The Modern Mom's Guide to the Placenta: Options After Birth
After giving birth, you have several options for your placenta. Whether you're considering health benefits, cultural practices, or contributing to science, here's a quick overview to help you decide:
- Placenta Encapsulation: Turn your placenta into capsules that may help with postpartum recovery, mood, and energy levels.
- Stem Cell Banking: Store stem cells from the placenta for potential future medical treatments.
- Medical Research Donation: Donate your placenta to advance studies on pregnancy and fetal development.
- Cultural or Personal Practices: Options include ceremonial burial, creating placenta art, or making memorial jewelry.
At a Glance: Placenta Options
| Option | Purpose | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Placenta Encapsulation | Postpartum recovery support | Requires professional processing |
| Stem Cell Banking | Future medical treatments | Needs early planning and specialized storage |
| Medical Research Donation | Support scientific advancements | Coordinate with research programs |
| Cultural Practices | Honor traditions or personal values | Check local regulations |
Discuss these options with your healthcare provider early in pregnancy to ensure your preferences are part of your birth plan.
Options for Your Placenta After Birth
After giving birth, you have several choices for what to do with your placenta. These options can align with your personal values and postpartum plans. Below, we’ll break down the possibilities to help you decide what works best for you.
Placenta Pills and Processing
Placenta encapsulation is a common choice among new moms seeking natural postpartum support. The process involves cleaning, dehydrating, and grinding the placenta into a powder, which is then placed into capsules. A survey of 189 women who tried placenta encapsulation found that:
- 75% had very positive experiences
- 20% had positive experiences
- 4% noted mild positive effects
Many mothers report benefits like improved mood, more energy, and better lactation.
Giving placenta to a new mother following birth has become standard protocol among a growing number of midwives in the United States. By nourishing the blood and fluids, endocrine glands and organs, Placenta will reduce or stop postpartum bleeding, speed up recovery, boost energy and relieve postpartum blues. - Peter Homes
This practice reflects a growing trend in midwifery care across the U.S.
Cryopreserving Your Placenta
Placental tissue is a versatile tissue containing a variety of powerful multipotent cells, growth factors, and cytokines. These multipotent stem cells are capable of differentiating into a number of different cell and tissue types. The growth factors found in the placental tissue are signaling molecules that regulate cell growth and tissue regeneration. Cytokines are signaling molecules that regulate inflammation. These placental derived stem cells can be used for a variety of therapeutic applications while the placental membrane can be used for wound and ocular applications - resulting in a tissue that could protect generations of your family.
Placenta Donation
Donating your placenta for medical research is a way to contribute to scientific progress. Placental donations help researchers study pregnancy complications, fetal development, and new medical treatments. This choice not only aids clinical advancements but may also hold cultural or personal significance for some families.
Other Placenta Uses
Here are additional ways to use your placenta:
| Option | Description | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Placenta Prints | Making art by pressing the placenta onto paper | Needs to be done shortly after birth |
| Lotus Birth | Keeping the cord attached until it separates naturally (3–10 days) | Requires medical guidance |
| Memorial Jewelry | Using preserved placental elements in jewelry | Must be planned in advance |
| Ceremonial Burial | Burying the placenta with a tree or plant | Check local regulations |
It’s important to discuss your preferences with your healthcare provider early on. This ensures proper arrangements can be made and that any hospital-specific policies regarding placenta handling are followed.
Americord's Placental Banking Services
Americord offers placental banking services designed to preserve perinatal stem cells using advanced methods and strict safety protocols, ensuring your family has access to future medical possibilities.
CryoMaxx™ Processing Method
Americord's CryoMaxx™ technology is a proprietary approach to preserving placental tissue. Americord’s CryoMaxx™ processing method unlocks the full potential of umbilical cord blood and perinatal tissues. This unique processing method uses manual processing for cord blood stem cells and minimal manipulation methods for perinatal tissues to maximize stem cell usage and utility, giving families more options for more treatments.
This process happens in Americord's state-of-the-art lab in Somerset, New Jersey. Specialists work around the clock to ensure the preservation of perinatal stem cells and tissues, helping secure potential health solutions for years to come.
Safety and Certification
Americord prioritizes safety with multiple layers of oversight and high industry standards:
| Safety Measure | Details |
|---|---|
| FDA Registration | Authorized for collecting stem cells from placental tissue. |
| AABB Accreditation | Adheres to strict quality and safety requirements. |
| Storage Technology | Vapor-phase cryogenic freezers monitored 24/7. |
| Transportation | Insulated containers with temperature control for secure delivery. |
| Quality Guarantee | Backed by a $110,000 Cord Blood Quality Guarantee. |
The facility includes pharmaceutical-grade clean rooms and uses FDA-approved 5-compartment storage bags with citrate phosphate dextrose (CPD) to ensure optimal preservation. Americord also offers flexible storage plans to meet the diverse needs of families.
Making Your Decision
Deciding what to do with your placenta involves weighing your options based on what works best for your family.
Key Decision Points
Here are some important factors to think about when planning for your placenta:
| Decision Factor | Things to Consider |
|---|---|
| Medical Value | Potential health benefits from preserving stem cells for future use. |
| Timeline | How much time is needed for processing and how long you plan to store it. |
| Family History | Any genetic conditions or health concerns that could benefit from stem cell use. |
| Cultural Values | Personal beliefs or traditions related to placental use. |
| Financial Planning | Costs of long-term storage compared to short-term options. |
Timing is crucial. Some choices, like placental tissue banking, require early coordination with your healthcare provider and Americord's collection team before delivery. Be sure to plan ahead and consult experts to finalize your decision.
Getting Professional Advice
Talking to professionals can make your decision easier. Here’s how to get the guidance you need:
-
Healthcare Provider: Speak with your doctor or midwife during your second trimester to explore your options.
-
Stem Cell Specialists: Americord's team is available every day to answer your questions about placental tissue banking. They can explain:
- How stem cell preservation works
- Details about the CryoMaxx™ processing method
- Storage plans that align with your budget
- Collection and transportation logistics
-
Paperwork and Coordination: Before delivery, ensure all necessary documents are completed with your healthcare team:
- Hospital consent forms
- Collection and storage agreements
- Transportation arrangements
Make sure your placenta plans are part of your birth plan discussion so your delivery team is fully informed and prepared.
If you’re thinking about placental tissue banking, Americord’s specialists can walk you through the process and help you choose the right storage plan. Call them at 866-503-6005 to get personalized advice tailored to your needs.
Summary
Key Options at a Glance
Making informed choices about your placenta is easier when you know your options. Here's a quick breakdown:
| Option | Key Benefits |
|---|---|
| Placental Tissue Banking | Stores stem cells for possible future regenerative treatments. |
| Placenta Encapsulation | May aid postpartum recovery and hormonal balance. |
| Medical Research Donation | Helps advance scientific studies and therapeutic developments. |
| Cultural Practices | Respects traditional customs and personal values. |
These options highlight the possibilities available to you and help guide your decision-making process.
Americord's CryoMaxx™ method showcases their expertise in preserving placental tissue with advanced techniques.
What to Do Next
Here’s how to proceed with your placenta decision:
- Finalize Plans: Complete any necessary paperwork and coordinate logistics before delivery.
- Include in Your Birth Plan: Clearly outline your placenta preferences in your birth plan.
For those considering placental tissue banking, reach out to Americord at 866‑503‑6005. Their team can assist with everything from collection planning to long-term storage options, offering guidance every step of the way.
