Placenta Preparation
Serving Des Moines, Iowa and some surrounding areas. If outside of Des Moines, please use a map for the address 4217 University Ave, Des Moines IA 50311. If you are within 45 min, you are good to go!
A practice known as placentophagy is believed to be a way to re-consume nutrients and hormones that would otherwise be lost during the birthing process. Almost all mammals consume their placenta after giving birth. While there are many theories about why this is so, studies have shown that there are nutrients and hormones present in a placenta. While most mammals consume it raw, we humans have the ability to cook it, dehydrate it and place it into capsules that are easy to take. I combine my training as a Certified Herbalist and Certified Professional Midwife with my placenta encapsulation services, by offering placenta preparation that includes additional herbal medicines that help with healing, recovery and peace for the postnatal mother.
Reported Benefits
While I cannot guarantee these results, many mothers and studies report the following benefits.
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Preventing and lessening postpartum depression or ‘baby blues’
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Replenishing your iron from blood loss during birth and to prevent postpartum anemia
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Lending you a consistent flow of oxytocin long after your birth euphoria ends
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Providing the HPL hormone to help establish early and healthy milk supply
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To stabilize your ever changing hormones post birth
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To replenish your B vitamins and energy that were used during the labor and birthing process
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Offer some natural pain relief from the labor and birth of the baby
How it works
After you reserve service, you will want to bring an insulated cooler with you to the hospital. Let the staff know you plan to encapsulate your placenta. Once you have your baby, place the placenta bagged or in a tupperware container, in the cooler, cover it in ice and call Sarah to arrange pickup. Pickup is usually done within 3 hours of calling.
For a homebirth, place your placenta inside two gallon ziplock freezer bags (double bagged) and place it in the refrigerator as soon as possible, then call Sarah to arrange pickup.
Your capsules are usually delivered to your home or hospital within 48-72 hours.
Healing Mother Package
Placenta Capsules
Umbilical Cord Keepsake
4 oz. Mother's Tincture
6 oz.Tree of Life Salve
Herbal Sitz Bath
3 oz. Mother's Milk Tea
2 oz. Peaceful Momma Tea
This package includes encapsulation of your placenta for immediate use, plus a dried umbilical cord keepsake. The capsules are generally used for hormonal balancing, healthy milk supply and nutritional support.* I prepare placentas the TCM style of steaming with lemon, ginger, frankincense and myrrh before dehydration.
The Mother's Tincture is an herbal extract that you take with a dropper. It may be used to further support your body's recovery with vital nutrients, hormone and nervous system support. Fabulous for stress and anxiety. The tincture is shelf-stable and should last for at least a year if properly stored.
Your Tree of Life Salve, is infused with herbs known for their ability to help heal and soothe sensitive tissues, moisturize, and are antimicrobial and anti fungal. Herbs are steeped in olive oil then mix with beeswax and essential oils. Can be used topically on sore or cracked nipples, vaginal tears (1-2 degree), diaper rashes, stretch marks, closed cesarean incisions, insect bites, scars, or any other skin ailment.
The Herbal Sitz Bath is a mixture of herbs and epsom salt known to help prevent infection, reduce inflammation, bleeding and help promote tissue healing. This mixture is made into a tea that can be added to a shallow bath or peri bottle. Great for soothing sore muscles, tears, hemorrhoids and other delicate tissue.
Mother's Milk Tea is a mixture of herbs that are known for their ability to increase breastmilk supply and provide an abundance of Vitamins K, C and B complex to boost nutrition for the nursing momma. These vitamins are know to help reduce stress, fight infection and control bleeding. The addition of milk thistle seed also lends support your liver to help regulate hormones and metabolize labor medications.
Peaceful Momma Tea is a delicious blend of herbs and spices that are relaxing and rich in Vitamin C. Great for recovery from stress, anxiety, or anytime you need some peace.
Teas are loose-leaf and order includes a reusable muslin tea bag.
SERVICE PRICE
$350 for pickup & delivery service
MAY ADD ITEMS A LA CARTE TO THE BASIC ENCAPSULATION SERVICE.
Placenta Encapsulation Service
This package includes encapsulation of your placenta for immediate use, plus a dried umbilical cord keepsake. The capsules are generally used for hormonal balancing, healthy milk supply and nutritional support.* I prepare placentas the TCM style of steaming with lemon, ginger, frankincense and myrrh before dehydration.
