Placenta Services Myths BUSTED: Part 1
Placenta services are growing in popularity in Canada and North America (yay!) however many Moms-to-be may still unaware of the benefits they provide, what services are available and whether it is right for them. In my experience working as a Placenta Specialist, I have had the opportunity to hear a wide variety of very interesting comments and concerns about placenta services. I’ve compiled my top 10 FAQ questions from clients to help shed some light on the subject of placenta services. Let’s debunk some myths about placentophagy, the act of consuming one’s placenta, set the record straight and uncover the amazing benefits of placenta services. If you heard of or have considered placenta services for yourself, I bet at least one of these myths has crossed your mind!
MYTH #1: There is a chance you will get someone else’s Placenta
If there is one question or concern that comes up more than the others in a client consultation it is this: “Is there a chance I will get someone else’s placenta?” If you have considered encapsulation or services and this has crossed your mind, rest assured you are not alone!
BUSTED:
Although a very valid concern, any reputable and experienced Placenta Encapsulation Specialist will have safeguards in place to ensure that your placenta, and only your placenta, is returned back to you safe and sound. The most valuable of these safeguards is appropriately spacing clients based on their estimated due dates to avoid overlap and thus avoiding having more than one placenta in their possession at any given time. For this reason, it is a great idea to secure services for your due date as soon as possible!
If it remains a concern of yours many Encapsulators, who typically encapsulate in their own work space, also offer their clients the option to encapsulate in their own home ensuring that your placenta does not leave your possession. This option is typically offered at a small additional fee.
MYTH #2: There are A LOT of risks to consuming your Placenta
Although Placentophagy (the act of consuming ones own placenta) and it’s benefits are slowly becoming a more well-known and sought after practice in North America it is still associated with plenty of inaccurate information and taboos.
BUSTED:
Like any supplement or natural remedy, placentophagy does have its own associated risks. With that being said, those risks are minimal and can being largely eliminated by working with a certified and experienced Placenta Specialist. The biggest risks associated with having your placenta encapsulated, is related to improper processing and dehydration conditions, ie: cleanliness and sanitation practices and thorough dehydration. Any reputable Placenta Specialist will have clear and strict sanitation protocols and will be processing within industry safe dehydration times and temperatures.
There are a few contraindications to placentophagy, some of which are controlled by you and some that are out of your control. For example, heavy smoking or drug use during pregnancy renders your placenta unfit for consumption, how your placenta has been handled/stored after birth, if your placenta is sent to pathology, some medications (based on molecular composition) you have ingested throughout your pregnancy, specific infections that present during labour, and specific genetic conditions. If you are interested in the benefits of placenta encapsulation it is best to speak with a trained professional.
MYTH #3: Raw means…RAW
If you have done any of your own research on placenta capsules and services (which I am sure you have!) you may have come across the term ‘Raw preparation’. I have been asked by clients before what this raw preparation means and if it is safe.
BUSTED (sort of!):
With the exception of post-birth smoothies* which typically utilize a small amount of raw placenta and are completely safe, any capsules you receive have been heated in one way or another, even when you select a raw preparation. When you meet with a placenta specialist they will discuss with you what your needs are and how your prenatal experience has been thus far to best asses what preparation method is right for you. At the Doula Collective, we offer both the Raw Preparation and Basic Heated Method for your capsules. The difference between the two methods of preparation is that with the Basic Heated Method your placenta is partially ‘cooked’ before being thoroughly dehydrated. With the Raw Preparation, your placenta is processed from a raw state but still thoroughly dehydrated for safe consumption. The Raw Preparation is the preferred option by many clients as it best maintains the hormones, vitamins and minerals that are contained within your nourishing placenta.
*At the Doula Collective, we also offer healthy and delicious energy boosting smoothie packs that include processed placenta (vs raw) or you can select to opt for vitamin rich smoothie packs, minus your placenta, to be delivered alongside your processed capsules!
MYTH #4: It is luxury service, which makes it out of my budget!
Given the amount of training and knowledge your Placenta Specialist must possess and with the nature of processing your super capsules that are chalk full of benefits it is easy to assume that placenta services could get pricey.
BUSTED:
With the excitement of having a new baby enter your life, and the adorable stuff you can buy for them and your home, it is easy to forget to put some of your budget aside for you and your post pregnancy health! Although properly processing your services requires extensive knowledge, time and care many high-quality specialists offer reasonable rates, typically ranging between $200-$350 for capsules. When you consider the nature of the processing and the benefits it becomes clear that placenta services become an important investment in contributing to your early postpartum physical and mental health. At the Doula Collective we offer Placenta Clients a discount when they choose to do their own drop off/pick up -thanks Dads/Partners!
MYTH #5: It’s all about the capsules
Placenta capsules are by far the most well-known and purchased service however they are only one part of what your placenta can offer you!
Placenta Tinctures which offer all the benefits of your capsules with a virtually unlimited shelf life are one of the best add-ons to any package. Prepared smoothie packs with or without your placenta inclusion (raw or processed) are also offered to give you the boost of energy and nutrition your body needs while healing and adjusting to life with your new babe. Placenta prints are also growing in popularity due to their beauty and ability to honour the womb buddy that played a key role in keeping your baby healthy. Choosing prints, keepsakes, or planting your placenta are great options for Moms who want to honour their placenta but may have faced challenges that make it unsafe for encapsulation.
There you have the first 5 Myths Busted!
Check out our blog next week where we will bust 5 more common myths including DIY Placenta Encapsulation, Restrictions for Vegans/Vegetarians and whether or not how you birth your baby makes a difference in being able to take advantage of placenta services.
Connect with us to share your questions, comments and to secure placenta services of your own!
