Placentophagy is referred to as the act of ingesting the placenta after childbirth. I KNOW it sounds CRAZY!! Honestly, I thought is was when I first heard about it. Once I took the time to learn more about the placenta and how it supports the postpartum mother I was sold! Unfortunately, I don't have personal experience ingesting my own placenta, because I had NO IDEA it was even a thing!
Basically, I take your placenta and turn it into capsules that can be ingested. I know you are still wondering, why this is done?
Placenta encapsulation is known to provided the following benefits: -May help prevent postpartum depression -May improve breastmilk supply -May help shrink the uterus -May prevent postpartum hemorrhage and decrease postpartum bleeding -May prevent iron deficiency anemia -May help to balance your hormones -May increase milk production -May make for a happier and more enjoyable postpartum experience
How is works?
Be sure your L&D nurse and doctor are aware that you are planning to keep your placenta after delivery for consumption. Please be prepared to sign any release documentation that your hospital may require for your placenta to be released. I recommend completing any paperwork required by your hospital in advance if and whenever possible.
Bring with you to the hospital 2 one gallon size zip lock bags. The placenta should be placed in one bag with as much air removed as possible. The second bag should be labeled {delivery date, time, location, baby’s full name} and filled 1/2 with ice. Place the sealed placenta in the bag of ice, then top the bag off with more ice and zip lock it. You are more than welcome to bring a small cooler with you to the hospital for storage as well.
You should have a designated person responsible for your placenta/cord care and communication with the encapsulation specialist. Once you have given birth that person should contact me via text message. The text message should include the following information. Client’s Name, Hospital Name or Home address (where placenta is to be picked up), time of birth, type of birth (vaginal with or without medication, c/s), and finally when the placenta was placed on ice. Example Text: Susan Williams, Baptist Conway, 2:00am, Unmedicated Vaginal, On ice at 3:00am
I will then come to the hospital and pick up your placenta and deliver the capsules within 48-72 hours to your home or mail depending on where you live.
How much does it cost?
The cost of placenta encapsulation is $200.00 within a 30 mile radius. If you are beyond a 30 mile radius and have someone who will meet me within a 30 mile radius of Conway, Ar there are no additional fees. If you are outside of the 30 mile radius a mileage fee may be applied and capsules will be mailed back to you. Payment must be made in advance via Venmo, Cash App, or PayPal.