Q: How do you ensure my placenta will not be mixed up with anyone else’s placenta?
A: I process only one placenta at a time. This is why, occasionally, there may be a delay in receiving your capsules. Normally expect your capsules within 3 days of pick up.
Q: How do you sterilize the equipment used to encapsulate?
A: The sanitize setting on the dishwasher is used when washing all equipment used to encapsulate. Water temperature is set to a hot 235 degrees, ensuring all equipment is thoroughly sterilized for each placenta.
Q: What if I have a disease such as HIV, Hepatitis A, B or C?
A: For your safety and the safety of others, we will not be able to process your placenta if you have any of the above diseases.
Q: On average, how many capsules can I expect to receive?
A: That depends on the size of the placenta. A small placenta will yield around 72 (00) size capsules. A very large placenta can produce up to 135 capsules or even more. On average you can expect around 72 – 135 (00) size capsules. Generally speaking, big babies have big placentas and small babies have small placentas although I’ve noticed women who eat very well and exercise tend to have larger placentas as well.
Q: How do I store my Placenta Capsules?
A: While actively consuming your capsules they can be stored them in the refrigerator. This does not mean that if they are left on the kitchen table for the afternoon they are bad, just that they retain more of their nutrients if kept refrigerated. For long term storage keep your capsules in an airtight container in the freezer, a glass bottle with a secure lid is the best long term storage for capsules in the freezer. If you move, make sure to keep your capsules cool and dry until you can get them back in the freezer. Stored properly, your capsules will last indefinitely.
Q: I have a placenta stored in my freezer from a previous birth. Is it safe to have it encapsulated?
A: That depends on several factors: Was the placenta frozen properly? (Frozen within 48 hours of the birth, no signs of frostbite, has been kept frozen i.e. not thawed and re-frozen) If frozen properly, you can have it encapsulated up to one year after the birth. After I defrost your placenta I’ll inspect it carefully for any signs of damage and let you know if it is okay to encapsulate.
Q: Can I have my placenta encapsulated if my baby was premature?
A: Yes. If your doctor wants to culture the placenta, you can often negotiate to have just a piece of the placenta taken to pathology so you can encapsulate the rest. With the challenges of a premature baby moms need all the support possible to build their milk supply, healing quickly, and balance postpartum hormones.
Q: Can I encapsulate my placenta if my baby passed meconium before birth?
A: Yes. Meconium is sterile, it does not contain fecal bacteria that a normal stool does. Your placenta is also thoroughly washed before it is steamed.
Q: Is it safe to have my placenta encapsulated if I tested positive for Group B Strep (GBS)?
A: Yes. Group B strep is a common bacteria that does not normally pose health risks to the mother. All bacteria in the placenta is killed during the heating and dehydration process. Rarely, Group B strep can lead to uterine infection. If you developed a uterine infection or fever during your labor, your placenta would not be considered useful in healing, and would likely be taken to the pathology lab for testing, but otherwise, Group B strep is not contraindicated in placenta remedy preparation.