Questions
Home Birth Placenta Disposal: What Your Midwife Does and Your Options
After a home birth, your midwife examines the placenta, then you choose among burial, encapsulation, or medical disposal. In California, you can take the placenta home, but regulations vary by county. Your midwife can guide you through safe handling and legal options.
What Happens to the Placenta Right After a Home Birth?
Immediately after your baby is born, your midwife focuses on you and your baby, but the placenta isn't forgotten. Here's the standard protocol we follow at The Midwife and More during a home birth.
- Deliver the placenta — After your baby is born, your midwife waits for signs of placental separation, then guides you through delivering it. This usually happens within 5 to 30 minutes.
- Examine it thoroughly — Your midwife inspects the placenta to ensure it's intact, with no missing pieces that could cause bleeding or infection. We check the cord, membranes, and maternal surface.
- Collect cord blood if desired — If you've arranged for cord blood banking, your midwife will collect it before clamping the cord. This is done before the placenta is fully delivered.
- Store it safely — Once examined, the placenta is placed in a clean container or bag. If you plan to encapsulate or bury it, we'll give you handling instructions. Otherwise, we'll discuss disposal options.
- Document and discuss — Your midwife records the placenta's condition and any relevant details. We also talk through your options for the placenta, so you can decide what feels right for you.
If you have questions about placenta handling during a home birth, we're here to help. We serve families throughout Agoura Hills, Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, and nearby areas.
Placenta Disposal Options for Home Birth in California: Burial, Encapsulation, and More
In California, you have several legal and practical options for your placenta after a home birth. Here's a breakdown to help you decide.
| Option | What It Involves | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Burial | Bury the placenta in your yard or a meaningful location. | Check local regulations. Some areas require a certain depth (e.g., 2 feet) to prevent animal disturbance. Avoid water sources. |
| Encapsulation | The placenta is steamed, dehydrated, ground, and put into pills. | Available through our clinic. Discuss timing and safety with your midwife. Cost varies. |
| Medical disposal | Treat as biohazard waste and dispose of via a medical waste service. | Your midwife can arrange this. It's the most straightforward option if you don't want to keep it. |
| Donation | Donate to a cord blood bank or research facility. | Requires prior arrangement and eligibility. Not all facilities accept placentas from home births. |
| Placenta art or keepsake | Create prints or keepsakes from the placenta. | Some families choose this as a memento. Ensure proper handling and storage. |
Always check with your local health department, as rules can vary by county. We can help you understand what's allowed in your area.
Is Placenta Encapsulation Safe? What You Need to Know Before Deciding
Placenta encapsulation is a personal choice. Here's what to consider.
A good fit if…
- You want potential benefits — Some women report improved mood and energy, though research is limited.
- You have a healthy placenta — Your midwife will confirm the placenta is infection-free and suitable.
- You can store it properly — You'll need to refrigerate or freeze it within a few hours of birth.
Consider another option if…
- You have an infection — If you develop a fever during labor, encapsulation may not be safe.
- You're uncomfortable with the process — That's okay. Burial or disposal are perfectly fine choices.
- You have a medical condition — Discuss with your midwife and healthcare provider.
Talk with your midwife about your health history. We can help you weigh the pros and cons.
Placenta Encapsulation Services in Agoura Hills: How It Works
If you choose placenta encapsulation, here's how to arrange it through The Midwife and More.
- Let us know early — Mention your interest during pregnancy so we can plan.
- Deliver your baby — At your home birth, we'll handle the placenta with care and give you storage instructions.
- Pick up or arrange pickup — You'll bring the placenta to our office or we'll arrange a pickup time.
- We prepare it — Our team processes the placenta using safe methods. We follow strict hygiene protocols.
- Receive your capsules — You'll get your encapsulated placenta, typically within 48 hours.
We serve families in Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Simi Valley, and surrounding areas. Call us at 877-537-3240 to discuss options and pricing. You can also use our online scheduling to book a consultation.
For details on services and visits, see the main page about midwife near me.
Directions to our midwife near me from Walnut Grove Park
Start at Walnut Grove Park and head to The Midwife and More at 5115 Clareton Drive, suite #100, Agoura Hills, CA 91301.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I take my placenta home from a hospital birth?
In California, you can request your placenta from the hospital, but policies vary. Check with your hospital ahead of time and follow their procedures.
How long can I keep my placenta before encapsulation?
You should refrigerate or freeze it within a few hours of birth. Most encapsulation services prefer to process it within 48 hours, but frozen placentas can be stored longer.
Is it legal to bury my placenta in my backyard?
Yes, in California, but local regulations may apply. Check with your city or county for any rules about depth or location. Your midwife can offer guidance.
Does insurance cover placenta encapsulation?
Typically not. It's considered an elective service. Costs vary, so ask for a quote. We can provide pricing at your consultation.
Also asked as
- What do midwives do with the placenta after home birth?
- Can I bury my placenta in my backyard in California?
- Is placenta encapsulation legal in California?