We are excited to offer this service now in the greater Edmonton area! Both Brenda Giourmetakis and Justine Houston are now our Postpartum Placenta Specialists.
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. All I need from you is your placenta, which can be dropped off at my home at your convenience.
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.
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 not possible, freezing your placenta is necessary. You can freeze your placenta up to 3 months and still encapsulate.
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.
How long does the process take?
The entire process will take approximately 24 hours. I will work with your placenta 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.