FAQ'S
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Frequently asked questions

What is the cost to encapsulate my placenta?

The cost is $225. This includes a complimentary cord keepsake (dried umbilical cord), photos of your placenta and a coloured print. If you live in Hamilton we offer a free pickup from the hospital or birth centres, however if you do not live in Hamilton the cost of a courier will be added. $25 North Island and $35 South Island, this includes the cost to return your capsules to you. . You are welcome to drop your placenta off to us if you live just outside of Hamilton area and perfer to hand deliver it.



Are you trained? ​ ​

Yes. in 2014 I completed my intensive training through Placenta Benefits International (www.placentabenefits.info) and I am now a Placenta Encapsulation Specialist.



Can I have delayed cord clamping and still encapsulate?

Yes, we encourage delayed cord clamping, it's so important for your baby to receive as much blood from the placenta as possible.



Can I still encapsulate if my placenta has been frozen?

Yes. there are a few criteria that need to be met in this instance. 1. Was the placenta kept chilled within 4 hours of the birth? 2. Did the placenta then go into the freezer within 3 days? 3. Has it been frozen solid since then? 4. How long as it been in the freezer? (as generally up to 6 months is absolutely fine) Please contact us to discuss the above. ​



But isn't the placenta is a filter? Does it store the toxins it filters? Do I end up ingesting them when I consume the capsules?

The placenta is a part of an advanced filtering system. Nutrients from the mother get passed to the baby via the placenta, which tries to filter out anything harmful to the baby before letting it get through. The baby passes waste back to the mother through the placenta, which the mother’s body can then remove, just as her body removes all the other waste products in her system. The placenta is not a filter that traps everything that can’t get through, like an air filter. Those waste products and other things that the baby can’t use are generally sent back out to the mother for removal. If the placenta held onto everything, it would be a health hazard after nine months! So, no, the placenta is not filled with toxins by the time the baby is born. That being said, there are some things that do get held by the placenta, such as heavy metals. So if a mother smokes, the heavy metals in the cigarette smoke will build up in the placenta over time, making it questionable whether or not it should be ingested.



What if there is Meconium on my placenta?

Meconium is the sticky tar-like poo that your baby produces in first few days of life until milk gets into it’s digestive system. Meconium is a sterile substance. Sometimes, the baby passes meconium for the first time in the womb or as it is born and this may stick to the placenta. If this is the case we clean the placenta thoroughly and the method of encapsulation we use requires the placenta to be steamed during preparation which kills any potential bacteria. ​



I want to bury some of my placenta also, can I do a partial encapsulation?

Yes we offer a few options for partial encapsulation: Encapsulate the entire placenta apart from the cord and sac. This will allow you to get the full amount of capsules from your placenta while still being able to bury a part of your placenta. Encapsulate say ¾ of your placenta and return ¼ to you or burial. This allows for you to have the cord keepsake (dehydrated cord) to keep rather than bury if you wish. Please advise this on your booking in form or discuss the options with us if these don't suit your needs, we are happy to accommodate. The cost is the same as a full encapsulation regardless of which option is chosen.



What method of encapsulation do you use?

We use the Traditional Chinese Medicine Method which requires the steaming of the placenta with Ginger and Myrrh prior to dehydration.



If I dont live in Hamilton, can you still encapsulate my placenta?

Yes, you can courier your placenta to me overnight. Once the booking form is completed you will receive instructions about this.



If I have an induction, epidural or cesarean section, can I still encapsulate

Yes absolutely. The medications given during these procedures are absolutely safe to still encapsulate



What are your hygiene standards like?

The health and well-being of our clients and ourselves is of the upmost importance, therefore an extremely high standard of hygiene practice is followed. We have a dedicated "Placenta Room" within our home in which your placenta is carefully and professionally processed. Hospital grade disinfectants and sanitisers are used and strict guidelines are followed. We hold a current Food Safety Certificate and a Bloodborne Pathogens and Infection Control Certificate.



I'm on medication during my pregnancy, is it safe to still encapsulate?

We are not medical professional therefore cannot advise either way specifically. We do ask that you discuss this with your care provider. Generally speaking, medications taken during pregnancy and whilst breastfeeding are deemed safe with encapsulation, however you must confirm this with your care provider. Please advise of any medical conditions.



Will there be an after taste?

While most people do not notice an aftertaste, if this is a concern for you, we will use a method known as the Traditional Chinese Medicine method. We use herbs such as ginger and myrrh to try to eliminate or reduce this after-taste. Also taking your capsules with meals can help too.



Can I still encapsulate my placenta if I am banking cord blood?

Yes. Cord blood banking is increasingly common. Your midwife will collect the cord blood immediately after birth leaving the placenta for encapsulation. This does not effect the encapsulation process.



Do I need to book or can I just phone when I’ve had the baby?

It is important that I know your approximate date of delivery so I don’t book in too many encapsulations. Please complete the booking form on this site so that we can be ready to receive your placenta once you have had your baby. However, should you have already had your baby and would like to have your placenta encapsulated, give me a call as we're sure we will be able to fit you in.



When will I get the capsules back?

They will be returned to you as soon as possible. The encapsulating process takes about 24 hours and depending where you live it should be with you within 1-4 days. We endeavour to have it back to you within 24-36 hours of receiving it as ideally you would want to begin taking your capsules as soon after birth as possible.



How many capsules will I get?

With the average placenta you are likely to get 100-200 capsules. It really depends on the size of your placenta.



How many capsules do I take?

An information sheet will accompany your capsules with the dosage, amount to take and when and when not to take them.



Will my placenta get mixed up with somone elses?

Definitely not. We only work with one placenta at a time to ensure your safety.



When should I not encapsulate?

It is not very often that you cannot encapsulate a placenta, but it is important that the placenta is fresh and refrigerated or frozen to prevent bacteria contamination. Should you develop an infection in labour or postpartum we will need to discuss the reason for the fever with your care provider. There are other situations that may arise that should be made on a case by case basis. Please discuss this with your care provider.



I have some capsules left over and I'm pregnant again, can I take my left over capsules while pregnant?

The placenta is designed to help the body recover after birth and composes of hormones which may contract the uterus. To prevent miscarrage or early labour, we highly recommend mothers NOT take placenta capsules while pregnant.



What are the complimentary extras? Cord keepsake and print?

A cord keepsake is your babys umbilical cord completely dehydrated generally into the shape of a heart. This can be kept forever as a keepsake. The print is a lovely coloured print (made with food colouring) of your placenta onto paper and laminated.



How do I get my placenta to you?

We offer a free pick up and delivery service to Waikato Hospital, River Ridge and Waterford Birthing Centres in Hamilton. If you live in Hamilton or sorrounding areas, but are not at the hospital or birth centres, you are welcome to drop your placenta off to us, otherwise you will need to courier your placenta. Instructions will be sent to you once you book in with regard to correct packaging and courier instructions.