Placenta Services FAQ
What is the process of organising encapsulation?
Generally, I ask that you do a bit of research on which method you think you might want and when you decide I can link you to my forms to fill out. I ask for a $50 retainer to secure my service. The balance is to be paid before you give birth unless previously organised - this is so that I am not having to disturb you and your baby during the first few weeks of getting to know each other. When you go into labour you can either let me know or simply call me when the placenta is ready to be picked up/dropped off. Ideally, you can call me during business hours for collection, however I can come straight away in most cases if there is an issue. Depending on your location and what we have previously arranged, the placenta is then in my care. I aim to get your placenta back to you, or posted to you, within three days.
Is placenta encapsulation approved by the TGA?
No. In regards to placenta encapsulation, Blue Lotus Birth Services is not selling a product but providing a service by taking your own placenta and changing it into a form you would prefer to have it in. I make no claims about what your placenta can do for you as all women and placentas are different. I can point you in the direction of information that women have felt was useful in deciding if placenta encapsulation is the right choice for them. I am very research based in my process and am happy to share with you my in depth process if you need that assurance.
Is this safe? Are there any negative side effects? How will I know it's really MY placenta coming back to me?
Placenta encapsulation needs to be done by a knowledgeable service provider that observe current universal precautions on blood born pathogens and food handling safety. Cross contamination is a risk factor and there are international recommendations for Placenta Encapsulation Specialists to follow to minimise this risk. Negative side affects are rare and usually mild and include headaches, insomnia, too much energy, stomach upset. Adjusting dosage can help with these. Too much milk has been reported by some and in very rare cases, not enough milk. I am happy to discuss the current theories on why this might happen. There is no chance of you receiving another placenta as I only have/process one at a time.
If I have any type of surgery or manual removal can I still encapsulate?
Yes, however, please make sure your obstetrician is aware of your wishes to keep your placenta. The operating room staff will need to be aware of your wishes to keep your placenta food safe and away from any chemicals or potential contaminates. The hospitals here have been fantastic with clients wishes to keep their placentas.
Do labour drugs, meconium (baby poo) or calcification rule placenta encapsulation out?
No. I have information on the half life of common labour drugs that might be helpful if you are concerned about them. Meconium requires a bit of wisdom and there are a few things that can be done depending on the state of the placenta but for the most part it is fine to proceed with little change to SOP. Calcification is a natural process and does not cause concern for encapsulation. Large deposits can be removed if they prove a problem for processing.
What are the main differences in Raw Start v Steamed?
Steamed has been heated more and seems to be more gentle for women in general. I do use smaller capsules so that Raw can be adjusted down easier though as well. Steamed is said to provide a warming affect for women to balance out the cooling nature of birth/blood loss for those that are interested in TCM, although this isn't a particularly old idea. Steamed is at least a third less capsules than Raw. Raw takes a few hours longer to process. Some women find Raw a bit too much (which is why I have smaller caps to compensate) and need to take smaller amounts. Raw can be taken whenever and TCM theory suggests the warming nature of a steamed placenta *may* make infection or illness set in more so which is why it shouldn't be taken if you are unwell. Raw is said to be better for energy and steamed, less likely to give you jitters or too much energy (I do use smaller caps to try to prevent this with raw start). I am happy to help you work out what your needs might be and which style might suit you better. Both can be used to make tinctures but raw pieces or Raw capsules are said to be more potent.
How do I store my placenta after birth?
It's important that your placenta remain food safe after birth. After your care provider checks over your placenta it is requested that you store your placenta in two zip lock bags or double bagged and knotted inside of a container and then refrigerated within, ideally, two hours or four hours of its birth if you and I feel it is safe and responsible. Your placenta should be labeled and kept with you or with someone you trust to keep it safe. You will be given instructions on your responsibilities regarding your placenta during booking in.
Can I Lotus Birth and encapsulate?
The short answer? No. Lotus Birth is the non-severance of the cord (no cutting, leaving it to naturally come away in a few days) and is therefore outside of current food safety guidelines. There are a few methods for the "best of both worlds" that we can talk about including "partial lotus birth" where the placenta is carefully left for up to four hours and then severed. We can talk about these methods and work out what your needs are and go from there.
Can you add herbs to my capsules or make me a smoothie?
It is recommended that you not add any herbs to your capsules. If you add something, it cannot be taken out if you react or no longer need the addition. If you feel you need a herbal supplement, it's best to take it separately. Smoothies cannot be prepared in the hospital by me. I cannot add anything to the smoothie cubes, again, due to allergies and limitations with being a service provider only. I can, however, adhere to strict guidelines with providing smoothie cubes which includes a time frame and location requirements.
If my keepsake snaps at the join, can it be fixed?
Yes, for sure. They really aren't meant to be handled as the joins are made from a mix of pressure, moisture to set then dehydrated and a bit of skill. If you do get a bit handsy and they do come apart they can be either glued or moistened, reset and dehydrated. I'm happy to fix anything up. If you just want the cord dried naturally and change your mind, I can reshape too.
Who do you recommend for certification?
Association of Placenta Preparation Arts. If you are interested in certifying or donating to our current research causes, I am happy to pass on information to get you on the right path.
