Placenta Encapsulation

The practice of encapsulating the placenta after birth is gaining awareness and we at ABC Doula have been getting positive reports from families using their placenta as medicine.  Some of the reported benefits include:

*Increased breastmilk supply
*Balanced postpartum hormones (i.e. reduced postpartum depression and anxiety)
*Reduced fatigue and increase energy
*Higher iron and protein levels (protecting from anemia and fatigue)
*Enhanced effects of pain relievers during recovery, leading to smaller doses of medication.

We have seen so many of our clients struggle with milk production and the postpartum emotional roller coaster that we now offer placental encapsulation for families who want to utilize this amazing source of nutrients and hormones to aid in their postpartum recovery.
We believe this service can greatly increase the chances of breastfeeding success and help create a peaceful, balanced postpartum experience for the whole family- particularly those who are at a greater risk for postpartum depression and anxiety, and those with a history of infertility or low milk supply.

What do we mean by Placenta Encapsulation?

We use the Traditional Chinese Medicine  method of preserving your placenta for consumption.  This involves gently steaming the placenta with herbs, drying it in a dehydrator, grinding it, and encapsulating it into pill form that are easy to take in the first few weeks postpartum.

You never have to touch the placenta. The hospital staff will package it up for you to bring home (preferably within the first day or two).  If you choose to encapsulate your placenta through ABC, we will come to your home to prepare it. We bring all our own equipment and will clean your kitchen before, during, and after the process to insure a clean preparation and pure capsules.

The drying process takes about 24 hours. The next day the doula will return, grind and prepare the capsules, and leave you with a labeled jar in the fridge. Your kitchen will have no trace of the preparation, and you will have a supplement made from your own hormones and nutrients, specific to your body.

Donna, a doula with ABC since 2006, is our placenta encapsulation specialist. She will take extreme care not only with your placenta, but also your home and space as you transition back from the hospital, and will help to create an atmosphere of support as you bond with your new baby (or babies).

You can add this service to your doula care, or purchase it separately, on our purchase page.

We understand that this process comes with many questions – if you are considering placenta encapsulation but have a few questions, please see our FAQ page for more information about this process.