Frequently Asked Questions

  • Lucky you - you do not have to be located in central Iowa to use our services!

    We offer shipping, so you can take full advantage of your services no matter where you are in the US! See Packages for more information on our shipping services.

  • Yes, as long as the placenta has been properly stored and frozen within three days after birth, with it being refrigerated prior. Thawing instructions will be provided by your Specialist.

  • Yes, the process follows strict hygiene standards, including the use of sterilized equipment and adherence to food safety guidelines. We follow all Bloodborne Pathogens, OSHA Guidelines, and Local Food Safety Regulations.

  • Yes, you can generally still encapsulate your placenta even if your baby is preterm, as long as the placenta is deemed healthy by our Placenta Encapsulation Specialists after examination; however, the amount of capsules produced may be smaller due to the smaller size of a premature baby's placenta.

  • You are generally allowed to take your placenta home, but it’s always best to confirm with your healthcare provider and the hospital where you plan to give birth prior to delivery. Hospitals may have their own policies and procedures, and you may be required to sign a consent form.

  • Yes, it is typically safe to encapsulate your placenta if you have GBS, as long as proper steaming and preparation methods are followed to kill any bacteria. This is a major reason why we follow the Traditional Chinese Method for Encapsulation.

  • Absolutely! Placenta Encapsulation is still safe, and we encourage optimal delayed cord clamping!

    If you plan on delaying the cord being clamped past the one hour time frame, we encourage you to speak with your Placenta Encapsulation Specialist!

    • For in person pickup, we will have our own coolers to transport the placenta.

    • If you are having a home birth we recomend large ziploc bags, and a bucket of ice to keep the placenta cool until pickup.

    • If you are having a hospital birth, staff will properly store the placenta until pickup.

    • If you are shipping, we will provide a transportation kit containing all the materials you will need, including a cooler and instructions for storing the placenta immediately after birth.

  • Yes, you can still encapsulate your placenta if you have used pain medications during labor, including an epidural or IV pain relief. These medications typically break down and leave your system shortly after birth, and only trace amounts, if any, would remain in the placenta. However, it is essential to consult your Placenta Encapsulation Specialist and share details about your labor and delivery, including any medications administered. This allows them to determine if Encapsulation is safe and appropriate for your unique circumstances.

Limitations

Unfortunately, there are circumstances where it is not safe to consume your placenta in any form, including:

  • Mother tests positive for Covid-19, HIV, or Hepatitis

  • Mother developed a fever over 100.4 during labor

  • Mother developed an infection during labor

  • Tobacco smoker

  • Any pathogen that may affect breastmilk

  • Umbilical cord does not have three vessels

  • Significant calcification where most of the placenta is unusable

It's crucial to remember that there may be situations in which your placenta cannot be utilized. Your doctor or midwife may send your placenta to Pathology for additional testing if there are any significant anomalies. Other circumstances, such as the mother exhibiting symptoms of infection during labor, could indicate that ingesting your placenta could be dangerous to your health. In cases where we unsure, we will always check with you before proceeding.

After a C-section, you are still able to claim your placenta.

If you have any medical issues that could jeopardize the well-being of your placenta or the safety and security of anyone who might come into contact with it, you must let us know.

Disclaimer

  • We cannot diagnose, treat, or prescribe any medical condition because we are not licensed medical providers.

  • The preparation and encapsulation of your placenta are what is covered by the services and costs; the pills are not.

  • Any benefits will differ from person to person, and no specific effects or benefits are guaranteed.

  • Research does back up some of the claimed benefits of placenta eating; however, the US government or the Food and Drug Administration have not yet examined or endorsed these benefits.

  • It is your obligation to decide if using placenta preparations might be advantageous to your postpartum health.

Testimonials

  • Ashley

    “When I first found out I was pregnant, I was a little freaked out at the thought of consuming my placenta. I spent hours researching the benefits, risks, instructions on how to consume it, how the placenta is processed, etc. I was debating my entire pregnancy and I finally decided to reach out to sweet pea and got a response within a couple hours. They were so kind, and answered all of my questions without hesitation. I am so glad that I decided to book services through Sweet Pea Placentas and will continue with my future children!”

  • Marcia

    “Britney was absolutely amazing to work with! I also booked postpartum with her and can tell you that she truly cares about her clients! She was very personable and so helpful in making sure I was educated on the process of Placenta Encapsulation!”

  • Kimberly

    “I live out of state, so I was a bit nervous about the process of placenta encapsulation, but these ladies made everything so easy. We had multiple phone calls to go over the entire process, and they took the time to answer all my questions, making sure I felt confident and comfortable with everything. Even though I had never met them in person, they made me feel like I was in the best hands. They helped guide me through the shipping process and ensured everything went smoothly from start to finish. Their professionalism, care, and warmth really stood out, and I felt supported the whole time. If you’re not local, and are on the fence about the shipping process, please don’t worry. Britney, Shay and Bailey will make sure the process runs smoothly, and you get your package delivered with care.”

  • Morgan

    “Shay, Bailey and Britney were fantastic throughout my placenta encapsulation experience. Britney even came to the hospital to pick up my placenta, which was incredibly convenient and took a huge weight off my shoulders from the start. Both Shay and Britney took the time to educate me about the entire process, answering all of my questions and ensuring I felt comfortable every step of the way. Their professionalism and care truly made a difference. Shay made sure to walk me through step by step, and even send me a video as she was making my custom placenta art. I’m so grateful for their services and highly recommend them to any new mom!”

  • Heather

    “Placenta encapsulation made a huge difference in my postpartum recovery! I felt more energized, less anxious, and bounced back much quicker than after my previous births. Highly recommend this natural boost if you are into holistic healing!”

  • Amber

    “Working with Bailey for my placenta encapsulation was a wonderful experience from start to finish. She was so professional, knowledgeable, and made the whole process easy and stress-free. She carefully explained each step, from pickup to preparation, and I felt completely comfortable throughout. It was such a natural, supportive way to recover after a traumatic birth. I’m so thankful for Bailey’s care and highly recommend her services!”