
In a nutshell, it is the ingestion of the placenta by the mother after birth. The placenta can be honored and prepared in a number of different ways, but the easiest (and most user-friendly) way to experience the benefits it through encapsulation (placenta is dried, ground into powder and placed into capsules). I am always open to whatever you envision for your placenta - perhaps you would like to bury a portion as well as having some made into capsules? Maybe just the dried powder sans the capsules? Possibly you would be interested in some frozen portions as well as some dried capsules? I am here to serve your placenta wishes!
Benefits of Consuming the Placenta
There is growing research into the benefits of placenta ingestion during the post-partum period. The placenta contains a balance of hormones and nutrients that are specific to the mother. Many women have experienced:
- Supports milk supply
- Faster recovery post-birth
- ENERGY!
- Shorter post-birth bleeding
- Decreased levels of baby blues and depression - emotional stability
- Increased levels of iron, minerals and other nutrients
When should the encapsulation process begin?
In order to receive maximum benefit from your placenta, the encapsulation process should begin as soon as possible after your baby is born. Usually (depending on what time bubs decides to arrive) I can pick up your placenta pretty swiftly and get things happening - I have my method down to a fine art after 12 years of encapsulating, so can get your capsules back to you in with 24-48 hours. My dosing guidelines encourage you to wait until the morning of Day 3 to begin taking your capsules. Birth can be an intense experience so if you cannot encapsulate straight away just get the placenta to a fridge and then freeze after 3 days - you can still reap all the benefits and encapsulate from a frozen placenta.
Which Method of encapsulation should I choose!?!
This is the question I get asked the most! It really depends on what resonates with you best - most women are drawn to one method more but I also offer the option of encapsulating half & half (half steamed, half raw - both dry capsules as end product) Your birth experience may dictate the way your placenta is processed to ensure safety for consumption. Those with a sensitive digestive system may prefer the steamed method with additional supportive herbs such as ginger.
Traditional Method (Steamed) The "original" method of encapsulation - Traditional Medicine theory (that of Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine) says that after a woman gives birth, the balance of heat needs to be restored in the body. I lightly steam the placenta with warming herbs - ginger and lemon (if you have a special request for herbs, I can work with you on this) then the placenta is dehydrated, ground and put into capsules. With this method the yield of capsules is usually a little less due to shrinkage, but you can also utilize the "Mother's Broth." Recommended for those with a more sensitive digestive system or more likely to suffer from anxiety/nervous system ailments.
The broth is a natural by-product of the steaming process and I provide this for every client (when requested on booking) free of charge. While it is mostly water, it does contain the pure essence of the placenta. It also contains the Traditional “warming” herbs - organic lemon, ginger (perhaps turmeric and black pepper if this resonates with you and your constitution.) You can put a few teaspoons or tablespoons into a drink (herbal tea, juice) or into a stew or soup. You can drink as much as you would like, and there is no limit of intake per sitting. It can be stored, like any other natural broth, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you aren’t sure about drinking this within 3 days after receiving it, the broth may be placed in an ice cube tray to be frozen. The cubes can then be popped out and placed in a zip bag. You can then use one or two in your teas, soups, stews, smoothies etc. as you need them. Some women take advantage of this broth, while others would prefer to only take the capsules. Many new mum's feel that the broth gives their capsules a "jump start." If you prefer not to consume the broth, it also makes an awesome plant food!
"Raw"(Dried) Method - the placenta is simply cleaned and sliced, then placed in the dehydrator - it is then processed exactly the same as above - ground and put into capsules. This method usually creates a larger yield of capsules and a more "intense" boost of energy. This method is available dependent on your birth - if there is meconium present (baby has a bowel movement during labour) then generally the placenta will need to be cleaned and steamed prior to dehydration.
Is there any reason my placenta should not be encapsulated?
If you develop a uterine infection prior to or while in labor, your placenta cannot be encapsulated. Any signs of infection in either mother or baby are a contraindication for encapsulating (for example high temperature during birth) In addition, Hepatitis and HIV/AIDS also make your placenta unsuitable for ingestion. If your placenta is treated after birth with any lab chemicals or not handled/stored/transported using the food safety guidelines that I will provide for you. There are a few other conditions that may affect your placenta - when you book in with me we can discuss any concerns you may have to work out the best option for you moving forward.