Generally, I ask that you do a bit of research on which method you think you might want and when you decide I can link you to my forms to fill out. I ask for a $50 retainer to secure my service. The balance is to be paid before you give birth unless previously organised - this is so that I am not having to disturb you and your baby during the first few weeks of getting to know each other. When you go into labour you can either let me know or simply call me when the placenta is ready to be picked up/dropped off. Ideally, you can call me during business hours for collection, however I can come straight away in most cases if there is an issue. Depending on your location and what we have previously arranged, the placenta is then in my care. I aim to get your placenta back to you, or posted to you, within three days.
Is placenta encapsulation approved by the TGA?
No. In regards to placenta encapsulation, Blue Lotus Birth Services is not selling a product but providing a service by taking your own placenta and changing it into a form you would prefer to have it in. I make no claims about what your placenta can do for you as all women and placentas are different. I can point you in the direction of information that women have felt was useful in deciding if placenta encapsulation is the right choice for them. I am very research based in my process and am happy to share with you my in depth process if you need that assurance.
Is this safe? Are there any negative side effects? How will I know it's really MY placenta coming back to me?
Placenta encapsulation needs to be done by a knowledgeable service provider that observe current universal precautions on blood born pathogens and food handling safety. Cross contamination is a risk factor and there are international recommendations for Placenta Encapsulation Specialists to follow to minimise this risk. Negative side affects are rare and usually mild and include headaches, insomnia, too much energy, stomach upset. Adjusting dosage can help with these. Too much milk has been reported by some and in very rare cases, not enough milk. I am happy to discuss the current theories on why this might happen. There is no chance of you receiving another placenta as I only have/process one at a time.
If I have any type of surgery or manual removal can I still encapsulate?
Yes, however, please make sure your obstetrician is aware of your wishes to keep your placenta. The operating room staff will need to be aware of your wishes to keep your placenta food safe and away from any chemicals or potential contaminates. The hospitals here have been fantastic with clients wishes to keep their placentas.
Do labour drugs, meconium (baby poo) or calcification rule placenta encapsulation out?
No. I have information on the half life of common labour drugs that might be helpful if you are concerned about them. Meconium requires a bit of wisdom and there are a few things that can be done depending on the state of the placenta but for the most part it is fine to proceed with little change to SOP. Calcification is a natural process and does not cause concern for encapsulation. Large deposits can be removed if they prove a problem for processing.
What are the main differences in Raw Start v Steamed?
Steamed has been heated more and seems to be more gentle for women in general. I do use smaller capsules so that Raw can be adjusted down easier though as well. Steamed is said to provide a warming affect for women to balance out the cooling nature of birth/blood loss for those that are interested in TCM, although this isn't a particularly old idea. Steamed is at least a third less capsules than Raw. Raw takes a few hours longer to process. Some women find Raw a bit too much (which is why I have smaller caps to compensate) and need to take smaller amounts. Raw can be taken whenever and TCM theory suggests the warming nature of a steamed placenta *may* make infection or illness set in more so which is why it shouldn't be taken if you are unwell. Raw is said to be better for energy and steamed, less likely to give you jitters or too much energy (I do use smaller caps to try to prevent this with raw start). I am happy to help you work out what your needs might be and which style might suit you better. Both can be used to make tinctures but raw pieces or Raw capsules are said to be more potent.
How do I store my placenta after birth?
It's important that your placenta remain food safe after birth. After your care provider checks over your placenta it is requested that you store your placenta in two zip lock bags or double bagged and knotted inside of a container and then refrigerated within, ideally, two hours or four hours of its birth if you and I feel it is safe and responsible. Your placenta should be labeled and kept with you or with someone you trust to keep it safe. You will be given instructions on your responsibilities regarding your placenta during booking in.
Can I Lotus Birth and encapsulate?
The short answer? No. Lotus Birth is the non-severance of the cord (no cutting, leaving it to naturally come away in a few days) and is therefore outside of current food safety guidelines. There are a few methods for the "best of both worlds" that we can talk about including "partial lotus birth" where the placenta is carefully left for up to four hours and then severed. We can talk about these methods and work out what your needs are and go from there.
Can you add herbs to my capsules or make me a smoothie?
It is recommended that you not add any herbs to your capsules. If you add something, it cannot be taken out if you react or no longer need the addition. If you feel you need a herbal supplement, it's best to take it separately. Smoothies cannot be prepared in the hospital by me. I cannot add anything to the smoothie cubes, again, due to allergies and limitations with being a service provider only. I can, however, adhere to strict guidelines with providing smoothie cubes which includes a time frame and location requirements.
If my keepsake snaps at the join, can it be fixed?
Yes, for sure. They really aren't meant to be handled as the joins are made from a mix of pressure, moisture to set then dehydrated and a bit of skill. If you do get a bit handsy and they do come apart they can be either glued or moistened, reset and dehydrated. I'm happy to fix anything up. If you just want the cord dried naturally and change your mind, I can reshape too.
Who do you recommend for certification?
Association of Placenta Preparation Arts. If you are interested in certifying or donating to our current research causes, I am happy to pass on information to get you on the right path.