Placenta Services

//Why Consider Placenta Encapsulation//

Women might benefit from ingesting their in many ways. Your placenta may help you replenish what is lost after the birth of your baby and help prevent the baby blues. Placenta encapsulation is believed to: contribute to an abundant production of breastmilk, balance your hormones and boost energy, and decrease postpartum bleeding and aid your uterus in returning to it's pre-pregnancy size.

//Read real-life experiences at the bottom of this page//

Researchers from the National Institutes of Health... discovered that during the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, the placenta secretes a hormone called CRH. The rise during the 3rd trimester cause the CRH levels in the maternal bloodstream to increase threefold, which is believed to help the mother get through the last months of pregnancy, labor & birth. George Chrousos, the endocrinologist who led the NIH study, and his colleagues monitored CRH levels in 17 women from the 3rd trimester to 1 year postpartum. Based on the clinical findings, Chrousos suspects that CRH levels are low in new mothers because during pregnancy, when CRH levels are high, the hypothalamus releases less CRH. After birth, however, when this supplementary source (the placenta) of CRH is gone, it takes awhile for the hypothalamus to get the signal that it needs to start making more CRH. Since the placenta stores a large amount of this particular hormone, it makes sense that ingesting the placenta would result in more stable levels of CRH and therefore, a more stable emotional life for the mother. We know that the placenta also contains high amounts of iron. Generally, low iron has been linked with feelings of fatigue. Feelings of fatigue have been linked with greater instances of postpartum depression. It follows that ingesting iron from the placenta, which is a bio-available source of iron, would result in more energy for the mother. Consequently, more energy may help protect women from postpartum depression.

The healing substances found in your placenta include-

Estrogen, Progesterone, Testosterone: contribute to mammary gland development; stabilize postpartum mood; regulate post-birth uterine cramping

Prolactin: promotes lactation; increases milk supply; enhances the mothering instinct

Oxytocin: decreases pain & increases bonding; counteracts the production of stress hormones; reduces postpartum bleeding; enhances the let-down reflex

Placental Opioid-Enhancing Factor (POEF): stimulates the production of opioids; including endorphins; reduces pain; increases well being

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone: regulates the thyroid gland; boosts energy and supports recovery from stressful events

Corticotrophin Releasing Hormone (CRH): helps prevent depression

Cortisone: reduces inflammation and swelling; promotes physical healing

Interferon: triggers the protective defenses of the immune system

Prostaglandins: regulate contractions in the uterus after birth; help uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size

Iron: replenishes maternal iron stores to combat anemia; increases energy; decreases fatigue and depression

Hemoglobin: oxygen-carrying molecule which provides a boost in energy

Urokinase Inhibiting Factor and Factor XIII: slows bleeding and enhances wound healing

Immunoglobulin G (InG): antibody molecules which support the immune system

Human Placental Lactogen (hPL): promotes mammary gland growth in preparation for lactation

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA due to the nature of this service.

Sparrow Song Birth Services makes NO medical treatment claims.

Services provided are not clinical, pharmaceutical, or intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition.

Families who choose to utilize these services take full responsibility for their own health and product usage.

//Training & Certification//

Over the past 7 years I have encapsulated 460+ placentas. I began the process of becoming a Placenta Arts Specialist in the beginning of 2015 after 3 years in birth work. Wishing to provide my clients with the highest level of service possible, I sought training with APPA (The Association of Placenta Preparation Arts). APPA provides comprehensive, in-depth training that holds its students to the highest standards of professionalism. This international organization is considered the *gold standard* in placenta preparations training.

//Availability//
I encapsulate 4-5 placentas/month. Don't wait to get a spot on my calendar, contact me soon!

//Placenta Services & Pricing//

Placenta Pills-

Your placenta will be steamed, dried, ground and encapsulated according to food safety and BBP guidelines. Capsules are typically ingested on a daily basis for 2-6 weeks postpartum. When you feel that you have fully healed after your birth, you will be able to freeze the remaining capsules for occasional use in the future. A single placenta usually yields between 75 and 200 capsules. The encapsulation process usually begins within 2-3 days after you have given birth and, once started, the entire process is completed in approximately 48-72 hours. Universal precautions and OSHA/EPA techniques are always utilized as your placenta is being processed.

Placenta encapsulation costs $325.00. A non-refundable retainer fee of $85 is required at contract signing, this acts to reserve your space on my calendar.
There is a discount available for clients who agree to drop off/pick up in west Edmond, OK.

Placenta Tincture-

A placenta tincture is created by combining a small piece of raw placenta and a high quality alcohol. The tincture holds benefits for both mother and child. Placenta tincture extends the life and usefulness of the placenta and can be used in times of sickness, hormonal imbalance and emotional instability.

