If you’ve got a hunch where we’re headed with this post, you’re in for a fun and unique ride! I’m here to share some creative ideas for moms planning to keep their placenta after the little one’s grand arrival. There are remarkable functions of a woman’s placenta and the incredible benefits it brings to both mom and baby.
Let’s go over some must-do’s if you’re considering keeping your placenta post-delivery.
Securing Your Placenta
For those planning a hospital birth and contemplating placenta preservation, it’s time to chat with the hospital admin staff of the maternity unit. Each hospital dances to its tune when it comes to placenta take-home policies. Some may be hesitant, citing safety concerns, but don’t just take their word for it; do your research as I did. Hospitals that allow placenta take-home don’t always volunteer this information, so be ready to ask for it.
If you get the green light from your hospital, prepare to sign some forms beforehand. In my case, the hospital staff assured me I’d be provided with a storage cooler to keep my placenta safe until it was time to go home.
Now that you’ve sorted out the hospital’s stance on placenta preservation, here come some super fun and unique ideas for your placenta:
1. Encapsulate – Placenta Magic:
This is where I boarded the Placenta Express after reading about the amazing benefits of consuming it. It’s said to work wonders for postpartum depression and other goodies. I stumbled upon a charming in-home shop right down the street from my house named “Ellen’s Birth Bungalow.” It was one of those places I passed by every day for years but never ventured inside until a few weeks before my due date. They offered a treasure trove of resources for expecting moms, from finding a Doula and at-home birth information to placenta encapsulating services, crochet classes, and more.
I hit it off with the owner. She walked me through the entire process, from how to store my placenta to offering the use of her dehydrator so I could DIY it at home. But I didn’t want to take chances with my placenta, so I left it in the capable hands of the professionals. The service came with a price tag, but trust me- it was worth every penny! After Nova’s arrival and the safe delivery of my placenta, we carefully packaged it and got it to Ms. Ellen for her placenta magic. She sent me pictures of every step along the way, which was incredible. The veins in my placenta looked like the Tree of Life—breathtaking. A few days later, Ellen dropped off the cutest gift bag with my capsules, instructions, my umbilical cord shaped into a heart, reading material, and all sorts of goodies for me and Nova to enjoy.
My capsules lasted for about 90 days; I took two a day during those months, and let me tell you, I felt fantastic, with no postpartum blues or funky business. I even shared a few capsules with my brother to try. I was thrilled with the outcome and with Ellen’s services.
2. Feast on It – Placenta Mealtime:
If animals can do it, so can we, right? It’s akin to encapsulating, but make a meal out of it instead of downing it like vitamins! The placenta is chock-full of health benefits and a mood booster. Now, I’m sure there’s a very specific way to prepare the placenta for consumption, so please don’t just nibble on it right after it’s detached. Find out the proper way to handle it, and then bon appétit!
3. Sip It – Placenta Smoothie Time:
Following the same lines as eating and encapsulating, you can dehydrate the placenta in powder form. Many mommies add it to their smoothies, and trust me. It’s yummy!
4. Plant It – Earth’s Gift:
If you own your own home, here’s a lovely way to give back to the Earth and make your placenta’s journey special. Instead of wondering what the hospital might do with it or tossing it in the trash, plant it in the soil—the same soil that nurtures the most beautiful things in nature.
5. Create Art – Placenta Artistry:
Now, here’s where you can let your imagination run wild. Some moms have turned their preserved placentas into decor (yes, really!), fashioning necklaces and bracelets, and even framing them. It takes a creative spirit, but the possibilities are endless. Have fun with it!
So, be creative, do your research, and follow your heart. After all, it’s your body, and this journey should be special!
I’d love to hear your placenta stories and any creative endeavors you embarked on. Please share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below, and let’s continue this unique and fun conversation!
