FAQ’s

Placenta Encapsulation is the process of turning the raw placenta into capsules, similar to herbal supplements, that are safe to consume. The placenta goes through a precise set of processes in a laboratory setting, over a set amount of time. Both methods of encapsulation, Steamed and Simple, are dehydrated at a specific temperature, ground into fine powder, then manually filled into capsules for consumption.
The placenta has long been known to contain hormones and nutrients that assist the mother to quickly recover from childbirth and help with the hormonal changes that take place in the postpartum period. After childbirth, the mother experiences a huge drop in her hormone and vitamin levels as most of it has left her body with the placenta. By encapsulating your placenta, you can replenish those hormones and vitamins which will aid in a quicker and easier recovery.

One of the main reasons we suggest encapsulation is to potentially avoid the effects of baby blues and ease other postnatal mood disorders such as postpartum depression. The placenta, and placenta capsules, contain Estrogen, Corticotrophin-Releasing Hormone, and Serotonin which all aid in the prevention of baby blues and postpartum depression. The placenta also contains oxytocin which stimulates uterine contractions to help bring the uterus back to pre-pregnancy size, promotes bonding between mom and baby, and aids in lactation and increased milk supply. Research shows an increase in energy and less fatigue. This boost of energy is derived from the richness in iron your placenta contains and is a vital element to postpartum health.

Recovering from birth is difficult enough and taking care of a newborn is exhausting! Placenta encapsulation can give you the extra energy needed to take care of yourself and your baby when you need the boost the most. Time with your newborn is such a joyous, unique and special time in your life and having the opportunity to transition into motherhood as seamlessly as possible is such a gift. Enjoying the journey of encapsulating your placenta is such a wonderful blessing to give both you and your newborn.

*It is important to know that some mothers have underlying hormonal disruptions that are so severe that placenta consumption will not adequately address the hormonal imbalance that has occurred during your pregnancy. If you believe you are struggling with hormonal imbalances, please contact your doctor immediately for help.

We offer two methods of encapsulation, the Steamed Method and the Simple Method. Both methods provide all the amazing benefits, they just excel in different areas.

The Steamed Method begins with the placenta being steamed to 160 degrees. It is then dehydrated, ground into powder, and encapsulated. This method provides a gentler dose of vitamins and hormones than the Simple Method, usually resulting in less capsules. Mothers are said to experience a more calming, rebalancing effect with the Steamed Method. This method is also recommended for mothers who have tested positive for GBS+ or anyone who needs the peace of mind bringing the placenta to 160 degrees provides.

The Simple Method of encapsulation is not steamed or cooked in any way prior to dehydrating. Like the Steamed Method, the placenta is still dehydrated, ground into powder, and then encapsulated. This method tends to produce slightly more potent placenta powder because the hormones present are exposed to less heat and processing vs. the Steamed Method. Mothers who utilize the Simple Method report a more immediate and energizing effect. Because of the profound, exciting effect, this method is not ideal if you struggle with anxiety, insomnia or have a sensitivity to caffeine. It is likely this method can cause over-stimulation and worsen any existing condition.

Placenta Tincture is a liquid form of your pills, but with no expiration date. Tincturing is a high-yield method of encapsulation that extends the longevity of the placenta supply. The tincture is made by putting a small amount of placenta in a jar with high grade, 100 proof alcohol. It then needs to steep for 6 weeks before it is ready for use. Once you have finished your placenta capsules, beginning a daily tincture can continue aiding your body in gradually and gently returning to a pre-pregnancy state. In addition, this basic tincture is a constitutional remedy that elicits healing when illness, disease, trauma, postpartum anxiety, premenstrual symptoms, emotional challenges, or difficult life transitions arise.

*Not to be used during pregnancy
*Not recommended for women who struggle with addiction

Your placenta is good at room temperature for 4 hours after birth. It then needs to be put in the refrigerator or freezer. It’s good for 5 days in a refrigerator, 6 months in a freezer and 1 year in a deep freezer.
Yes, most hospitals will release your placenta to you after birth without any issues. It is important to inform your birthing team when you arrive at the hospital that you will be keeping your placenta and that it is part of your birth plan. I also recommend reminding them right before or after they have birthed the placenta that you are keeping it. Some hospitals may require you to sign a release form prior to releasing it into your possession.

It is important to know that if your placenta has been sent to pathology for any reason, we are unable to encapsulate your placenta due to contamination in the pathology department. In some cases, your doctor may request that your placenta be sent for testing. If this happens, we suggest you ask your doctor to do a bedside examination of the placenta. If that does not suffice, you can then ask them to take a small piece of the placenta while in your room to be sent to pathology, and the rest of the placenta remains with you. Please know that you have the right to deny your placenta being sent out for testing. Your placenta belongs to you as it’s part of your body, and it’s your decision on what’s done with it. It is important that your placenta does not leave your room unless it is being picked up by our team, taken home to be frozen before shipment out, or being placed in a hospital refrigerator with staff knowledge that you are keeping it.

If you are having difficulty getting the hospital to release your placenta, please feel free to contact us at (517) 936-3469 and we will be happy to assist you.

