Category: Placenta Encapsulation

Placenta Encapsulation Safety: To Bleach or not to Bleach?

3/18/2015

I really hate bleach. I hate the smell. I hate chemicals in my home. I hate chemicals near my little ones. Sometimes, however bleach is very necessary and useful and that is when I use it. Sanitizing placenta encapsulation equipment is one of those circumstances.

More and more people are turning toward a more natural way of life. This includes organic foods, cloth napkins, gardening, etc but it has also really changed the way we clean and sanitize our homes. More and more people are using vinegar based household cleaners and essential oils to clean and sanitize their homes and some wonder why cant we use these things for placenta encapsulation?

Here is the thing. Essential oils and vinegar are great for cleaning. I use a lot of those things to clean the other areas of my home as well. But when it comes to sanitizing placenta encapsulation equipment, you need to use bleach or some other OSHA approved disinfectant. Essential oils may cut it when you're cleaning your toilet or your bathtub but it is not going to cut it with equipment that may be coming into contact with blood borne pathogens. Its a little trickier to kill those.

I ask the STI status of every client I serve but even with that being said, I treat every placenta with universal precautions as if there is a blood borne pathogen present. Bleach is the most accessible, affordable, and effective means of killing blood borne pathogens available. There is NO essential oil that effectively kills HIV or HEP A, B, or C. Vinegar also does not kill these pathogens. Bleach and other hospital grade disinfectants are the only safe options available.

I explain all of this to say make sure you are asking your specialist what their specific sanitation protocol is. If they are using vinegar, essential oils, or other natural substances to disinfect then unfortunately they are not protecting you from exposure to someone elses blood borne pathogens! Know your specialist well so that you can make the safest and most informed choice on your care!

If you are interested in more information on placenta encapsulation or my process or protocol, I can be reached at jacksonvilleplacenta@gmail.com or 904-575-8314. I currently serve Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Orange Park, Middleburg, Green Cove Springs, and Fleming Island.

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10 Questions to ask about Placenta Encapsulation

1/19/2015

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You always read about the benefits of placenta encapsulation when searching the internet for information, but did you know that placenta encapsulation is risky? I know it sounds odd to hear a professionally trained placenta encapsulation specialist in Jacksonville, Fl say that on the internet, but I take these risks seriously and so should you! When you are searching for the right specialist to encapsulate your placenta, there are ten questions you should always ask before hiring them.

1. What trainings have you completed? What certifications do you carry? Where?

The answer to this question is one of the most important. When searching for a specialist, they should of course be highly trained and experienced in placenta encapsulation. The most common programs are PBI, APPA, and Full Circle, but there are numerous local programs. In addition to holding this certification, they should also have completed food safety training through the state health department AND a blood borne pathogens course (preferably designed specifically for birth professionals). Ask to see these certifications!

2. What is your sanitation protocol?

Never ask, "do you properly sanitize your work space." The specialist would of course always say yes. Ask them an open ended question in which they have to explain exactly how they sanitize their work space and equipment. OSHA standards dictate that in order to kill blood borne pathogens the specialist must use hot soapy water, bleach-water immersion, and a clean water rinse. The work space and equipment should be sanitized before, during, and after. If they are not using bleach or a hospital grade disinfectant, then they are not killing any blood borne pathogens found in their clients blood products.

3. How long have you been practicing? How many placentas have you processed?

If you are a client who would prefer a more experienced specialist, this question is a must.

4. Do you encapsulate in your home only, or will you come to my home?

A placenta encapsulation specialist should have no issue coming to your home to encapsulate your placenta if that is what you are most comfortable with. I would be worried about their protocol if they are not willing to accommodate this.

5. Do you have any pets or children? Are they in your work space during the encapsulation process?

This question is to ensure that their work space remains clean and free of any outside germs or allergens. You dont want a sticky fingered toddler waddling around and you surely dont want a dog in the area. The last thing we want to see when we open our jar is a stray dog hair.

6. What equipment do you use? What is reusable? What is only used once? Is it used for encapsulation only?

You want to make sure that your specialist is using dedicated equipment that is kept separate from their personal kitchen supplies. This again just ensures that the equipment is not continually exposed to bacteria that could make you ill. I also use disposable equipment as much as possible, including sponges, gloves, scissors, knives, and cutting boards.

7. How do I know I am receiving my placenta, and not someone else's?

If you choose to have your placenta processed in your specialists home, it is important to ask how this is prevented. For example, I never processes multiple placentas at once. If more than one client gives birth in one day. I completely finish processing the first placenta before I process the second. This way there is no way there is a mix-up. Also, when picking up from the hospital, I check the name on the container before I leave your room to ensure there was no mix up in the hospital. I also encourage the client to keep the placenta with them at all times.

