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What does Kaika mean?

Kaika means blossom in Japanese.  My son's name is Kai and his kanji character means "open".  My daughter's name is Hana and her kanji character means "flower".  The meaning of their names put together means blossom. 
The placenta is formed when the cell is separated into two, one forming the fetus and the other forming the placenta.  As the veins and umbilical cord form creating the placenta, the tree of life becomes present.  Many cultures celebrate varying rituals and treat the placenta with great care as the tree of life is present and has sustained both mother and baby for nine months.  Through the mothers love this placental tree feeds the fetus until one day this tiny being has blossomed into an infant and awaits the mother's warm hug.  Just as the placenta will aid the fetus into blossoming into a child, it also does so by helping a woman blossom into a mother.  This transformation can be seamless by ingesting the placenta, as nature intended.  


What is placenta encapsulation?

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine the placenta is prepared and processed into capsule form.  This allows the new mother to ingest the placenta through capsules. 


Why would I ingest my placenta?

Every mammal ingests their placenta.  Research has shown and proven that by ingesting the placenta it will help increase lactation, increase energy, level off hormones, elevate iron levels, decrease postpartum bleeding, and speed up recovery.   


How safe is this?

This is something that your own body created to sustain you and your growing baby.  Your body knows how to use the nutrients left to help you recover.  Bridget Hirata is a certified placenta encapsulation specialist.  She follows strict OSHA and FDA guidelines.  She also is licensed by the State of Wisconsin in Food Safety and Handling.  The method has been done for hundreds of years in TCM. 

What about the process?

Bridget comes to you, the process is done in your home with all of her own equipment.  She will use your kitchen sink, stove, and counter top. The process is started within 36 hours of birth.  It is a two day process, a few hours each day, a dehydrator is left in your home overnight.  Your home will not smell of placenta.  Bridget follows strict guidelines for disinfecting and sanitizing, leaving your kitchen cleaner than when she arrives.


How should the placenta be handled before you start the process?

The hospitals in Wisconsin will release the placenta to you, usually without even questioning. It is becoming more common for people to bring their placentas home, whether to encapsulate it or plant it under a tree.  If you are having a hospital birth, please bring a gallon size ziploc bag to the hospital with you.  Ask the doctor or nurse to place the placenta in the bag.  This way we know it has been stored in a food safe container.  They will then provide you a bucket that you can put ice in to keep the placenta cool until it can be brought home and refrigerated.  You have two hours after the placenta is birthed to get the placenta on ice or in the refrigerator.  If you are planning a home birth, please provide a food safe container with a lid that the placenta will be stored in before placing in the refrigerator.


Why is the process done in my home?

The State of Wisconsin has strict standards for facilities that prepare consumable substances. Regular inspections are performed by the local authority in order to ensure proper food handling, sanitation and other safety compliance standards. For this reason I would not legally be able to prepare your placenta in my home, nor would I want to.  You hire me as a personal chef.  
By having me do the placenta in your home you are guaranteed you are getting your own placenta.  You have assurance that it has been handled safely according to proper temperature guidelines for consumable foods.  If you choose to do so you can observe the process.  Bridget has been trained in, follows and meets the requirements of the FDA, OSHA, EPA, and local guidelines for food handling, sanitizing and disenfecting, and proper care and handling of bloodborne pathogens.  


Why should I hire a certified placenta encapsultaion specialist? 

Bridget Hirata is a certified placenta encapsulation specialist and mentor in the Madison and surrounding area.  She is a current member and has received her training and certification through PBi.  She stays current and up to date on the latest research and continues her education in TCM.  For more information on reasons to hire a certified placenta encapsulation specialist, read this article:  http://blog.placentabenefits.info/index.php/2010/05/certified-placenta-specialist-why/

How much is this service?

Bridget charges $225 for her services.  This price is based on a 30 mile radius, and may increase depending on location.  Acceptable forms of payment:  cash, check, all major credit cards, and Paypal. 
This service includes a consultation visit to your home, the encapsulation, placenta broth, a dried umbilical cord in a keepsake pouch, and close follow up care for as long as you need during the postpartum period. 


How many capsules will the average placenta yield?

The average placenta will yield around 100 capsules.  This is enough for the entire postpartum recovery period and then some.  Placenta capsules can be used for times of low energy, decrease in lactation, stress of returning to work, unforseen stressful times, just to name a few.  Bridget will work with you based on your history and your birth experience to help with dosage suggestion. 


Please check out the testimonials and media page.  If you have any questions, contact Bridget.

For more information please check out PBi's website: