Important considerations for clients
A few years ago, Health Canada issued a statement regarding placenta encapsulation. The statement says that any product containing human placenta has now been reclassified as a 'drug' under the Canadian Food & Drug Act. Here is their statement for review.
As a Doula and Childbirth Educator, we support clients make informed discussions and consent using evidence based information to make the best decision possible for themselves. Many support the practice and rights of parents to decide if placenta encapsulation is right for them, We want to ensure that our clients feel safe as we provide this service.
As a Doula and Childbirth Educator, we support clients make informed discussions and consent using evidence based information to make the best decision possible for themselves. Many support the practice and rights of parents to decide if placenta encapsulation is right for them, We want to ensure that our clients feel safe as we provide this service.
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COVID 19 concerns when encapsulating April 25, 2020 According to World Health Organization (2020), to date no signs of COVID-19 have been found in cord blood, amniotic fluid or breast milk. No information has been obtained on the presence of it being on or found in placenta tissue. We are implementing contactless drop off and pick up of the placenta. This must be arranged by the client in advance and the encapsulator must be notified in advance to arrange times of drop off and pick up when task is complete. If you are experiencing an active COVID-19 virus or have symptoms, it is highly unlikely the hospital will release your placenta. If you had the virus and now are testing negative then you can proceed with your encapsulation after discussing with your midwife or OB. Please be sure to inform your encapsulator of any covid diagnosis or pending diagnosis, so they are informed. |
Please package placenta in a ziplock bag and placed in a hard container that can be wiped properly by the encapsulator before and after handling.
Be sure to read this page carefully submitting the form below.
Be sure to read this page carefully submitting the form below.
Proper Storage of Placenta
Storing the placenta when at the HOSPITAL or BIRTH CENTER:
You will be required to bring your own food safe container from home. A hard shell cooler or hard shell lunch box is ideal. Bring THREE ziplock bags with you. One will be for the placenta itself and the other two will be used to fill up to the top with ice from the kitchen area. Place one ice bag at the bottom of the cooler, the placenta bag in the middle and the other bag of ice on the top of the placenta. To make three layers of ice placenta and ice. If ice is melting it is recommended to place the placenta in the fridge until you are ready to deliver the placenta to your encapsulator.
If the placenta is being stored for longer than 3 hours, please be sure to refresh any melted ice that your placenta is stored with. There is a kitchen area in all hospitals with an ice machine to be able to do this. If you pack the placenta to the brim with ice, it should last a significant amount of time.
Storing the placenta when at HOME:
After the midwives have assessed your placenta simply place in a food safe container and store in the fridge. If longer storage is required place in the fridge freezer or deep freeze. The placenta may be stored no more than 3 days in the fridge. It is most ideal to begin encapsulation within 24 hours of its birth. If previously frozen, it will need to be defrosted before the encapsulation can begin.
You will be required to bring your own food safe container from home. A hard shell cooler or hard shell lunch box is ideal. Bring THREE ziplock bags with you. One will be for the placenta itself and the other two will be used to fill up to the top with ice from the kitchen area. Place one ice bag at the bottom of the cooler, the placenta bag in the middle and the other bag of ice on the top of the placenta. To make three layers of ice placenta and ice. If ice is melting it is recommended to place the placenta in the fridge until you are ready to deliver the placenta to your encapsulator.
If the placenta is being stored for longer than 3 hours, please be sure to refresh any melted ice that your placenta is stored with. There is a kitchen area in all hospitals with an ice machine to be able to do this. If you pack the placenta to the brim with ice, it should last a significant amount of time.
Storing the placenta when at HOME:
After the midwives have assessed your placenta simply place in a food safe container and store in the fridge. If longer storage is required place in the fridge freezer or deep freeze. The placenta may be stored no more than 3 days in the fridge. It is most ideal to begin encapsulation within 24 hours of its birth. If previously frozen, it will need to be defrosted before the encapsulation can begin.
FEES for Encapsulation and Other Methods
The fees for this service will vary depending on what you are requesting
Placenta encapsulation SINGLE placenta using organic vegetarian capsules is $200.00
Placenta encapsulation TWINS placenta using organic vegetarian capsules is $275.00
Placenta tincture is $65.00
Placenta chocolates is $285.00
Placenta print is $20.00 each
Placenta Smoothie cubes is $25.00
At this time we cannot do pick up and delivery. Please make appropriate arrangements for drop off and pick up in our south side location. This will be contactless drop off for the safety of all parties during the COVID 19 pandemic.
Placenta encapsulation SINGLE placenta using organic vegetarian capsules is $200.00
Placenta encapsulation TWINS placenta using organic vegetarian capsules is $275.00
Placenta tincture is $65.00
Placenta chocolates is $285.00
Placenta print is $20.00 each
Placenta Smoothie cubes is $25.00
At this time we cannot do pick up and delivery. Please make appropriate arrangements for drop off and pick up in our south side location. This will be contactless drop off for the safety of all parties during the COVID 19 pandemic.
Commonly Asked Questions
How long can my placenta be stored?
Your placenta can be stored in your refrigerator for up to 3 days following the birth.
You may safely store your placenta for longer periods of time in your freezer.
When and how do I contact us?
This service must be arranged in advance of due date.
You will contact us via text message or phone call (a number will be provided following your registration).
It is important that you contact us when labour begins or if an induction or cesarean has been scheduled.
Please be aware services are only provided between the hours of 9:00 AM and 9:00PM.
If your placenta is born between the hours of 9:00 PM and 9:00 AM, you will be responsible for proper food safe storage of your placenta and refreshing the ice the placenta is stored with, until which time you can arrange times during regular business hours of operation.
How long does the process take?
