Safe storage and handling

It is important that your midwife or doctor knows that you want to keep your placenta and that it must be properly handled, sealed and chilled.

A fresh placenta is preferred but frozen placenta can be gently thawed and processed at a later date if necessary. Processing a chilled fresh placenta must begin within 48 hours, however,  the sooner processing can begin the sooner the benefits can be enjoyed

Encapsulation is still possible when birthed by mothers who received epidurals, anti-biotics, IV pain medications during labour, or have had cesarean births.

Delayed cord clamping is encouraged.

Encapsulation is NOT possible if the placenta has been to pathology for testing.

Encapsulation MAY NOT be possible if affected by smoking

Your placenta MUST be chilled within 3 hours of birth


You will need:

•          Plastic tub with a sealed lid measuring at least 15 cms square and 10 cms deep, check first with your primary caregiver, most hospital in Canberra will store placentas in small buckets and you may not need to bring your own

•          Zip lock freezer bags if freezing

•          Frozen ice packs ready in your freezer

•          A cooler bag large enough to hold the sealed tub or small bucket

 
Once my baby is born what do I need to do?

Homebirth

As soon as possible after delivery arrange for your midwife or doula to place your placenta in the tightly sealed plastic tub. It should be stored in the back of the fridge where the temperature remains more constant,  not by the door. At the arranged time, place the placenta in the cooler bag with the freezer blocks ready for delivery, or leave in the fridge if collection has been arranged. If this is not possible within 48 hours the placenta should be double zip-lock freezer bagged and placed in the back of the freezer until it can be delivered, or collected.

 
Hospital Birth

Make sure your health care provider knows the placenta is being kept. It will possibly be placed in a small sealed plastic bucket with your name on it and you may not need your own container, but check first be sure, or take your own just in case. As soon as possible after birth store the tub in your cooler bag filled with freezer blocks,  ready for collection, or delivery, within 48 hours. If this is not possible it should be double zip-lock freezer bagged and placed in the back of a freezer until it can be delivered to me, or collected.

 NB: Please double check that the placenta is properly sealed before refrigerating, freezing and transporting.

Ensure that your tub is clearly labeled with your full name.

 
Contact Vickie on 0422 008 759 as soon as possible, preferably within 6 hours of birth to arrange a time for collection or drop off.