Frequently asked questions

If I’m planning a waterbirth?

In most cases, the placenta is delivered outside the birth pool after you've spent time bonding with your baby in the water. However, even if the placenta is delivered in the pool, encapsulation is often still possible. You can always double-check with Kristin after the birth.

If I’m having a planned induction or caesarean?

Yes, induction does not preclude encapsulation. Nor does a planned, or emergency caesarean section.

If I have pain relief (e.g epidural/pethidine/gas) in labour?
Yes. Using pain relief during labour does not preclude placenta encapsulation.

If I have gestational diabetes?
Yes. Gestational diabetes does not exclude you from placenta encapsulation.

If I test positive for Group B Strep (GBS)?

Yes. GBS is not an infection. It’s a common inhabitant bacteria detected in about 25% of pregnancies that are screened for it. Testing positive for GBS means this bacterium was present at the time of testing; it does not mean you, your placenta or your baby has an infection. It’s also normal for GBS to come and go at any time without symptoms. When a trained encapsulation specialist uses food-safe methods, GBS is eliminated from placenta tissues, making encapsulation safe.

If I’m planning cord blood/stem cell banking?

Yes, placenta encapsulation is still possible. Let both your cord blood collection team and encapsulation specialist know in advance, to ensure proper handling and storage is in place.

If baby passes its first poo (meconium) during labour?

This is not an uncommon occurrence. When a trained encapsulation specialist processes the placenta, the presence of meconium does not preclude encapsulation. Some mums may switch from their chosen Raw Prep Method to the TCM-Based method (i.e steaming first) for added safety, although this is not strictly required.

If my baby is of low birth weight?

As long as your baby is healthy and there are no complications requiring the placenta to be sent to pathology, or the placenta is infected, encapsulation may still proceed. You can always double-check with Kristin after the birth. Many mums with smaller babies find their placenta capsules extremely beneficial for their emotional support and breastmilk supply at this time.

If my placenta has calcification?

Mild to moderate calcification is common, especially toward the end of pregnancy. It generally does not affect the safety or suitability for encapsulation.

If I develop preeclampsia in late pregnancy or during labour?

In most cases, yes. Preeclampsia does not automatically exclude encapsulation unless your placenta is sent to pathology or there are other complications. You can always double-check with Kristin after the birth.

If I have placenta previa?

Yes. Placenta previa affects the location of the placenta, but not its suitability for encapsulation.

If I’m on medication?

This depends on the type of medication. Common medications during pregnancy and birth usually do not interfere. Please ensure you list your medications on your booking form so Kristin can assess any potential concerns.

If I’m planning a lotus birth?

If you're doing a full lotus birth (keeping the placenta attached until it naturally separates), encapsulation is not possible due to inadequate temperature control and storage. A modified lotus birth (cord separation within 12–24 hours) may still allow for encapsulation if the placenta is properly stored throughout this time. Please discuss the safety and logistics with Kristin.

If I gave birth some weeks/months ago and my placenta is in freezer?

Possibly. If your placenta was adequately refrigerated and/or frozen within encapsulation-safe time frames, it may still be suitable for encapsulation up to 6-12 months after the birth. Contact Kristin to discuss.

What about Group B Strep?

GBS is not an infection. It’s a common inhabitant bacteria detected in about 25% of pregnancies that are screened for it. Testing positive for GBS means this was present at the time of testing; it does not mean you, your placenta or your baby has an infection. It’s also normal for GBS to come and go at any time without symptoms. Whether you choose to treat this during labour (with IV antibiotics) or not, a trained encapsulation specialist who uses food-safe methods, eliminates GBS from placenta tissues, making encapsulation safe.

What safety precautions are taken?

All preparation methods include proper identification procedures, steaming temperature and dehydration controls, aseptic techniques, use of hospital-grade cleaning agents, PPE and full compliance with the Australian Government Department of Health Infection Control Guidelines. I work from a dedicated workspace using dehydrators with top-positioned fans only.

How can I be assured I’ll receive capsules from my own placenta?

Each placenta is processed individually, one at a time, with strict protocols in place to ensure there is no mix-up or cross-contamination. Even before your placenta reaches me, it’s clearly labelled with your identification within your Placenta Transport Kit. I personally handle and encapsulate each placenta I receive, so you can be 100% confident you’re receiving capsules made from your own placenta.

