Placenta Encapsulation
and Other Forms of Placenta Medicine

placentophagy, placentophagia:

(plas-en-tof'a-ji), n. Ingestion of the placenta.

The placenta is a one-of-a-kind organ: made cooperatively by you and your baby, the symbol and product of your relationship. For the duration of pregnancy, it works to nourish and support the baby by facilitating transport of nutrients and oxygen, as well as producing progesterone, the hormone that tells your body to stay pregnant.

After the birth, this primary purpose is complete, but the placenta is still useful. As evidenced by Traditional Chinese Medicine as well as modern pharmaceutical & beauty product companies, the placenta contains components that are beneficial to the human body. And who better to benefit from this powerhouse organ than the mama and baby who worked together to grow it? There's a sweet completeness to taking the placenta and returning it to your body, where it will help you recover from pregnancy and birth, and if you are breastfeeding, it will continue to feed your baby as well!

Benefits of Postpartum Placenta Medicine

Clients report:

• Improved mood with reduced incidence of postpartum mood disorders; this is sometimes described as mellowing out the highs and lows, or resuming the ability to cope with emotions. Interestingly, many of my clients (and their partners!) report being able to tell a difference if they miss a pill.
• Speedier, more thorough recovery.
• Increased milk supply.
• Raise iron levels, preventing or alleviating anemia. This is important for anyone who just had a baby, but especially for those who bled a lot and folks who tend to be anemic all the time.

Available Forms of Placenta Medicine

• Placenta Encapsulation: The placenta is dried, powdered, and put into capsules. This form is best for use during the weeks following birth, for evening out hormones, improving mood, and facilitating recovery.
• Placenta Tincture: The medicinal qualities of the placenta are extracted into alcohol for long-term preservation. Some people like having a placenta tincture for use months and years after the birth, with menstrual difficulties or menopause.
• Placenta Smoothie Cubes: These are bite-sized chunks of placenta, sometimes frozen for use during the first few days after the birth, to improve energy and promote recovery after a traumatic birth or large blood loss.

These are the three preparations I most commonly make for my clients. I'm happy to use turn your placenta into other forms of medicine upon request, including: placenta homeopathics, placenta essence, pre-made all-vegan fruit & placenta smoothies (a few days' worth in canning jars), placenta salves, and just about anything else you can think of.

Logistics and Fees

Placenta Encapsulation only: $150. I will prepare your placenta into capsules ready for use within 3 days, using either the TCM method or the raw method.

Placenta Package: $175. Encapsulation using either TCM or Raw method, with a portion of the raw placenta set aside and tinctured.

The following additional services can be added to suit your needs:

• If you prefer I grind your placenta with mortar and pestle only, add $50 for the increased time involved.
• I can add herbs to your capsules to supplement the placenta medicine; these herbs would vary depending on your intended purpose. Add $25 for increased supplies and time.
• For a rush turnaround, add $50. When necessary, I can usually get at least a few capsules completed and ready for you within 24-36 hours.
• If you have experienced a high volume of blood loss, are particularly susceptible to depression, or for any other reason you are interested, I can reserve a few days' worth of placenta in frozen cubes, for use in smoothies. This is quick and easy for me, so doesn't cost you anything extra!

Placenta Encapsulation and Tincturing Service Area

I provide pick-up services from your birthing location (home, birth center, or hospital) & deliver your finished placenta medicine to your home in the Portland Metro area. I would also be happy to arrange meeting partway for clients who live farther out.

Health and Safety

While handling and preparing your placenta, your health is my first priority. After all, promoting your health is the reason you've chosen to make your placenta into medicine in the first place!

To better ensure your safety, I have taken an OSHA-compliant certification course in Bloodborne Pathogens and Infection Control written specifically for Doulas & Placenta Encapsulators. I always wear single-use gloves throughout the entire process, and every item and surface that comes into contact with your placenta is sterilized before and after each use. In addition, I limit myself to preparing one placenta at a time, and of course your placenta is always properly identified.

Standard Just-In-Case FDA Disclaimer

Though based on a combination of centuries-old cultural knowledge and multiple research studies, the statements and information found on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

Placenta encapsulation is defined as the service of preparing a client's own placenta for consumption or medicinal use, not the sale of placentas or placenta products. None of the services offered are approved to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, because (according to the FDA) only a drug can legally make such a claim.

Use of placenta encapsulation or other services assumes prior discussion with your health care provider; clients are responsible for researching and using these services appropriately.