How Do I Request to Keep My Placenta?
You can request to keep your placenta after giving birth. The process for doing so varies from hospital to hospital, so it’s important to talk to your doctor or midwife about your options in advance.
In some cases, you may be able to simply sign a consent form and take your placenta home with you.
In other cases, you may need to pay a fee or work with a third-party company that specializes in placenta encapsulation or other placenta-related services.
What are the benefits of keeping my placenta?
There are a number of potential benefits to keeping your placenta, including:
- Improved postpartum recovery. Some studies have shown that consuming placenta capsules can help to reduce postpartum bleeding, improve mood, and increase energy levels.
- Reduced risk of postpartum depression. Placenta capsules have been shown to contain high levels of progesterone, a hormone that has been linked to improved mood and reduced risk of depression.
- Enhanced breastfeeding. Placenta capsules may help to increase milk production and improve the quality of breast milk.
- Boosted immunity. Placenta is rich in nutrients, including iron, zinc, and vitamin C, which can help to boost your immune system after giving birth.
- Reduced pain and inflammation. Placenta capsules have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce pain and swelling after giving birth.
What are the risks of keeping my placenta?
There are a few potential risks associated with keeping your placenta, including:
- Infection. If your placenta is not properly handled or stored, it can become contaminated with bacteria, which can lead to infection.
- Blood clots. Placenta capsules can contain high levels of iron, which can increase your risk of developing blood clots.
- Allergic reactions. Some people may be allergic to placenta, which can cause symptoms such as rash, hives, and swelling.
How do I store my placenta?
If you decide to keep your placenta, it’s important to store it properly to prevent it from becoming contaminated or spoiled. Here are a few tips for storing your placenta:
- Refrigerate your placenta immediately after birth. You can store your placenta in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Freeze your placenta if you plan to store it for longer than 24 hours. You can freeze your placenta for up to 6 months.
- Thaw your placenta in the refrigerator before consuming it. You can thaw your placenta in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
How do I consume my placenta?
There are a number of ways to consume your placenta, including:
- Placenta encapsulation. This is the most common way to consume placenta. Placenta encapsulation involves dehydrating and grinding your placenta into a powder, which is then encapsulated in pills. You can take placenta capsules orally, typically 2-3 times per day.
- Placenta smoothies. You can add placenta powder to smoothies for a nutrient-rich boost.
- Placenta soup. You can make placenta soup by simmering your placenta in water or broth with vegetables and herbs.
- Placenta tincture. You can make a placenta tincture by soaking your placenta in alcohol or glycerin. Placenta tinctures can be taken orally or applied topically to the skin.
FAQ
Can I eat my placenta raw?
No, it is not safe to eat your placenta raw. Raw placenta can contain harmful bacteria that can cause infection.
How much does it cost to encapsulate my placenta?
The cost of placenta encapsulation varies depending on the company you choose. Typically, placenta encapsulation costs between $100 and $300.
What are the benefits of placenta encapsulation?
Placenta encapsulation has been shown to have a number of benefits, including improved postpartum recovery, reduced risk of postpartum depression, enhanced breastfeeding, boosted immunity, and reduced pain and inflammation.
Are there any risks associated with placenta encapsulation?
There are a few potential risks associated with placenta encapsulation, including infection, blood clots, and allergic reactions.
How do I find a placenta encapsulation specialist?
You can find a placenta encapsulation specialist by searching online or asking your doctor or midwife for a referral.
Conclusion
Requesting to keep your placenta is a personal decision. There are a number of potential benefits and risks associated with keeping your placenta, so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.
If you decide to keep your placenta, be sure to talk to your doctor or midwife about the best way to store and consume it.
