Things to Think About When Considering Placenta Encapsulation
There are several things to think about when considering placenta encapsulation. I’m sure you have your own questions, but what about the things you would never even know to consider? Trusting someone with your placenta is serious business. It’s not as simple as trusting them to bake you a casserole, it’s literally your health you’re trusting them with!
Before we begin I want to let you know that First Coast Doulas answers every one of these questions with definitive answers that you’ll feel great about. We provide a No Doubt guarantee that leaves no room for worry or concern. Just ask us!
Transportation
Transportation is one of the things to think about when considering placenta encapsulation. Will your placenta be transported safely considering everyone involved; you, the person encapsulating your placenta, his/her passengers, and anyone who may come in contact with your placenta should an accident or breakdown occur during the transport home?
Here’s what the World Health Organization says about transporting a human organ.
Will your placenta be at risk of cross-contamination or bacteria exposure along the way? Will your placenta be stored at the proper temperature at all times? How many stops will be made along the way? How long will your placenta be in the cooler in a hot car if stops are made? Will the vehicle be clean by your standards? How about by OSHA standards? Will the car also transport pets or other people? Will there be more than one placenta in the vehicle at a time? Do you know if your placenta will be the only one in the cooler or the risks involved with sharing the space with another person’s placenta?
Storage
Of the things to think about when considering placenta encapsulation, storage definitely matters too. Will your placenta be stored correctly? Will it be kept at the proper temperature? Will it be stored in a fridge where snake food is kept, a.k.a. frozen and thawed mice/rats? WHAT!?! I bet you didn’t see that one coming! Shock value, sure! Will the mice/rats be stored above or below your placenta? Yeah, I love snakes and iguanas as much as the next person, but. . . ! Will your placenta be stored in the same place as food? Do you have allergies to any of these foods? Will other placentas be stored in the same space?
Work Space
Will your placenta be prepared in a legitimate workspace or be taken to someone’s kitchen, garage, or shed? Many consumers believe their placenta is being taken to a sterile, dedicated workspace or a laboratory to be processed. Sadly that’s incorrect. Will that workspace be cleaned and sanitized to your standards? Are you sure? Can a guarantee be provided? How will you verify this guarantee?
Interpret the FDA law as you will, but placenta would clearly fall under the not allowed category for home food preparation for others. Another of the things to think about when considering placenta encapsulation.
Is the equipment being used pulling double duty as pet dishes? Would you like to drink a yummy fruit smoothie prepared for you in a hospital bathroom where people urinate, defecate, and shower? No really, would you?! Yes, people are doing this, and while you may never select a placenta smoothie for yourself, how would you feel about an encapsulation specialist who is willing to risk it by preparing a smoothie for others to drink in a public bathroom?
Additives
Are herbs being added to beef up the amount of capsules you get? Are you sure? How would you know? Some encapsulation “specialists” will say they add herbs to”increase potency”. What the hell does that even mean? This practice is completely irresponsible and is a huge liability unless prescribed by a certified herbalist. Noone knows how their body or their baby’s body (through breastmilk if mom is nursing her baby) will react to these herbs.
If you want to consume herbs with your capsules, that is your right to do so. We support you in that choice, but we recommend consulting with an herbalist and your pediatrician first.
Drum roll please. Stealing the top spot for things to think about when considering placenta encapsulation is…
Whose Placenta Is It Anyway?
How will you know for sure that the placenta you’re ingesting is yours and not someone else’s? Will two placentas be in the same “work space” or dehydrator at the same time? Will you know without any doubt that there was no mixed up placentas? Will you know if two or more placentas shared surfaces at all?
A few other things to think about when considering placenta encapsulation:
Is cheaper really better?
Is pickup of placenta and delivery of capsules really the best option for you or is it a matter of convenience for the person preparing your placenta?
Is convenience the top priority or is it your safety and your peace of mind?
Have no doubts with First Coast Doulas!
Our clients can be as involved or removed from the process as they wish. They can view the placenta or never have to see any part of it. Everything can be done discreetly and is done with complete cleanliness in your own home!
Our encapsulation specialists provide a quality, ethical experience from start to finish. We hold our clients’ hands and walk them step by step through the paperwork process. From booking to proper storage, and transporting their own placenta to their own home, our clients love this experience and breathe a sigh of relief knowing they’re safest with First Coast Doulas!
