Frequently asked questions
How many capsules will my placenta make?
Each placenta is different in size and substance so the amount of capsules it makes can vary from 90 to 200.
How long do I use my capsules?
The first two weeks are the most important and effective time to be taking the placenta. You can taper off after that or continue to take them at the original dosage. I encourage women to follow their body’s cues and adjust the dosage accordingly.
Is there anytime I should NOT take placenta capsules?
Placenta should not be taken if the body is fighting off a common cold, flu, or infection. If you should get a breast infection (mastitis), the placenta should not be taken until infection is cleared. If symptoms such as chills, fever, sneezing, aches, flushed cheeks, hot palms and feet or night sweats should occur, stop taking the capsules until the body has fought this off. The reason for this is because placenta is extremely tonifying in nature and can cause a pathogen to grow stronger and go deeper into the body.
When does the encapsulation process begin?
The encapsulation process should begin within 48 hours after birth. The placenta will generally be suitable for consumption for 7 days (refrigerated the entire time) but the capsules will not be as potent as when the encapsulation process begins earlier. If it is not possible to begin the process within the first 72 hours, the placenta should be frozen within the first 24 hours. The placenta will be entirely thawed for TCM style encapsulation, which takes about 24 hours in the refrigerator. I can do this for you. It does not need to be thawed entirely to make the raw capsules.
Can you still encapsulate if I transmittable disease?
Absolutely. I observe OSHA guidelines and the FDA standers of safety.
How long does the process take?
On average the process takes about a day. But due to unforeseen circumstances, it could take up to 72 hours.
What do I need to provide?
Placenta encapsulation is done in my home unless you would prefer the encapsulation done in your home . If you are positive for a transmittable disease the encapsulation must be done in your home with your supplies. In addition to your placenta and supplies, I’ll need access to counter space, your sink and stove. I will preform the encapsulation and clean-up.
I would rather not have the encapsulation done in my kitchen - are there other options?
I can encapsulate your placenta in my home if you prefer unless positive for a transmittable disease then the encapsulation must be done in your home.
How do I store my capsules?
Placenta capsules should be stored in the refrigerator while being used. Keep capsules dry. Store any remaining capsules in the freezer for long-term use. Placenta capsules will last at least 1 year if stored properly and possibly longer.
I had meconium present at the time of birth. Can I still be able to encapsulate my placenta?
Meconium is amniotic fluid that has been digested. It is sterile and can be cleansed from the placenta before Encapsulation or any other service.
How do I take care of my placenta after birth until The Healing Garden receives it ?
In order to keep your placenta in optimal condition for making capsules , you'’ll want to put it on ice as soon as possible if and then into the refrigerator or freezer depending on when I will be picking the placenta up to began the encapsulation process. If you are planning a hospital birth, it is a good idea to speak to the hospital staff before birth to see what the hospital policies are on how and when the staff can release the placenta to you.I If you are birthing at home or a birth center, just put your midwife place the placenta in a food-grade container (bio-hazard bags are okay as well) and into the refrigerator or freezer within 4 hours after birth.
It is advised to let your care provider know well-ahead of time that you would like to take your placenta home with you. She or he may not know the hospital’s policy on this matter. It is not necessary to tell them what you are planning to do with your placenta. But you must make it very clear that the placenta must NOT come in contact with chemicals. It is yours to take home; however, hospitals vary in their willingness to give women their placentas. If you are having difficulty with having your placenta released to you contact me right away.
Ideally,I would like to get started on the placenta within a couple of days after the birth. Keeping it refrigerated for a few days is fine, but if it looks like it's going to be 3 or more days, then it's best to freeze it as soon as possible after the birth. The hospital is often able to store it in the freezer upon request. In the event that your placenta is sent to the pathology lab in the hospital, ask if they can do a visual exam or if they can cut a small piece to examine instead of taking the whole placenta. If they insist on taking the whole placenta, you need insist that it is kept refrigerated before and after examination and that they use absolutely no contact with any solutions and chemicals especially their usual formaldehyde. If there is contact with a chemical , the placenta is no longer a candidate for encapsulation.
How long can a placenta be stored in the freezer?
Although it is advised to begin taking the placenta capsules as soon as possible after delivery, placentas that have been properly frozen, meaning that they were frozen just after delivery and have been double-bagged and protected from freezer-burn can also be encapsulated up to 6 months after birth. While you may not be getting the postpartum benefits, these capsules can be saved and used for you and your baby throughout the years for any type of transition in life or trauma and can also be used for mommy later in life while transitioning through menopause, using your own natural hormones.
How do I know my placenta is healthy?
If for any reason you were to end up with a uterine infection before or during labor, the placenta would be unsuitable for consumption. It is important that your placenta is handled in a manner appropriate for safe food preparation since birth.
What if I have an epidural or pitocin during my labor?
Most drugs that are given during labor have a fairly short half-life and clear the system pretty quickly. The placenta should be fine for consumption.
How do I know I won’t receive somebody else’s placenta?
Impossible, because I prepare one placenta at a time. Which means I only have one placenta in my possession at a time. Because of this there is absolutely no chance of an accidental switch or blending of powder.
What if I am a vegetarian?
Not a problem. Nothing died in the process; only life has provided you with these amazing nutrients and benefits. As well, the dehydrated and powdered placenta can be inserted into vegetarian capsules, not gelatin.
Each placenta is different in size and substance so the amount of capsules it makes can vary from 90 to 200.
How long do I use my capsules?
