FAQ: What Happens If I Can’t Keep My Placenta?
It’s super rare that a placenta is genuinely unsafe for processing. In nearly all situations, your placenta can safely be released to you and encapsulated as planned. That said, here’s how it works if something unexpected comes up.
Is my placenta legally mine?
Yes. In most cases, your placenta is considered your biological tissue, and hospitals will release it to you regardless of why you want to keep it.
Occasionally, a medical situation may mean the hospital will ask to retain it. When that happens, it should be for a legitimate clinical reason — not personal bias or hospital preference — and they should explain that to you clearly.
Some hospitals can be a bit tricky about timing. For example, Pennsylvania Hospital sometimes requires the placenta to be removed within a specific timeframe after birth. If that happens and I can’t get there in time, don’t worry — we have workarounds to make sure your placenta is safely collected.
Most hospitals, including Virtua Voorhees, Inspira Mullica Hill, Jefferson Washington Township, and Virtua Lady of Lourdes, are fantastic to work with. Nurses and care providers there rarely give clients even a side eye about placenta release, making the process smooth and respectful.
What about birth centers or midwifery centers?
At birth centers or midwifery centers, where people often go home very early — sometimes within six hours of giving birth — you would simply take your placenta home with you. I can then arrange to collect it from you there.
For example, at the Midwifery Birth & Wellness Center at Virtua Voorhees, I sometimes work with nurses who can deliver the placenta to me or store it safely in the fridge until I arrive, even if you go home early.
Sadly, the Bryn Mawr Birth Center is closing, but they were always very accommodating with placenta collections and made it easy for families.
We can always work out the best arrangements depending on the birth center and who’s on call at the time.
If my placenta can’t be used, do I get a refund?
If there is a legitimate medical reason your placenta is unfit for consumption:
You will receive a full refund minus the $50 deposit.
The deposit covers:
On-call availability around your due date
Transport kit and supplies
Administrative time
Payment processing fees (bank/credit card)
I cap how many placentas I take each month on purpose — quality over quantity, always. Each client takes one of a limited number of spots I have available.
Like any service-based business, last-minute cancellations leave gaps that can’t easily be filled. I love this work, but I also have to run it like a real business (thanks, capitalism), which is why my deposit and refund policies exist.
What might make a placenta unsafe for consumption?
Safety always comes first. I follow industry-standard guidelines and screen carefully. A placenta may not be suitable in these situations:
Chorioamnionitis (infection of the placenta and membranes)
HIV/AIDS
Certain blood-borne infections
Heavy smoking during pregnancy
Significant alcohol or drug use during pregnancy
Improper storage or handling after birth (for example, not being refrigerated in time)
Placenta sent to pathology before release
Human error that affects safety or chain of custody
If anything looks or smells abnormal, or if I have any concerns at all, I will not process it. Your safety matters more than anything else.
Things that ARE SAFE for encapsulation
These are commonly misunderstood, but are not contraindicated for placenta encapsulation:
Meconium staining
Group B Strep (GBS)
COVID during pregnancy
Low-grade fever in labor (often epidural-related)
I review each situation individually and will always communicate clearly if there’s any concern.
What if the placenta is lost or unusable due to parent error?
If the placenta becomes unusable due to:
Not calling in time
Improper storage
Accidental disposal
Changed mind
Hospital release issues without prior planning
If the placenta can’t be used due to something outside my control, I’m not able to offer a refund. By that point, your spot has already been committed. I know that’s not fun to hear, and I don’t love having firm refund policies, but they’re what make it possible for me to keep doing this work for families long-term.
The good news is that it’s extremely rare for any of this to happen.
What if something happens on my end?
If I am unable to complete your service due to something on my side — think:
Car accident
Serious illness
Power outage
You will receive:
✔ A full refund including your deposit
✔ Priority booking in the future
✔ 50% off a future service
(If you’d prefer a different arrangement at that moment, we can always talk. I’m human first, business owner second.)
My Promise
I screen carefully, communicate clearly, and treat every placenta with the same level of respect and care I would want for my own family. These policies exist to keep the work sustainable and to make sure you always know what to expect.
If you have questions about your specific situation, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to talk it through.
I’m Tiff, The Placenta Girl and I’m dedicated to helping new and expecting moms navigate the challenges of the fourth trimester with confidence and support. Curious about how placenta pills can support your recovery, energy, and overall postpartum experience? Click here to learn more and see how placenta encapsulation can help you feel stronger, calmer, and more prepared.
