FAQs
Is it safe to consume my placenta?
If Kilter’s terms and conditions for placenta remedies have been met and the proper care is taken to ensure all instructions given by Kilter have been followed, your placenta will be safe to consume. Once your placenta is birthed it will be inspected by your healthcare professional and if safe to do so, will be released to you. Kilter reserves the right to refuse services to those who do not fit the criteria for placenta remedies. Our selection criteria is strict to ensure the safety of everyone involved. Kilter is IPEN trained in all placenta remedies. We take pride in up-skilling and make sure that current best practice is adhered to. Certificates have been obtained in Level 2 Food Hygiene & Safety for Manufacturing, Level 2 HACCP (Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points) and Basic Infection Control to cover bloodborne pathogens and cross contamination. All equipment used is either single use or cleaned thoroughly and disinfected between clients using hospital grade disinfectants.
How do I keep my placenta after giving birth?
An esky, ice-blocks, storage container and zip-lock bag will be provided by Kilter around 4 weeks prior to your baby’s due date. Please keep ice-blocks in the freezer until it is time to go to the hospital. Once at the hospital, keep your ice blocks frozen by requesting the staff to store them in their freezer. Some hospitals may be helpful and assist you; ask your midwife.
Be sure your placenta is birthed onto a clean surface. Avoid birthing the placenta into a toilet, birthing pool or onto a surface soiled with birth fluids or excrement. This is the first step to preventing contamination from your birth environment. Ensure that your midwife, birthing team and family are aware that you wish to keep your placenta and note this in your birth plan.
Place the placenta, which is now inside the zip-lock bag, into the plastic storage container and close the lid firmly. Place storage container into esky with one ice-block underneath, one on top, and two either side. THE PLACENTA MUST BE PLACED ON ICE WITHIN 30 MINUTES OF BIRTH. Please make a note of the time of birth of the placenta and contact us as soon as possible so we can collect from the hospital. Depending on the time of birth the placenta will be collected from the hospital within 4 hours.
Are there any reasons the hospital may not allow me to keep my placenta?
If there are significant abnormalities of the placenta your healthcare team may send your placenta to pathology for further examination. If your placenta has been sent to pathology for any reason we do not recommend you consume your placenta because it may have been contaminated while in the pathology lab of the hospital. You can request the hospital to take a small sample or swab of your placenta for examination in this instance and you can freeze your placenta to await test results before continuing with placenta remedies.
Other conditions, such as signs of infection during labour, may mean that consuming your placenta is not advisable. Communication with your healthcare team is essential. Please ensure they are aware of your wishes to keep your placenta prior to birth so that the proper precautions can be taken.
If I have a medicated birth or caesarean section can I still use my placenta for encapsulation and/or other placenta remedies?
Yes, you can still use your placenta if you have a caesarean birth or a medicated birth, ie. epidural, gas, pethidine, etc. The placenta moves approximately 1 litre of blood through it every minute by week 40 so any drugs that you may have had during labour will be eliminated by the time the placenta is birthed. Any residual drug remaining will be eliminated during the dehydration process.
What if I am Strep-B positive or have a uterine or placental infection and need antibiotics?
Group B Strep does not normally pose health risks to the mother. However, if you test positive for Group B Strep or have an infection and require antibiotics, this may limit your options for placenta remedies and may change the way in which your placenta is prepared for encapsulation. We will discuss this with you prior to moving forward.
When is the best time for the cord to be cut if using my placenta for placenta remedies?
We highly recommend all mothers to choose delayed cord clamping of at least 10 minutes, longer if possible. During this time the cord is still pumping up to 150ml of iron and stem cell rich blood to your baby which has been scientifically proven to have lifelong benefits.
How many capsules will my placenta make?
The placenta is around one third of the weight of your baby. For an average sized baby of 3.2kg, you can expect around 150 capsules. This number will be less if you choose multiple remedies.
Can I have a water birth and still have my placenta encapsulated?
Yes, although you must ensure you birth your placenta on to a clean surface.
Can I consume my placenta if I am diagnosed with pre-eclampsia?
Placenta remedies are not contra-indicated for mothers with pre-eclampsia.
How should I store my placenta remedies?
Placenta remedies should be stored in the jar/bottle provided by Kilter a dry, dark place, under 25 degrees Celsius. Kilter recommends keeping your placenta capsules out of the fridge as condensation could cause spoilage.
How long do my placenta remedies last for?
Placenta capsules must be consumed within 6 months and if frozen, within 12 months.
Will I experience any side effects when taking my placenta capsules?
Kilter cannot guarantee results with placenta encapsulation. We highly recommend you follow all care instructions provided. Adhering to storage guidelines and not taking more than the recommended dose will reduce your chances of experiencing any side effects. However, if you experience any side effect which you suspect is caused by your capsules, please stop taking them immediately. Please inform us and seek medical advice if necessary.