Serving: Seattle, Tacoma, Auburn, Bainbridge Island, Bellevue, Black Diamond, Bonney Lake, Bothell, Bremerton, Buckley, Burien, Carbonado, Carnation, Covington, Duvall, Eastside, Eatonville, Enumclaw, Fall City, Federal Way, Fife, Graham, Greenwater, Gig Harbor, Hobart, Issaquah, Kent, King County, Kirkland, Lakeland Hills, Lake Tapps, Lakewood, Maple Valley, Mercer Island, Mill Creek, North Bend, Orting, Pierce County, Prairie Ridge, Preston, Puget Sound, Puyallup, Ravensdale, Redmond, Renton, Riverbend, Sammamish, Shoreline, Snoqualmie, South Hill, Spanaway, Steilacoom, Sumner, Tukwila, West Seattle.
Supporting your postpartum,
naturally.
Seattle / Tacoma and surrounding metro areas
Placenta Encapsulation and Herbal Care
What is Placenta Encapsulation? Placenta encapsulation or placentophagy is the practice of ingesting your placenta. It is practiced by 99% of mammals, has been practiced in various cultures around the world for thousands of years. The process begins with a thorough rinse before complete dehydration of the placenta. The desiccated placenta is ground into a fine powder and then filled into capsules; all while practicing safe handling and sanitary conditions. The entire process is typically done within 48 hours.
What are the possible benefits? Although there is no current formal research on human placentophagy (consumption of the placenta), we do know that those who consume their placenta, do report benefits. Each client will have a slightly different experience as their placenta is completely unique to them. Over the past 9 years I have been compiling survey results from my clients, and 98% of my clients have reported at least one benefit and said that they would choose to encapsulate again.
Response to COVID-19: My dedicated workspace has always been properly disinfected before and after each client. Disposable gloves and disposable masks have always been worn throughout the entire process, for every client. The extra safety precautions that I have implemented since COVID-19, is to now wipe down each client’s personal transportation kit using hospital grade disinfectant wipes before mailing out to the client. The coolers are single use. Every client receives a brand new cooler, they are never recycled. Upon picking up a placenta for preparation, the cooler is wiped down before it comes into my workspace, and then again just before delivery.
I am a firm believer in quality over quantity. I provide not only a service, but a complete postpartum experience for my clients. With 10 years of experience as a local independent placenta encapsulation specialist, I have personally served 700+ clients within the Seattle/Tacoma area, and have gained invaluable experience. I work with hospitals, birthing centers, and home births, to provide a seamless pickup and delivery process. I am on call exclusively for placenta encapsulation. For 2023, I will be continuing my herbal education. In order to allow for more dedication to my herbalism studies, I am limiting my monthly client maximum to 5 clients each month. Upon completion of each client package, it will be mailed directly to their home, delivered next day. This will ensure my availability to each of my clients, and continue my unmatched client dedication. Babies are of course unpredictable, so when you are on my schedule, I provide coverage 365 days a year so you can be confident I will be available for you. Some months fill in advance, so it is always best to contact me as soon as you have decided to encapsulate your placenta. I am always happy to accommodate anyone last minute, as long as I have availability!
PLACENTA SPECIALIST & STUDENT HERBALIST
Alecia Smith
“I immediately knew I wanted to go with The Nurtured Leaf after receiving an email reply from Alecia. She was so informative and I could tell she was really passionate about the process and ensuring her clients and mammas were happy, healthy and whole. There is a saying, “When a baby is born, a mother is also born”. I felt like Alecia was making sure I was taken care of. Her communication was so warm and personable, and she took time to answer every single question. She even followed up after the birth. Such a wonderful resource– I recommended her to several people and on several social media groups and will continue to recommend her!”
-M.D. Seattle, WA
Why choose The Nurtured Leaf?
Where experience and passion meet
Highest Quality of Care
I am dedicated towards continuing education and apply the highest safety standards, because your health is my priority.
Eco-Conscious
100% Natural, unbleached parchment paper is used during the dehydration process in place where others use aluminum foil, and all packaging materials are eco-friendly. Your personal transportation kit is mailed using eco-friendly packaging. All documents and instructions are provided online – where it is always just a click away.
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Clients Served
Highly experienced with a dedicated workspace and professional equipment. I only work on 1 placenta at a time and have 3 complete encapsulation kits, so that I always have backup equipment at the ready.
Client Dedication
Unmatched passion and support for the clients I serve, with 365 days of coverage provided.
Details for my
Current Packages
All of my placenta encapsulation packages are full service. This includes pick up of placenta, choice of preparation, choice of capsules and delivery to your home! All clients who sign up for my services within 3 weeks of their due date will receive my transportation kit mailed directly to their home, shipped in an eco-friendly package. Included is a cooler for proper storage, prelabeled food safe storage bags for the placenta and ice, along with handling instructions for the big day! Clients who sign up less than 3 weeks of their due date will receive instructions for proper handling without the kit. Turnaround time typically within 48 hours unless the placenta was frozen. I am on call exclusively for placentas, with 365 days of coverage, and I have several highly trained backups at the ready. So rest easy, you are in good hands.