An average placenta will yield 75-150 capsules, depending on the size of your placenta. Capsules are shelf stable and will store safely for years as long as they are kept away from sun, heat and moisture.
I offer different capsule types including grape flavored, gelatin and vegetarian. Gelatin is generally recommended for placenta powder as it is easily digested for sensitive stomachs and has a longer shelf-life.
In addition to immediate postpartum benefits, you may also save some for use when you experience PMS, low milk supply, decreased energy, or mood swings.
Capsules are best taken with a meal or mixed in a smoothie.*
SERVICE PRICE
$250 for pickup & delivery service
Placenta Art Print
What a beautiful way to remember your postpartum experience! This one of a kind art print is made with your placenta using food-grade dye and set on high-quality watercolor paper, then sealed with a clear coat of matte acrylic paint. I can make it just about any color of the rainbow. Since food-grade dye was used during the process, you can add this on to any of the above placenta services.
SERVICE PRICE
$35
Safety When Consuming Placenta Products
I am dedicated to strict preparation protocols set forth by IPPA training, Iowa Food Handling, OSHA and Bloodborne Pathogens Training for Professional Placenta Service Providers.
Per food safety guidelines I do not offer raw prep for capsules, I lightly steam with lemon, ginger, frankincense and myrrh , then I dehydrate your placenta at 160°F for around 8 hours, testing for doneness before encapsulation.
All bacteria (including GBS) begins to die at 55° C (131° F) for 30 minutes. Proper preparation at these temperatures ensure that no harmful bacteria are present in the final product.
WHEN IS IT NOT SAFE TO ENCAPSULATE?
If during labor or postpartum you experience any infection whatsoever, it is not appropriate to encapsulate and consume your placenta. In any of these cases, you would receive a full refund.
I do not recommend encapsulation for those experiencing:
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Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP) rash
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Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG)
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Heavy smoking during pregnancy
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Heavy drug usage
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Cancer of the placenta which is called choriocarcinoma.
Things that would prevent me from encapsulating your placenta are:
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Chemically contaminated placentas in pathology, either sanitizing or preserving.
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Placentas that have sat out longer than 3 hours at room temperature post birth with no preservation methods.
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Placentas that have been in the refrigerator for more than 3 days without being frozen.
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Uterine infections or chorioamnionitis
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Extensive meconium staining past the membranes and into the cotyledons.
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Cancer of the placenta which is called choriocarcinoma.
Are there any side effects?
Common Side Effects Include:
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Digestive upset (usually solved by taking capsules with food)
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Overproduction of breast milk
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Mild headaches
Uncommon, but few reported:
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Increased cramping
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Reduced breast milk supply
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Rashes that resemble PUPPP
MY PLACENTA TRAINING & CERTIFICATIONS
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International Placenta & Postpartum Association (IPPA)
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Trained under supervision by a certified placenta service provider at WRM, LLC
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Sacred Postpartum Training
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Iowa Food Handler Card
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Annual recertification in Bloodborne Pathogens Training for Professional Placenta Service Providers
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Prepares each placenta according to strict OSHA standards for sanitation & safety
REFUND POLICY
If services are discontinued prior to me picking up your placenta, you are entitled to a full refund. If I do pick up your placenta and I determine it is unsuitable for consumption (such as extensive meconium staining or evidence of spoiling), I offer a full refund minus $50 for pick up, examination and disposal. I do not offer any other refunds after pickup.
* Sarah Sorvillo at Heaven Sent Birth, Inc, is not a licensed medical professional and is not able to diagnose, treat, or prescribe for any health conditions. Fees are for the service of preparation and encapsulation of your placenta, not for the sale of the capsules. My business is adhering to strict OSHA guidelines and I am following proper food safety standards. The placenta capsules that are being prepared are for your (owner of the placenta) consumption only and are not designed to reverse medical conditions or ailments from pregnancy, to treat postpartum depression, to ensure normal milk supply or to replace medical attention. No specific benefits are promised. Results will vary from person to person. Many of the ascribed benefits are supported by reports from mothers themselves and evidence based on research; but none have been evaluated by the FDA.