The first two weeks are the most important and effective time to be taking the placenta. You can taper off after that or continue to take them at the original dosage. I encourage women to follow their body’s cues and adjust the dosage accordingly.
Is there anytime I should NOT take placenta capsules?
Placenta should not be taken if the body is fighting off a common cold, flu, or infection. If you should get a breast infection (mastitis), the placenta should not be taken until infection is cleared. If symptoms such as chills, fever, sneezing, aches, flushed cheeks, hot palms and feet or night sweats should occur, stop taking the capsules until the body has fought this off. The reason for this is because placenta is extremely tonifying in nature and can cause a pathogen to grow stronger and go deeper into the body.
When does the encapsulation process begin?
The encapsulation process should begin within 48 hours after birth. The placenta will generally be suitable for consumption for 7 days (refrigerated the entire time) but the capsules will not be as potent as when the encapsulation process begins earlier. If it is not possible to begin the process within the first 72 hours, the placenta should be frozen within the first 24 hours. The placenta will be entirely thawed for TCM style encapsulation, which takes about 24 hours in the refrigerator. I can do this for you. It does not need to be thawed entirely to make the raw capsules.
Can you still encapsulate if I transmittable disease?
Absolutely. I observe OSHA guidelines and the FDA standers of safety.
How long does the process take?
On average the process takes about a day. But due to unforeseen circumstances, it could take up to 72 hours.
What do I need to provide?
Placenta encapsulation is done in my home unless you would prefer the encapsulation done in your home . If you are positive for a transmittable disease the encapsulation must be done in your home with your supplies. In addition to your placenta and supplies, I’ll need access to counter space, your sink and stove. I will preform the encapsulation and clean-up.
I would rather not have the encapsulation done in my kitchen - are there other options?
I can encapsulate your placenta in my home if you prefer unless positive for a transmittable disease then the encapsulation must be done in your home.
How do I store my capsules?
Placenta capsules should be stored in the refrigerator while being used. Keep capsules dry. Store any remaining capsules in the freezer for long-term use. Placenta capsules will last at least 1 year if stored properly and possibly longer.
I had meconium present at the time of birth. Can I still be able to encapsulate my placenta?
Meconium is amniotic fluid that has been digested. It is sterile and can be cleansed from the placenta before Encapsulation or any other service.
How do I take care of my placenta after birth until The Healing Garden receives it ?
In order to keep your placenta in optimal condition for making capsules , you'’ll want to put it on ice as soon as possible if and then into the refrigerator or freezer depending on when I will be picking the placenta up to began the encapsulation process. If you are planning a hospital birth, it is a good idea to speak to the hospital staff before birth to see what the hospital policies are on how and when the staff can release the placenta to you.I If you are birthing at home or a birth center, just put your midwife place the placenta in a food-grade container (bio-hazard bags are okay as well) and into the refrigerator or freezer within 4 hours after birth.
It is advised to let your care provider know well-ahead of time that you would like to take your placenta home with you. She or he may not know the hospital’s policy on this matter. It is not necessary to tell them what you are planning to do with your placenta. But you must make it very clear that the placenta must NOT come in contact with chemicals. It is yours to take home; however, hospitals vary in their willingness to give women their placentas. If you are having difficulty with having your placenta released to you contact me right away.
Ideally,I would like to get started on the placenta within a couple of days after the birth. Keeping it refrigerated for a few days is fine, but if it looks like it's going to be 3 or more days, then it's best to freeze it as soon as possible after the birth. The hospital is often able to store it in the freezer upon request. In the event that your placenta is sent to the pathology lab in the hospital, ask if they can do a visual exam or if they can cut a small piece to examine instead of taking the whole placenta. If they insist on taking the whole placenta, you need insist that it is kept refrigerated before and after examination and that they use absolutely no contact with any solutions and chemicals especially their usual formaldehyde. If there is contact with a chemical , the placenta is no longer a candidate for encapsulation.
How long can a placenta be stored in the freezer?
Although it is advised to begin taking the placenta capsules as soon as possible after delivery, placentas that have been properly frozen, meaning that they were frozen just after delivery and have been double-bagged and protected from freezer-burn can also be encapsulated up to 6 months after birth. While you may not be getting the postpartum benefits, these capsules can be saved and used for you and your baby throughout the years for any type of transition in life or trauma and can also be used for mommy later in life while transitioning through menopause, using your own natural hormones.
How do I know my placenta is healthy?
If for any reason you were to end up with a uterine infection before or during labor, the placenta would be unsuitable for consumption. It is important that your placenta is handled in a manner appropriate for safe food preparation since birth.
What if I have an epidural or pitocin during my labor?
Most drugs that are given during labor have a fairly short half-life and clear the system pretty quickly. The placenta should be fine for consumption.
How do I know I won’t receive somebody else’s placenta?
Impossible, because I prepare one placenta at a time. Which means I only have one placenta in my possession at a time. Because of this there is absolutely no chance of an accidental switch or blending of powder.
What if I am a vegetarian?
Not a problem. Nothing died in the process; only life has provided you with these amazing nutrients and benefits. As well, the dehydrated and powdered placenta can be inserted into vegetarian capsules, not gelatin.
The information on this page has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The services offered by The Healing Garden are not clinical, pharmaceutical, or intended to diagnose or treat any condition. Families who choose to utilize the services page take full responsibility of their own health and for researching and using the remedies.
Training received through Full Circle Encapsulation
Training received through Full Circle Encapsulation