Can you still encapsulate my placenta if I have an epidural or a c-section? What about induction or medications?
Yes! Your birth choices in terms of most medications/surgery do not affect whether your placenta can be encapsulated.
How many capsules does a placenta make?
This depends on the size of the placenta, and the method of encapsulation used, but expect somewhere around 120-180 capsules (my largest haul was 375 capsules!) The raw method usually results in a slightly higher number of capsules due to the "shrink" factor from the steaming process.
About me...... I have been encapsulating placentas for 12 years and in that time have witnessed the amazing benefits of placenta encapsulation over AND over! I am a certified Placenta Encapsulation Specialist through the Brilliant Birth Academy and am also a qualified Placenta Stem Cell Consultant. I am certified as a Food Safety Supervisor (as your capsules will be consumed, it is paramount that the process is done to food safety standards in a sterile environment) and have my certification in Blood Borne Pathogens and am fully insured as a specialist - please email me if you would like me to send you copies of these certificates. I process your placenta in a dedicated, purpose built lab which is kept specifically for my work. My equipment is either single-use or able to be sterilized at high temperatures. I also have multiple dehydrators to keep up with the sterilization process but will never be processing more than one placenta at a time (why I take a limited amount of bookings per month also). I am also fully insured as a Placenta Encapsulation Specialist.
Fees
Raw (dried) Encapsulation..... The Raw placenta encapsulation process still involves dehydrating the placenta, but skips the steaming step. The concept behind this approach is that more of the essence of the placenta is preserved as the steaming process can destroy vital enzymes in food.
$300
Steamed (Traditional Preparation) ..... Placenta is lightly steamed with specific herbs and the "Mother's Broth" is available for Mum free of charge if that appeals.
Based on the principles of traditional medicine (specifically Chinese and Ayurveda) that returning the warmth to a Mother postpartum is essential. The heat from the steaming process and warming herbs pacifies imbalance especially through the womb space, digestive and nervous systems. $325
Half & Half (Both Methods) $350
Powder Only $280
Umbilical cord keepsake is included for free for any encapsulation
Fee inclusive of pick up of placenta and delivery of capsules within the GC area (Coomera to Palm Beach) - travel fees of $20-$150 apply for further travel - you will be given a quote on inquiry.
What else can be done with the placenta?
- Placenta Remedy with Australian Bush Flowers Similar to the tincture, but can be taken immediately after birth (within 36 hours or once it has been prepared). The essence of the placenta is infused into pure water and this is preserved with a small amount of brandy. Specific bush flower essences are added to help with emotional well being during the post partum period, to assist your body through it's healing process and to help balance you holistically - mind, body, spirit. The remedy is taken orally - 7 drops under the tongue, morning and night or as required. The essence of your placenta holds a tremendous power to heal you and your child. This remedy heals on an energetic or vibrational level, stimulating your vital force. $30
- Placenta Tincture (a very strong homeopathic remedy made by infusing the placenta into alcohol for at least 6 weeks.... Can improve symptoms of emotional distress, depression, anxiety, sorrow and mourning for both Mother & child. Improve symptoms of hormone imbalance. Can help your baby with colic, crying fits, weaning, teething, sleep difficulties, general feelings of unwell and separation anxiety. Can be used both orally and topically - very effective for menopause too! 100ml Mother Tincture (the mother tincture is diluted 1:100 so it actually can last a lifetime) $55 This remedy takes 6 weeks to create and will be delivered to you with additional dosing recommendations.
- Organic Herb Placenta Salve (a healing balm made from infusing the placenta into an organic oil blend. I use organic comfrey and calendula for their healing properties and a small amount of rosemary & lavender essential oil - I can alter these to suit your needs) Can be used as a caesarean scar cream, perineal comfort cream, nappy rash/cradle cap/eczema relief, facial moisturizer, and can help diminish stretch marks. $40
- Placenta Prints $10 For 3 prints (A3 size) (I use simply the blood left on the placenta but can also use natural plant based colours that will not effect the encapsulation process) Water colours can be added afterwards at request.
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