common questions
What does the start to finish process look like?
Firstly, You will reserve your Placenta encapsulation.
When you go into labor, reach out to arlett (913-291-7923) via phone or text. no worries about the time of day, we are a 24/7 service.
Once you’re admitted, let your staff know “I am keeping my placenta, and have made necessary arrangements to have it picked up by someone else once I have the baby.”
when you’ve delivered your sweet baby, reach back out to arlett again via phone or text to let her know she can now pick up your placenta.
What flavor capsules do you have? can i pick more than one flavor?
We offer the following flavors of capsules: berry, grape, lime, bubblegum, orange, caramel mocha, and vegan.
You are welcome to pick as many flavors as you’d like when you fill out your reservation form.
What if i test positive for GBS, or meconium is present?
It is still safe for you to encapsulate your placenta, and here is why:
mama afterglow encapsulation utilizes the Traditional Chinese Medicine method when preparing the placenta. This method involves thoroughly washing the placenta, then steaming the placenta to 220 degrees for 30 minutes, followed by dehydrating the placenta. during the steaming process, Any potential bacteria (including GBS and the bacteria in meconium) is killed, as bacteria and viruses cannot survive at temperatures above 131 degrees, making your encapsulation safe.
WHat are your sanitation methods?
each encapsulation is completed in a purpose-built unit. All of our non-disposable supplies, equipment, and our workspace is thoroughly sanitized and sterilized before and after each encapsulation. additionally, We are compliant with the local health department’s requirements for safe food handling preparation, and we are compliant with osha, fda, and the epa. arlett is fully qualified in food hygiene and infection control as well.
I’ve read that the placenta is a filter organ, and it loses some nutritional benefits when it’s steamed. Is this true?
WHile it is true that the placenta can lose some nutritional benefits when steamed, we do not have an conclusive research on how much of the nutritional benefit is lost. learn about the significant benefits present in your placenta.
it’s a common misconception that the placenta is a filter organ. rather, it ensures that only beneficial nutrients, cells, and other reaches the baby, and then sends the toxins back into mama’s bloodstream so that her body can dispose of them properly. it’s completely safe to encapsulate your placenta.
how long will my capsules stay good? How many will i receive, and is there a recommended timeline of taking them?
Your capsules should always be stored in a dark, cool place. a refrigerator is ideal, in which they can last up to 6 months. in the freezer, they can last up to 12 months. placentas typically yield 120-200 capsules.
we recommend the following intake timeline:
Days 1-7: Take 2 capsules, 3 times a day (morning, NOON, evening)
Days 8-15: Take 1 capsule, 3 times a day (morning, NOON, evening)
Days 16+: Take 1-2 capsules every morning, as needed
What is the cost?
Placenta encapsulation is $250, and includes a keepsake water bottle and your capsules.
when will I get my capsules?
Our turnaround time is 1-3 business days.
am i able to encapsulate my placenta if i am induced, have an epidural, or c-section?
absolutely! in fact, we highly recommend it for mamas who had a cesarean birth, it will help you heal much faster than you would normally.
When do i call you to come get the placenta?
as soon as you deliver your baby. we are a 24/7 service.
what if i want to delay cord clamping, or do cord banking?
We are still able to encapsulate your placenta with delayed cord clamping. for cord banking, this will depend upon if the company you use for cord banking uses the cord and part of the placenta, or if they need the entire placenta. if the latter is the case, we will be unable to encapsulate your placenta.
How do i release my placenta from the hospital to you?
all hospitals will release your placenta to you. Once you are admitted, let your staff know you are keeping your placenta. They will then have you sign a release form. after you deliver your baby, They will put your placenta in a container (which they typically provide) and I will then come and pick it up. we highly recommend letting your oBGYN or Midwife know you have plans to release your placenta and have it encapsulated. this allows them to be sure to approve your release.
***Please ensure you are informed of your rights to your placenta. If the hospital or birthing facility is giving you a reason you cannot take your placenta, please contact arlett as soon as possible.
What method do you use, and how do i know i’m receiving my placenta and not someone else’s?
We use the Traditional Chinese Medicine method. Our process involves: thoroughly washing the placenta, steaming the placenta at 220 degrees for 30 minunites to kill any possible bacteria or viruses, Then it is dehydrated, crushed into a fine powder, and put into your capsules. additionally, we only process one placenta at a time, so rest assured you will only receive your placenta.
when is it not safe to encapsulate my placenta?
it is unsafe to encapsulate your placenta if you live with the following:
aids, HIV, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, or Hepatitis C.
does it have to be my placenta that is encapsulated?
At this time, we are only able to encapsulate the mother’s placenta, due to legal reasons.