Placenta tincture (4oz) costs $35.00.

Placenta Prints-

Placenta prints are created prior to the placenta being washed and prepared. The prints are created with the blood found on the placenta and acid-free artist grade paper. Some families frame and display their prints and others choose to tuck them away as keepsakes. Placenta prints can serve as a unique reminder of the "tree of life" that nourished your baby before he or she was welcomed into your arms.

Placenta prints (2-3) costs $30.00.

//What My Clients Are Saying About Placenta Encapsulation//

"When I first heard about consuming your placenta, I have to admit that I thought it sounded a little gross... but I've had several friends that have been affected by postpartum depression and/or low milk supply and I was willing to try encapsulation to avoid both of those! I started taking the pills 5 days postpartum and noticed a large boost of energy and was able to keep up with the pumping goals that the NICU made for me preemie baby. She is a month old now and has only had breastmilk since I started taking the placenta pills! Lauren was easy to work with and so flexible especially considering that my baby came 6 weeks early when she was out of town. She bent over backwards to make placenta pick-up easy for me and even delivered the finished pills to the NICU while I was there... all with a very quick turnaround time. I would recommend both Lauren and placenta encapsulation to anyone!" -Mama L

"I'm so grateful that Lauren was able to encapsulate my placenta, having the pills has made a world of difference between my postpartum period with my first child and my second. I had a very difficult postpartum recovery with my first child, with my second child and placenta pills I've had more energy, a great milk supply, and easy postpartum recovery both physically and emotionally. It's like a whole different experience! Though I have two children now, It's so much calmer and easier even though there's so much more to do with two... the bad days are few and far between. Lauren took great care with the preparation of my pills and had a quick turnaround getting them to me!" -Mama J

"As a 4th time mommy who has struggled with milk supply in the past (resorting to formula supplementation), I should say these capsules have been very helpful. My preemie was having a horrible time trying to latch with his tiny mouth, and he didn't have much nursing stamina. I was able to pump, and pump like cray, and feed him using an SNS device. I have NEVER achieved a supply like this!" - Mama S

"At the time, I had heard of placenta encapsulation, but honestly was turned off by the idea. I consider myself somewhat of a "crunchy" person, but that was a little out of my comfort zone. Toward the end of my pregnancy I began to contemplate how I had felt during my first experience postpartum. I knew that I didn't want to feel those low feelings of self-esteem and unworthiness. I began reading about encapsulation and becoming more and more open to the idea. When I was about 8 months pregnant, my husband asked me if I had thought about encapsulating and told me he thought it was something we should do. At that moment I knew it was the right thing for me. Now, being over two months postpartum, I would do everything the exact same way. I used the encapsulated pills to help me recover physically and mentally. Lauren brought the pills to my home the day I was settled after being discharged, just a few days after birth. She was so kind and patient, answering all of my tedious questions. I took the maximum dose suggested and I know that it was instrumental in helping me to achieve the positive postpartum experience I was lacking the first time around." -Mama R

"During my second pregnancy, I went back and forth about whether or not to encapsulate my placenta: on the one hand, I had such a hard time after my first birth that anything that might help was worth a shot; on the other hand, well... I just thought it was weird. After consulting with my midwife, I decided to go for it and I'm so glad I did! Everything during this postpartum period has been much easier: physical recovery, breastfeeding, and mood. Lauren from Sparrow Song Birth Services was such a joy to work with. She came by the hospital in the short time we were there to pick up the placenta and delivered them to my home a couple days later." -Mama A

"When my 1st child was born, I hadn't heard of placenta encapsulation. The postpartum period was filled with many tears, extreme exhaustion and baby blues. With my 2nd child, I had my placenta encapsulated and I took it as directed without missing a day. The postpartum period was incredible... I had all the energy in the world and not a bit of sadness. After my 3rd child was born, I had my placenta encapsulated, but life got the best of me and I only took it here and there and then quit after a couple of weeks. I ended up experiencing debilitating postpartum depression. I wasn't able to function beyond going to work and coming home, and even that was a struggle. I wasn't able to be a mother or a wife. After the birth of my 4th child, I consumed the encapsulated placenta as directed, religiously, and have had the same postpartum experience as after the birth of my 2nd child. Energy and not a bit of sadness! Lauren encapsulated my placenta after the birth of my 4th child and I am so thankful for her! She was incredible to work with. Distance very well could have been a barrier, but she worked with my midwife who lived near to pick up the placenta from her to prepare and then drop off the completed placenta pills to be delivered back to me at my postpartum checkup. The speed and convenience were wonderful, and the results are something I am beyond grateful for!" -Mama J