Generally it will take 24 hours from the time the placenta is dropped off to being ready for pick up. However, this time may vary. If there is an unavoidable delay, your specialist will keep you informed.
If I freeze the placenta immediately, when can it be encapsulated?
In order for the placenta to be of most benefit to you, it is important to begin within a few weeks of its birth. It may still be beneficial to you after that time period if handled and stored safely and was chilled or frozen within 1 hours of birth and has not been frozen for more than 6 months time.
What is the difference between steamed and not steamed capsule preparation? Which should I choose?
Basically the placenta is either steamed before dehydrating or it is dehydrated from raw. The steamed preparation is loosely based on traditional Chinese medicine principles (without herbs added) Feedback from individuals has been directly comparable for both preparations.
On a practical level, not steamed preparation tends to yield 10-15% more capsules than steaming and many choose this method because they feel it is less processing.
How do I know the capsules contain my placenta?
Your specialist is highly trained and adheres to a detailed code of conduct in providing this service. They never work on more than one placenta at a time and follow strict protocols to eliminate the risk of cross contamination and proper food handling and safety rules. if you remain concerned you may request that the placenta be prepared in your home. However currently due to our current Covid 19 situation, we are not providing in home service.
How many capsules will I get and how do I take them?
Placenta sizes can vary in size and weight. On average, a full term placenta may yield about 130 steamed preparation and 150 non steamed preparation capsules. Taking capsules with food or a drink high in Vitamin C may aid in absorption. The jar you will be given has suggested guidelines for consumption. Each new parent and their placenta is unique, so it's finding a balance which works for you.
How do I store my capsules safely?
Store in a cool, dry, dark place. Fridges may cause moisture from condensation so avoid this, if you notice it occurring. It is recommenced to consume within 6 months time of preparation date or store in a deep freezer for longer periods.
I am running low on my capsules, is there anything I can do?
Don't panic, if you are running low or have some capsules left over and wish to have longer term access. We can easily make you a tincture from the left over capsules. You will be responsible for returning the capsules to the specialist. Please allow 6 weeks before tincture is complete.
I have capsules left over, can I save them for future pregnancies, postnatal recovery or to help ease menopausal symptoms?
Due to the possible hormones that may cause the uterus to contract, it is advised not to take during pregnancy. Each placenta is unique and may contain the right amount of hormones and nutrients required for you and your baby at that point in time specific to that pregnancy that may be finely tuned to your body's requirements at that time. For longer term support to potentially ease menopausal symptoms, we recommend a more stable approach and making a tincture.
Your placenta can be stored in your refrigerator for up to 3 days following the birth.
You may safely store your placenta for longer periods of time in your freezer.
When and how do I contact us?
This service must be arranged in advance of due date.
You will contact us via text message or phone call (a number will be provided following your registration).
It is important that you contact us when labour begins or if an induction or cesarean has been scheduled.
Please be aware services are only provided between the hours of 9:00 AM and 9:00PM.
If your placenta is born between the hours of 9:00 PM and 9:00 AM, you will be responsible for proper food safe storage of your placenta and refreshing the ice the placenta is stored with, until which time you can arrange times during regular business hours of operation.
How long does the process take?
Generally it will take 24 hours from the time the placenta is dropped off to being ready for pick up. However, this time may vary. If there is an unavoidable delay, your specialist will keep you informed.
If I freeze the placenta immediately, when can it be encapsulated?
In order for the placenta to be of most benefit to you, it is important to begin within a few weeks of its birth. It may still be beneficial to you after that time period if handled and stored safely and was chilled or frozen within 1 hours of birth and has not been frozen for more than 6 months time.
What is the difference between steamed and not steamed capsule preparation? Which should I choose?
Basically the placenta is either steamed before dehydrating or it is dehydrated from raw. The steamed preparation is loosely based on traditional Chinese medicine principles (without herbs added) Feedback from individuals has been directly comparable for both preparations.
On a practical level, not steamed preparation tends to yield 10-15% more capsules than steaming and many choose this method because they feel it is less processing.
How do I know the capsules contain my placenta?
Your specialist is highly trained and adheres to a detailed code of conduct in providing this service. They never work on more than one placenta at a time and follow strict protocols to eliminate the risk of cross contamination and proper food handling and safety rules. if you remain concerned you may request that the placenta be prepared in your home. However currently due to our current Covid 19 situation, we are not providing in home service.
How many capsules will I get and how do I take them?
Placenta sizes can vary in size and weight. On average, a full term placenta may yield about 130 steamed preparation and 150 non steamed preparation capsules. Taking capsules with food or a drink high in Vitamin C may aid in absorption. The jar you will be given has suggested guidelines for consumption. Each new parent and their placenta is unique, so it's finding a balance which works for you.
How do I store my capsules safely?
Store in a cool, dry, dark place. Fridges may cause moisture from condensation so avoid this, if you notice it occurring. It is recommenced to consume within 6 months time of preparation date or store in a deep freezer for longer periods.
I am running low on my capsules, is there anything I can do?
Don't panic, if you are running low or have some capsules left over and wish to have longer term access. We can easily make you a tincture from the left over capsules. You will be responsible for returning the capsules to the specialist. Please allow 6 weeks before tincture is complete.
I have capsules left over, can I save them for future pregnancies, postnatal recovery or to help ease menopausal symptoms?
Due to the possible hormones that may cause the uterus to contract, it is advised not to take during pregnancy. Each placenta is unique and may contain the right amount of hormones and nutrients required for you and your baby at that point in time specific to that pregnancy that may be finely tuned to your body's requirements at that time. For longer term support to potentially ease menopausal symptoms, we recommend a more stable approach and making a tincture.