Service Description

With the exception of a few species, ALL mammals consume their placentas after giving birth! Biology has an amazing way of protecting a gestational carrier from the intense hormonal fluctuations that can potentially occur during the immediate postpartum period: placentophagy, or the ingestion of one’s own placenta. Thanks to the rush of endorphins during labor, many individuals are likely to experience an overwhelming high when first meeting their baby. Unfortunately, these same hormones will plummet over the next few days, potentially leading to perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs). Following delivery, progesterone & estrogen levels quickly drop, resulting in a surge of prolactin & oxytocin. Such an intense shift can temporarily disrupt a person’s thoughts, feelings, and even mannerisms. To promote regulation of such hormonal fluctuations, many find solace in consuming their placenta(s). To process the placenta(s), I mimic the Traditional Chinese Medicine-inspired (TCMi) method of encapsulation: I begin with gently rinsing the organ (if placenta prints are desired, I will first stamp the prints using the provided fluids), removing as much fluid possible. Next, I remove the umbilical cord (it is set aside if the client desires an umbilical keepsake) and steam the placenta using a lemon, jalapeño, and ginger-based boil. Lemon & jalapeño both hold antiseptic properties, helping the body fight off & heal from damaging cells, as well as aid in the movement of the placenta's vital nutrients throughout the body. Ginger, known for its most popular appearance during the colder seasons (pumpkin spice, gingerbread, etc.), acts as a warming agent for the body, and has been used for generations to treat colds, nausea, arthritis, migraines, and even hypertension. As an added bonus, all 3 of these homeopathic items mask the smell of placenta, creating a pleasant aroma in the Client's home. Once steamed, I thinly slice the placenta and dehydrate it for at least 8 consecutive hours. Reaching 160°F during both steaming & dehydrating is crucial for killing any harmful bacteria. The following day, I return to the Client's home to verify absolute dehydration, grind the placenta, and encapsulate it into vegan-based capsules. The finished capsules will be stored in a UV-protected, glass container, to be kept in a cool, dry area (may be refrigerated). Additional add-on services include: umbilical keepsakes ($30 ea), tinctures ($30 ea), and placenta prints ($40 ea).