What made you want to become someone who encapsulates placentas?
After the traumatic birth of my first child in 2012, I struggled with Postpartum Depression and Postpartum Anxiety. I was young and was not aware of placenta encapsulation at the time. When I found out we were expecting our next child 5 years later, I did all the research I could on how to avoid those postpartum issues again. I preferred natural remedies without the use of pharmaceuticals.
After researching for natural remedies to reduce postpartum depression and anxiety I was ultimately led to Baby Nest to find placenta pills and the rest is history! After my personal experience with placenta encapsulation, I had a desire to spread awareness about the benefits of placenta encapsulation. I wanted to offer this amazing service to my existing and future clients. I truly felt the benefits of placenta encapsulation and would do it after each and every one of my births from then on!
Did you encapsulate your own placenta?
I had my placenta encapsulated by Baby Nest in 2017 after my second birth. This was my first experience with placenta encapsulation. For my third pregnancy, I had plans to encapsulate my own placenta as I was trained and encapsulating for a career.
After thoughtful consideration, I decided to have my doula process my placenta into pills and a tincture for me instead. I chose this so that I could focus on resting, healing, and bonding with my new baby. Even though I could encapsulate my own placenta, I used other placenta specialists so I could enjoy my postpartum experience and be present for my own transition into motherhood.
For my fourth birth, I chose to encapsulate my own placenta and make a tincture as well. This preserved the benefits for long-term use.
What benefits did you experience with placenta pills?
I experienced so many benefits personally! The main benefit was felt in my emotional and mental health, mostly with keeping postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety, (PPD/PPA) at bay. The experience of taking placenta capsules after my second birth was night and day compared to what I experienced after my first birth.
I felt more energized, I felt healthier, my hair skin and nails were the healthiest they have ever been, my milk supply was abundant. Most importantly, I didn’t suffer from baby blues, I felt more connected to my baby, my partner, and my loved ones. I healed much faster, and it seemed to really help my sore and aching muscles after giving birth and my postpartum bleeding subsided by day four!
What do you enjoy about encapsulating placentas?
I love spreading the word about all the benefits of placenta encapsulation! I love hearing positive feedback from families on how they experienced the benefits. It brings me great joy to support new moms in helping their postpartum be better. Being able to offer placenta pills as a natural remedy to combat Postpartum Depression and Postpartum Anxiety, increase milk supply, regulate hormones, aid in healing, etc. is part of my life’s work. I am grateful every day to be able to do what I love and encapsulate placentas for a living!
Are there any misconceptions or myths about placenta encapsulation that you’d like to address?
One misconception I hear quite often is that the effects of consuming one’s placenta is just placebo. While there aren’t many studies out there, reports from women who have done it suggest otherwise. We know that placentas contain hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and lactogens. These all help to regulate the endocrine system as well as iron which can help combat postpartum depression and mood disorders.
Another myth I have come across is that the encapsulation process will remove all the good stuff the placenta has to offer. However, a study done in Thailand concluded that even after being dehydrated, hormones, nutrients, proteins, calcium, iron, magnesium, etc were all still present in the placenta. Study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10932499/
What challenges have you faced in your journey as a Placenta Specialist, and how did you overcome them?
I would have to say negative reactions from individuals who are unfamiliar with the practice. I do my best to use these as teaching moments! It may not be for everyone, and that’s okay. We just want parents to know about their options.
What advice would you give to expectant mothers who are considering placenta encapsulation for the first time?
I would say if you are considering placenta encapsulation, go for it! You never know the benefits for you personally until you give it a try. It’s such an easy thing to add to your postpartum plans to help supplement your hormonal loss after birth. Placenta encapsulation can make a world of difference in how you feel emotionally and physically after having a baby.
Can you explain the process of placenta encapsulation?
The process of placenta encapsulation consists of taking a thoroughly cleaned placenta and dehydrating for 18+ hours, or until it’s completely dried. We then grind the placenta into a fine powder and transfer the placenta powder into consumable capsules. We give our clients options of gelatin, vegetarian, mint, grape, orange and berry! < Learn more about our Placenta products and pricing >
This process is always done with respect and care in a sanitized environment. We are triple-certified and we follow all OSHA standards for medical sanitization to ensure client safety. Our placenta encapsulation services include pick up and delivery. This allows our clients are able to just focus on their babies.
We pick up placentas from all major hospitals and birth centers in Vancouver, WA and Portland, OR metro areas. (Legacy Salmon Creek, Peacehealth, Legacy Emanuel, Providence Portland, Good Sam, St.Vincent’s, Legacy Mt. Hood, Sunnyside and Legacy Meridian Park)
What made you want to encapsulate placentas with Baby Nest Birth Services?
I reached out to Baby Nest for a handful of reasons. I wanted to gain community, reach more families with my services as well as gain more experience, and learn from other placenta specialists. For years I have been inspired by Baby Nest and am happy to be on the placenta encapsulation team!
My experience with this placenta medicine was better than I expected! I began spreading the word almost immediately and was passionate about doing this work! I tell all of my pregnant friends to look into placenta encapsulation. I wanted to encapsulate placentas for a job and wanted to be part of this placenta team to serve more parents.
What else do you do in the birth world of Portland, Oregon?
In addition to encapsulating placentas here in the Vancouver and Portland area, I am a Birth and Postpartum Doula/Birthkeeper, Certified Lamaze Childbirth Educator, Certified Lactation Counselor, and aspiring midwife.
When you are not encapsulating, what do you like to do for fun?
I love spending time with my husband and our 4 kids, ages 11 months to 11 years old. I love watching movies, playing games, being in nature. Things that bring me joy are yoga, mixing herbs, and reading. I am always learning new things, teaching, and passionate about all things birth 🙂
Interested in learning more about placenta product pricing or reserving your due date for placenta encapsulation? We take limited clients per month! Reserve your space here or reach out if you have any questions!
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