Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of placenta encapsulation?

Depending on what method you choose encapsulation is between $300 - $350 plus pick up - travel and delivery costs which are worked out by what zone your postcode falls under. I have a drop off and pick up option that is available that is available. Please see booking form for more info.
 

When should I book in Placenta Encapsulation?

I recommend to book in as soon as you know you want to encapsulate so we can both be prepared. Anytime before 38 weeks is best. I offer payment plans for those who choose to book in early or a 10% discount for upfront full payment.

How many capsules will I receive with my package?

The amount of capsules varies due to the size of your placenta and method used. Usually anywhere between 80 and 200 is expected.

Do i need to let my care provider know that I want to keep my placenta?

I recommend letting everyone in your birth team know your plans for your placenta. When in labour remind the midwife/obstetrician or birthkeeper/doula so they can be prepared for contacting me and safely storing your placenta.

How do I store my placenta for collection?

Your placenta should be put into a clean, leak proof container, hospitals will usually have a white plastic bucket to use. After cord cutting and inspection by a midwife/doctor, your placenta needs to be double bagged and plenty of ice needs to be added to the container/bucket with the placenta on top. The bucket needs to be clearly labelled with your details.

If at home please have available 2 large ziplock freezer bags for the placenta, a clean 2L Tupperware or Ice cream container. Then follow the same instructions above.
Ice into the container, place the placenta in the double ziplock bags on top of the ice, put on the lid and clearly label.

If the placenta is not collected within the first 4 – 6 hours or so after birth eg you birth overnight, the placenta will need to be refrigerated or you need to keep adding fresh ice or possibly take the placenta home where pick up arrangements can be made.

Can I have my placenta encapsulated if I have tested positive for Group B Strep?

Yes! The TCM (steaming) method is recommended as the steaming of the placenta prior to dehydration will kill the bacteria. Please advise if you have tested positive, so I can prepare your placenta using the TCM method.

When can my placenta NOT be encapsulated?

If the placenta is not stored properly after birth or sent to pathology for testing, if an infection is suspected in mum during birth or baby after birth I do not recommending encapsulation.

If I have a caesarean section, induction or medicated birth can I still get my placenta encapsulated?

Yes. Placentas from elective/emergency caesareans, inductions and medicated births can be encapsulated.

How should I store my capsules?

In a cool, dry and dark place. In a cupboard is fine. I send out a form with instructions on how to store your placenta capsules at delivery.

What sanitation precautions are taken during the encapsulation process?

I use dedicated supplies for each encapsulation and safety and sanitation is a high priority. I use many supplies that are disposable and those that aren’t are washed thoroughly with soap and water, then sanitised in a bleach solution which is approved by a Placenta Training Provider.
I hold a blood borne pathogens certificate as well as a Food safety and handling certificate which gets re-newed each year.

How long have you been working with placentas?

I have always been fascinated with Placenta Encapsulation and in 2020 i ventured down the doula path taking many trainings and researching all I could about placentas and birth. In 2021 I encapsulated my first placenta. Since then I have encapsulated many placentas in between my own pregnancy, births and postpartum. 

What happens if I can't encapsulate my placenta after birth?

In the event your placenta gets taken away for testing and is deemed not fit for ingestion you will receive a refund of your payment stated on your booking form less a small deposit amount. (As I operate on client bookings and holding places for clients - I may decline other clients around your due date).