8. How do you dehydrate the placenta? How long do you dehydrate it?

I recommend choosing a specialist who always dehydrates at 160 degrees regardless of method because this temperature will effectively kill blood borne pathogens - including the very hardy Hepatitis C. When it comes to dehydration time, If your potential specialist gives a specific amount of time for each method, look out! Dehydration time varies and the correct answer is, "I dehydrate the placenta until the pieces snap cleanly and it is able to be ground easily into a fine powder."

9. How do you package my placenta pills?

Preferably, your pills should be stored in either an amber or cobalt jar to prevent direct sunlight exposure. Your pills should be stored in a dark, cool, dry place. It is also good if your specialist includes a food grade desiccant pack in your container - especially in Jacksonville, where we have a very humid climate.

10. What are the contraindications for placenta encapsulation?

The answer to this question is ever evolving because new research continues to be published concerning the placenta, how it functions, and abnormalities that can be present. Currently these are my personal contraindications: Infection/fever present in the mother, cancer of the placenta, pre-eclampsia, placenta that is sent to pathology for testing, placenta that is left at room temperature for more than four hours, uterine infections or chorioamnionitis, heavy smoking during pregnancy, certain medications, certain genetic disorders.

You only have one chance to have your placenta encapsulated correctly. It is important to know that your specialist is experienced and knows what they are doing. It is important to know that your safety is key so that you do not become ill or end up having to discard your capsules.

If you have any other questions about placenta encapsulation, please feel free to contact me! My preferred method of contact is via email at jacksonvilleplacenta@gmail.com but I can also be reached by phone at 904-575-8314. I currently service Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Orange Park, Fleming Island, Green Cove Springs, Middleburg, St. Augustine, and Gainesville, Fl.

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How does Placenta Encapsulation work?

9/3/2014

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Placentophagia (eating the placenta). You're hearing about it a lot these days. Many high profile celebrities sing its praises and mommy groups all over are discussing the possible benefits. Still though, you're just not sure encapsulating your placenta is for you. Today I am going to discuss why you should give placenta encapsulation a chance, because there are a lot of reasons!

Before we can understand why Placenta Encapsulation is beneficial, we have to understand what the placenta is and what it does. The placenta is an organ that is created as a result of conception. It attaches to the inside of the mother's uterus during pregnancy. The placenta has six main functions:

1.) it transfers oxygen, blood, nutrients, and antibodies to your baby
2.) it produces hormones that make pregnancy and fetal development possible
3.) it acts as a protective filter to keep out most bacteria
4.) it acts as a barrier, ensuring maternal and fetal blood do not make contact
5.) it sustains fetal functions during fetal development
6.) it acts as a waste removal system, getting rid of carbon dioxide

Now that we understand the functions of the placenta, lets talk about birth and what happens to the placenta and your body during the postpartum period.

Once your baby is born, your placenta is next. Once it naturally detaches from your uterine lining, the placenta is then birthed and a rapid change begins to happen inside your body. Because your placenta was responsible for producing hormones needed to maintain your pregnancy and your baby's development, it was full of various hormones and nutrients that are incredibly beneficial to you. Once you give birth, your body experiences a rapid decrease in all of these hormones and nutrients. This can lead to extended recovery time, increased bleeding postpartum, increased instances of baby blues or postpartum depression, and milk supply issues.

Luckily, nature in its beautiful and perfect design, has given us a remedy to these problems: our placenta. By consuming our placenta, we can remedy or prevent a lot of the problems that are becoming more and more prevalent in our culture. Inside your placenta are numerous nutrients and hormones specifically tailored to your body that can help aid in your recovery and ensure a happy and healthy postpartum period. A few examples of what your placenta contains and how it helps are:

1.) oxytocin: this is often called the "love hormone." It is a natural pain reliever, increases bonding between mother and baby, counteracts the production of the stress hormone, Cortisol, reduces postpartum bleeding, and helps the uterus shrink more quickly.
2.) Prolactin: stimulates milk production, increases milk supply.
3.) Iron: combats anemia, increases energy, and reduces fatigue and depression.
4.) Hemoglobin: oxygen-carrying molecule that provides energy boost.
5.) Interferon: triggers the immune system to help fight off infection.
6.) Prostaglandins: promote uterine contractions to help it shrink quickly.

So there you have it! Your amazing, incredible, life sustaining placenta and its important purpose postpartum! I encourage anyone who is expecting to give it a chance! You wont be sorry!

If you are interested in taking advantage of the benefits of placenta encapsulation, you can contact me at fullspectrumbirth@gmail.com, (904)710-4057 or via my contact form found here. I look forward to helping you achieve a happy, healthy postpartum period! Make sure to take advantage of the 10% off coupon that is currently available!

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Placenta Encapsulation Safety: To Bleach or not to Bleach?

10 Questions to ask about Placenta Encapsulation

How does Placenta Encapsulation work?

Kira Warren

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