Yes, it is still safe to encapsulate your placenta if you’ve tested positive for GBS. In this case, we only offer the Steamed Method of encapsulation as the steaming process ensures any bacteria on the placenta has been killed off.
Yes! It is safe to encapsulate if you’ve had a c-section and is recommended as it will help you heal faster.
Meconium does not make the placenta unfit for consumption and is still safe to encapsulate. The placenta is thoroughly rinsed and reaches high enough temperatures during the encapsulation process to kill of any bacteria that may be present on the placenta.
Yes, even more of a reason to encapsulate your placenta! Mothers of premature babies need all the help they can get bringing in their milk, healing quickly, and balancing post-natal mood.

Due to giving birth prematurely, your doctor may request that your placenta be sent to pathology for testing. It is important to know that if your placenta has been sent to pathology for any reason, we are unable to encapsulate your placenta due to contamination in the pathology department. If they request that your placenta be sent for testing, we suggest you ask your doctor to do a bedside examination of the placenta. If that does not suffice, you can then ask them to take a small piece of the placenta while in your room to be sent to pathology, and the rest of the placenta remains with you. Please know that you have the right to deny your placenta being sent out for testing. Your placenta belongs to you as it’s part of your body, and it’s your decision on what’s done with it. It is important that your placenta does not leave your room unless it is being picked up by our team, taken home to be frozen before shipment out, or being placed in a hospital refrigerator with staff knowledge that you are keeping it.

If you are having difficulty getting the hospital to release your placenta, please feel free to contact us at (517) 936-3469 and we will be happy to assist you.

Yes! It is important that the placenta be delivered onto a clean surface and not into the birthing pool as the temperature and condition of the water makes it the perfect breeding ground for bacteria.
There are certain circumstances where your doctor may feel it is important to send your placenta to pathology for testing. Common reasons that placentas are sent to pathology include: suspected maternal or infant infection, traumatic labor or delivery, premature birth, placental abnormalities, or certain pregnancy conditions. It is important to know that if your placenta has been sent to pathology for any reason, we are unable to encapsulate your placenta due to contamination in the pathology department. If they want to send your placenta to pathology, we suggest you ask your doctor to do a bedside examination of the placenta. If that does not suffice, you can then ask them to take a small piece of the placenta while in your room to be sent to pathology, and the rest of the placenta remains with you. Please know that you have the right to deny your placenta being sent out for testing. Your placenta belongs to you as it’s part of your body, and it’s your decision on what’s done with it. It is important that your placenta does not leave your room unless it is being picked up by our team, taken home to be frozen before shipment out, or being placed in a hospital refrigerator with staff knowledge that you are keeping it.

If you are having difficulty getting the hospital to release your placenta, please feel free to contact us at (517) 936-3469 and we will be happy to assist you.

Yes, any medication considered safe during pregnancy, labor or delivery is also safe for placenta encapsulation.
Yes, delayed cord clamping will not affect the encapsulation process. Delayed cord clamping has been proven to hold lifelong benefits for babies and is something we encourage all families to research before giving birth.
Yes, as long as the company you choose banks only the cord and/or part of the placenta. We are unable to encapsulate if they take the entire placenta.
If you have HIV, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C.
No problem! As long as your placenta was stored correctly after birth, we are happy to encapsulate your placenta! Please give us a call to arrange for your placenta to be picked up or a placenta shipment kit to be sent out to you immediately.

Your placenta is good at room temperature for 4 hours after birth. It then needs to be put in the refrigerator or freezer. It’s good for 5 days in a refrigerator, 6 months in a freezer and 1 year in a deep freezer.

Each placenta will yield a different number of capsules as they all vary in size. On average, the Simple Method will yield between 120-200 capsules and the Steamed Method will yield slightly less.
We currently offer strawberry, grape, and vegan capsules. Our flavored capsules are Halal and Kosher certified, gluten free, 100% BSE-free and made with pharmaceutical grade gelatin. Our vegan capsules are 100% plant derived, Halal and Kosher certified, preservative free, gluten free and allergen free.
Both methods of encapsulation, Simple and Steamed, are good up to a year. The capsules should be stored in a cool dry dark cupboard in the jars provided. After 6 months, we recommend the capsules be transferred into a Ziplock bag and stored in the freezer. We strongly advise clients to wash their hands before handling their placenta capsules and avoid leaving the jar open.
Yes, placenta capsules are a natural vitamin and supplement made by you, safe to take with other medication.
Once we have received your placenta at our lab, it takes 24-48 hours to process. Our local clients will have their package hand delivered the day it is finished processing. Our nationwide clients can choose between next day or 2-day delivery for shipment of your package.
We only process one placenta at a time. Also, once your placenta arrives in our lab, it is labeled with your name and stays labeled until it is packaged up and delivered back to you.
Mending Mamas performs each encapsulation in a purpose-built lab, processing only one placenta at a time. The supplies used during the process are all lab grade stainless-steel, glass, food grade plastic, or disposable. Everything is thoroughly washed with hot water and hospital grade disinfectant before and after each encapsulation. We use the same guidelines for sanitation as laboratories and hospitals use and are compliant with the local health department requirements for safe food handling. Each encapsulation specialist is fully qualified in food hygiene, infection control, bloodborne pathogens and placenta encapsulation.