Delayed Cord Clamping? I have been a long time supporter of Delayed cord clamping dating back to the days you had to fight for it, with a lot of push back from medical birth teams. It is always best to delay the clamping even when baby is in distress at birth, the cord is suppling your baby with oxygen until it stops pulsating, so cutting the cord because baby is having trouble is counter productive. Your baby has a much better chance if they leave the cord intact, even for resuscitation! You can fight for this, insist they do not cut it in an emergency, insist that they work on baby beside you. It most defiantly is possible, I've seen it done many times. They will say no and they will give you a hard time, but it is your baby and your decision so add this to your birth plan and insist on it! For encapsulation....that rich blood is not going to give my lab drains anywhere near the benefits that it will give your baby! No blood is used in the process, it is a waste product unless it goes where it is meant to go, in baby.
How many capsules?
How many capsules? Placentas come in many sizes, shapes and thicknesses, It is impossible to know how many capsules one will reap. Under the Birch Tree uses size 0 capsules, the average placenta reaps around 150 capsules. There can be large differences in placenta size, however Sam believes our body gives us what we personally need for each baby and postnatal experience.
What if I have a special request?
What if I have a special request? If you have any special requests for products or art please don't hesitate to ask, there is nothing too silly on this topic, believe me we have heard all the strange ones, and would love to hear some more! We try our best to accommodate our families requests within health and safety guidelines.
Third Stage - delivering the placenta?
Third Stage - delivering the placenta? It is ideal to have a natural third stage delivery of the placenta for many reasons, however it is not necessary for consuming your placenta. If you can avoid a medical third stage that's great but if not it is still totally ok!
What if baby needs resuscitation after birth?
What if baby needs resuscitation after birth? I strongly advise not allowing the umbilical cord to be clamped or cut! Especially if baby is having some issues after birth, I have witnessed both many times and the babe with cord intact always comes out of it better. Read this article to put it into perspective https://midwiferytoday.com/mt-articles/neonatal-resuscitation/?fbclid=IwAR2ESAUaKOejvzqs8w0u4WPs42ip55468c9G_ZIaeu-b2wKcAQStVy4_G1Q
Can I have a Water Birth?
Can I have a Water Birth? Water Births are not contradictions to Placenta Encapsulation. Under the Birch Tree does ask that if possible please birth the placenta out of the birth pool. If not, please have your midwife remove the placenta from the water as soon as it is birthed to avoid any possible contamination issues.
Can I have a Caesarean?
Can I have a Caesarean? Placenta is ideal for those who have a C/S birth as the capsules can aid your internal healing and may help with some of the side effects of surgery. note: You will need your midwife to follow our guide lines regarding times and storage. Your partner should take your placenta back to your room fridge or cooler while you are in recovery.
Home Birth?
When birthing at home Under the Birch Tree's service is even easier. Once labour begins send a text if possible. Once your placenta is birthed have it placed directly into the storage bags and container and into the fridge. You are then free to text when you are ready for collection with in 24 hrs of the birth.
Public Hospital Birth?
Public Hospital Birth? When birthing at a Public Hospital it is important to remember to keep your placenta with you in your room fridge or in your back up cooler bag with plenty of ice until collection. Check the fridge dial is turned to the coldest setting if using a fridge. Please note that issues sometimes arise and you may not be able to use the fridge, you must have a back up cooler bag ready and ask for a bag of ice. Please also note that very occasionally the ice machines are out of order and Ice will not be available, taking froze ice bricks with you and having them stored in the hospital freezer. Having ice supplied to you can be an issue and your partner may need to have someone bring you ice or take the placenta home to a fridge. If you birth at night your placenta will be collected first thing in the morning so you must ensure you have a plan ready for over night cold storage. Collection hours are 8am - 6pm.
Birth Centre?
Birth Centre? When birthing at the Birth Centre it is important to give as much notice as possible to ensure collection is possible before you leave the hospital. If you birth at night and are heading home before morning you will take your placenta with you in a cooler bag with plenty of ice. Place it in the fridge when you arrive home and text in the morning to arrange collection. Please be aware that you may need to pay a travel fee for collection and delivery to your home address.
Private Hospital Birth?
Private Hospital Birth? Birthing in a Private hospital allows you to have your placenta stored in their dedicated Placenta Fridge in the labour ward. It is vital you have your storage container label attached and completed to avoid mix ups or your placenta being disposed of. You may also use the fridge in your room to store it in if you prefer it close by, ask your Midwife what your options are.
Can I Lotus Birth with Placentophagy?
Can I Lotus Birth with Placentophagy? Encapsulation with a lotus birth is very different and not really a true lotus birth at all. It is a "partial" lotus birth. There are very strict rules with doing this, there has to be very controlled conditions. Below is a brief run down on what's required. You will need a thermal lunch bag with a zipper closing around the top. Two freezer bricks that will fit well into the thermal lunch bag to go on top and bottom. Have a second set in the freezer at all times to swap out. Soon after the placenta is birthed, place it into two Ziplock bags and then create a little mini-fridge for it by putting one frozen pack on the bottom of the bag, then the placenta, then the second frozen pack on top then do up the zipper with just the cord coming out of the corner of the zipped up bag. You can wrap a flannel around the cord at the exit to stop the cold moving up the cord to baby. The placenta can be kept this way for a maximum 6 hours. As soon as the cord is separated it is ready for collection and processing as normal. Normal Lotus birth without encapsulation explained here. https://www.naturalparenting.com.au/lotus-birth-a-gentle-beginning/
I am pregnant again, can I take my left over placenta capsules?
I am pregnant again, can I take my left over placenta capsules? Placenta capsules are NOT safe to take while pregnant due to the postpartum hormones that help to contract the uterus and bring it back down to normal size. It could create a miscarriage issue. Once baby is born it is safe to start taking them from day three. It is wise to open one up and check for things like mould, sticky or wet powder. It should be slightly organic smelling but not off smelling or offensive. Usually they are fine if you take them straight from the freezer so take one as a test and if no problems like an upset stomach continue at a dose you feel is right for you. If you have any issues when taking them discontinue and discard.