Is the placenta a filter and therefore full of toxins

This is a common misconception. The placenta acts as an interface between mother and baby; a nutrient-transfer organ rather than a filter. Its role is to exchange oxygen and nutrients, not to trap or hold waste products from the mother or baby. Most waste products or toxins are circulated into the mother’s system to be processed through her liver and kidneys, and not stored in the placenta.

When is it not possible to encapsulate a placenta?

If the placenta has not been handled or stored correctly after the birth for encapsulation purposes, or it’s sent to pathology for testing, or there are signs and/or symptoms of infection of the placenta, uterus, mother and/or baby during labour and/or after birth (eg. chorioamnionitis, certain bloodborne infections).

These situations are always ruled out before the placenta is collected or brought to Kristin after the birth.

What training and certifications do you hold to do this work?

“I am a Dual-Certified Placenta Encapsulation Specialist. Firstly in 2012 with Placenta Benefits (PBi), and later through the Association of Placenta Preparation Arts (APPA) in 2016. APPA is widely regarded as the gold standard in placenta training.

I maintain annual certification in Bloodborne Pathogens and Infection Control, in line with occupational health and safety standards for handling human tissue.

I bring over 12 years of experience and have encapsulated more than 1,250 placentas for mothers around Perth.

I’ve earned the trust of midwives, obstetricians, and doulas and have a strong base of returning clients who come back for their second, third, and even fourth babies!

I am also a qualified Naturopath (B.Nat), Childbirth Educator (GradDip CBE), Birth and Postpartum Doula, working within these roles for the past 27 years.

What do the placenta capsules look and taste like?

Clear vegetable-based capsules are used. They look just like any other vitamin or herbal supplement and do not have any particular taste.

How do I take them?

Along with your capsules you’ll receive the ‘Placenta Encapsulation and Your Postpartum Booklet’. This covers in detail how to use your capsules, and much more.

Is anything else added into the capsules?

No. The contents are 100% dehydrated placenta powder from your processed placenta.

How many will I get?

The size of the placenta is often relative to the weight of the baby. The largest placenta I’ve worked with came from a 4.8kg baby, and weighed 1.2kg. This resulted in 260 capsules. The smallest placenta I’ve worked with came from a 2.6kg baby and weighed just 400gm. This resulted in 84 capsules. Most babies average 3.5kg in weight, with the placenta encapsulation process yielding 110-160 capsules.

The number of capsules can also depend on the chosen preparation method. The Raw Prep Method typically yields more capsules than the TCM-Based Method due to the lack of steaming, and therefore volume loss.

How long do they last?

Most receive enough capsules to see them through the first 6 weeks postpartum. Some can be saved for later use but its recommended to use them within the first 12 months of giving birth.

Can I have coloured or flavoured capsules?

I don’t provide either of these. I think it’s important to be able to see the integrity of the contents of the capsules, and I’m not a fan of using artificially flavoured/coloured capsules.

Can I save them for menopause?

This is very limited data on the safety and efficacy of long-term storage and use of placenta capsules. Keeping capsules for future hormonal transitions, such as the return of your menstrual cycle or even menopause, is not recommended. It's best to use the placenta capsules within the first 12 months postpartum, or consider having a placenta tincture made for longer-term use.

How do I get my placenta to you?

There are 3 options to choose from. Option 1 is when you arrange to have the placenta brought to me (Fremantle area). Option 2 and Option 3 is when I come to you/your place of birth to collect the placenta.

Which Option (1, 2 or 3) results in receiving my capsules the quickest?

This does depend on what day of the week you give birth and which Option you choose.

Your capsules are typically finished within 24-48 hours of me receiving the placenta. If this falls on a mid-week day they will be Express Posted to you on this day, with next day delivery. This applies for Option 1 and Option 2.
With Option 3 (where I return the capsules to you in person) this typically occurs 48-72 hours after receiving the placenta.

What happens if I give birth in the middle of the night?

With your Placenta Kit you’ll receive full instructions about safe placenta storage. This includes what to do if you birth outside of the typical collection/receiving hours (8am - 8pm). I’m all for stress-free processes!

What happens if my baby comes earlier or later than my due date?

This is highly likely and something I factor into my booking system.