Having an epidural or cesarean: Yes, it is not a contraindication. The placenta filters out medication quickly. I encapsulate placentas for people who have epidurals, spinals, c-sections, & inductions.
Having a water birth: It is common for providers to ask the birthing person to leave the pool to birth the placenta. It is safe to encapsulate, even if it’s birthed in the water. If the water is not in good condition, the Raw Method may not be suitable and it’s recommended for the placenta to be steamed to make sure all bacteria are eliminated.
A lotus birth: No, a lotus birth requires the placenta staying attached until the umbilical cord falls off naturally. This happens between 5 and 15 days. The placenta would be unsuitable for consumption.
There was meconium in the bag of waters: Yes. Meconium is only dangerous if it gets inhaled into the infant’s lungs, but is otherwise sterile. The placenta is thoroughly rinsed before the encapsulation process begins. A vinegar bath may be applied. The food safe temperatures of steaming and/or dehydrating eliminate any remaining bacteria.
I tested positive for Group B Strep: Yes. The placenta can still be encapsulated as the high heat of steaming and/or dehydration will eliminate any remaining bacteria.
The placenta was sent to pathology: No. Once the placenta goes to the lab, there is a chance that the placenta has been contaminated with chemicals, that the equipment used for examination has not been properly sterilized, & that the placenta gets lost.
Cord banking: Yes, you can do both. You will need to voice your wishes to keep the placenta for encapsulation to the company you are using, and therefore to have it handled as a food product at the time of cord blood collection.
I had pre-eclampsia: Yes, pre-eclampsia is NOT a contraindication for encapsulation. After the birth your placenta will be examined routinely for irregularities and problems. If your care provider detect an issue or infection in the placenta, it will be sent to pathology and therefore it will not be possible to encapsulate
Having placenta previa: Yes. This has no effect on the ability to encapsulate the placenta.
Having gestational diabetes: Yes. Whether diet-controlled or insulin-controlled, this does not affect the ability to encapsulate the placenta.
Having my placenta frozen: If your placenta was stored properly immediately after birth and also properly frozen, ideally within 24 hours from the birth and up to 4 days of proper storage in the refrigerator, then it is safe to encapsulate for up to six months after the birth.