We are excited to offer this service now in the greater Edmonton area! Brenda Giourmetakis is now our Postpartum Placenta Specialist.

What is placenta encapsulation?

Placenta encapsulation is the process of steaming, dehydrating, grinding the placenta and placing the material into pills.  These pills are then taken by the mother regularly shortly after birth.  This is thought to be an ancient, centuries old practice from Chinese medicine.  However, there are no real studies done to prove or disprove the benefits of ingesting the placenta and most information is anecdotal in nature. That being said, the possible benefits of placenta encapsulation include increased release of the hormone oxytocin, which helps the uterus return to normal size and encourages bonding with the baby.  It may increase the levels of stress reducing hormones and decrease the levels of postpartum depression.  It may restore the iron levels in the blood and increase in milk production.

What process do we use?

We use the traditional method of encapsulation which is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine.  The process includes steaming the placenta prior to dehydration in order to kill germs or bacteria.

What do I need from you?

As your postpartum placenta specialist, you can feel confident that all of my equipment and supplies are sanitized and prepared for your encapsulation.  I will bring everything I need with me when I come to your home to prepare your placenta.  All I need from you is your placenta, access to your stove, sink and an outlet to plug in the dehydrator.  Everything else is my responsibility.

What do you do with the placenta until I get there?

The placenta must be placed in a cooler on ice or in a refrigerator within 2-4 hours of the birth, until I begin the process. If I am not able to begin the process within three days of your birth, you will place the placenta in the freezer until I arrive.

When do I start the process?

Ideally, I like to begin the process within 2 days of your birth, so that your capsules will be ready for ingestion by day 3.  If this is now possible, freezing your placenta is necessary.  You can freeze your placenta up to 3 months and still encapsulate.

Why do I process in your home?

As a Prodoula Certified Postpartum Placenta Specialist, your safety and peace of mind and my professionalism are my priorities. The guidelines that I am required to hold myself accountable to far exceed the standards of this industry.  It benefits you to have this process done in your home in the following ways. You can be confident that your placenta is in fact yours as it is the only one you have brought home.  There is no risk of your placenta being exposed to any unfamiliar bacteria that may interfere with your postpartum recovery.

What if family or friends think you are crazy?

Your decision to encapsulate your placenta is a personal one and it may not be for everyone.  Sharing decisions about birth, parenting and postpartum recovery that are personal to you, may expose you to unnecessary judgement from others.  Choose what is best for you and make no apologies for your decisions.

Do you need to be home during the process?

This is completely up to you and your comfort level.  Whatever you decide is how I will move forward.  As a professional, it is my desire to make the process as smooth and comfortable to you as possible. If you are worried about “smell,” worry no more.  Using lemon and ginger in the short steaming process helps with this.

How long does the process take?

The entire process will take approximately 24 hours.  I will be with you for 2 hours each day for 2 consecutive days.

Questions? Want to book?

If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask.  If you would like to book your placenta encapsulation, please use the contact form on the “contact us” tab.