I have a placenta in my fridge, could you encapsulate it for me? Unplanned Encapsulations ~ the pros and cons

Kylie Pattnaik, Placenta Benefits Encapsulation Specialist.

Just a few weeks ago, I received a call from a doula friend and she told me that she had a client’s placenta in her refrigerator. My friend had just got home after supporting at a birth and, she had brought the placenta back to her home for me to collect it for encapsulation. This was an interesting dilemma! I wish for all mothers to have access to their placenta in capsule form if they wish for it but, there is certain information I need before I can encapsulate for a mother.

When it comes to last minute decisions about placenta encapsulation, there are pros and cons. I’ve been receiving some very ‘late in the day’ enquiries recently so, I thought that this would be a useful subject to write right about now, to help increase understanding of the process.

When a placenta is encapsulated, it’s not like just cooking and grinding some food. The placenta is a part of the mother. Even after it has been birthed, it’s still a part of the mother and it has fulfilled the amazingly special role of sustaining her baby’s life until birth. Essentially, what I do is take an organ that the mother’s body has grown and, honour the special role it has fulfilled by performing a ritual according to strict guidelines. I then return it to the mother in capsule form so that it can nourish her during the early postpartum.

When a mother books the encapsulation of her placenta in advance, there are a number of benefits. These include:

• Being provided with information about how placenta encapsulation may be able to help during the early postpartum.
• Being able to ask questions and discuss any aspects that they’re unsure of.
• Having support to ensure that the essential information can be added to the birth plan, ensuring that the midwives have clear information.
• Having clear instructions and directions available for how to handle and store the placenta until it can be collected for encapsulation. This includes necessary equipment/items. These instructions are important because without them, it may not be possible to ensure that risk of contamination is minimised. Without the right guidance, it is more likely that the placenta may not be fit for encapsulation.
• Being assured that I will be available around the baby’s expected arrival date and that I will prioritise the encapsulation.
• Developing a connection with the person who will be encapsulating their placenta. Handling a precious organ, preparing it for them and then returning it to them is a personal process. I’m bringing a part of the mother into my home so, I think it’s fair to say that the service I offer is personal and there is no way around that. This is an important consideration for many mothers. If a mother sees the placenta encapsulation specialist as a source of support rather than just a service provider, this helps her to gain more from the postpartum follow up support that PBi specialists offer..
• Having the opportunity to explore other placenta options such as smoothies, printing and homeopathic remedies. Learning about these during pregnancy means that the mother can make an informed choice about whether or not they want them.

From my perspective, as a Placenta Encapsulation Specialist, there are four main factors to consider when a mother decides on a last minute encapsulation. Firstly, I don’t have the essential forms completed. This is a very boring and practical point but, all clients need to sign documents. For this reason, I need to see the mother when I collect her placenta for an unplanned encapsulation.

Secondly, because all of the placenta care information was not provided prior to birth, it may be that the placenta could have been contaminated. In this situation, I need to ask questions to try to ascertain as to whether or not the placenta is safe for consumption. If a placenta has been contaminated due to incorrect handling or storage, it may not be safe to consume.

Thirdly, it’s preferable that I have at least spoken to the mother and know a little about her wishes before encapsulating her placenta. The personal connection is a part of the process which it hard to ignore.

Lastly, if I am very busy around the time that the mother gives birth, it may be that she needs to wait longer for her encapsulation to be completed. In this situation, the mother may be disappointed that she has to wait and, I would also be disappointed that she wouldn’t have her placenta capsules available at the times when she most needed them. When I am aware that a client is soon to birth her baby I ensure that I have greater flexibility in my schedule.

If a mother decides to wait until the last minute or she hears about placenta encapsulation around her baby’s estimated birth date and she want to find out more then, I suggest that she contact me by telephone for a discussion. Many mothers get in touch by email and that is absolutely fine if there is time for further exchanges to occur and phone calls to follow. Making first contact late in pregnancy is best done by telephone as more information can be conveyed, questions can be answered and, if they’re seriously considering placenta pills then, I can help them to understand what they need to do to make sure their placenta is handled and stored correctly after birth. It also makes it easier to organise the essential paperwork and carry out the encapsulation as soon as possible.

"Kylie was such a pleasure to deal with (in) this special moment and in fact, made it even more special - big thanks to her and her wonderful service and care."

Terrie Sawyer