Essential Package
Placenta capsules
$350
- Placenta transportation kit with cooler
- Pick up of placenta
- Delivery of package
- Choice of preparation method
- Choice of capsule
Healing Package
extended benefits
$375
- Placenta transportation kit with cooler
- Pick up of placenta
- Delivery of package
- Choice of preparation method
- Choice of capsule
- 4 oz Placenta tincture
Nurturing Package
complete postpartum care
$400
- Placenta transportation kit with cooler
- Pick up of placenta
- Delivery of package
- Choice of preparation method
- Choice of capsule
- 4 oz Placenta tincture
- 3 oz Postpartum herbal bath
- 80 Herbal lactation support capsules
A $100 Non-Refundable deposit is required at the time of submitting your Agreement Form. This deposit secures your spot on my limited calendar, guarantees availability and covers my time on call as well as the transportation kit. It is applied toward your total placenta package purchase. The Remaining Balance is due upon pick up of placenta for preparation. The deposit covers the provided kit, time on call, and reserves The Nurtured Leaf’s services. The deposit is non-refundable even if placenta services are not rendered. Prices are subject to change at any time without notice. Submitting your Agreement Form will lock you into the current pricing.
“Choosing Alecia to encapsulate my placenta was one of the best decisions I made during my pregnancy. She was wonderful to work with – easy to communicate with, helpful, very friendly – and she offered a more holistic approach to her services, which was completely in-line with our lifestyle. She strives to use the absolute best ingredients and healthiest “processing” practices, and offers a wide array of choices to get exactly what you want. Not only was I really pleased with her services, but she also took the time to follow up with me a couple times postpartum just to see how I was doing in general, and to make sure I was happy with my capsules/salve and answer any questions I may have had; it was so nice to know that she cared. If we decide to have another child, I will contact her in a heartbeat!”
-A.E. Seattle, WA
Details about my
Services and Products
Simply Dehydrated Method
Raw Foods Inspired Method of Preparation. Also called “High-Yield” or “RAW” Method. This is the most popular choice of my clients. This method skips the steaming process altogether and the placenta is sliced while still “raw” and dehydrated immediately. The placenta is dehydrated at 160 degrees according to USDA safety recommendations for dehydrating meat. At this temperature, bacteria and active enzymes are destroyed. It is believed that essential hormones are retained and the iron content is made more bio-available using the Raw Method. This method yields a higher number of capsules than TCM. Based on responses from my clients’ experiences, this method is the most balancing as it produces both emotionally balancing properties and increased energy. Some indications for choosing the Simply Dehydrated Preparation Method would be: long labor, postpartum hemorrhage or a history of it, desire to increase breast milk and energy immediately postpartum. Your placenta capsules will be provided to you in a glass amber bottle, to help preserve beneficial properties.
Steamed & Dehydrated Method
This method is also known as the Traditional Method, Traditional Chinese Medicine Inspired Method, or TCM. It is the oldest known method and follows with the TCM principles and specific needs during the postpartum period. In TCM theory, the process of labor and birth leaves the mother with an open, empty space which is considered very cold or yin. One way to promote healing during this time is to add warm energy via heat, or yang. This method of preparation involves steaming the placenta gently with optional herbs and then dehydrating at 160 degrees. I can add fresh and organic lemon, ginger and cayenne pepper, only if requested. Putting the herbs in the steaming process is thought to bring out the placenta’s natural healing properties. Lemon is thought of as an antiseptic and helps to distribute the placenta throughout the body. Cayenne and ginger are warming herbs and thought to lend their properties to the placenta. The ginger specifically acts as a facilitator for energy and good blood flow. TCM is believed to have tonifying, healing and warming properties. If your placenta has been frozen, this is always the method of choice. Your placenta capsules will be provided to you in a glass amber bottle, to help preserve beneficial properties.
Choice of capsule
Choose between Clear Vegetarian Capsules or Berry Flavored Gelatin Capsules. The Vegetarian capsules are 100% natural and plant derived and kosher certified. They contain no preservatives, gelatin, gluten, animal by-products or starch, corn, wheat or soy. The Berry flavored capsules are kosher certified, 100% vegetarian with no animal by-products, dairy, starch, corn, wheat or soy. They have no scent and a very mild berry flavor and are great for those with a more sensitive palate.
Complimentary Cord Keepsake
If desired, I will include a complimentary heart shaped cord keepsake with your chosen package.
Placenta Tincture 4oz $35
The placenta tincture is another way to reap the physical benefits from the placenta besides capsule form. Tinctures are mainly meant for energy, transition, stress, and hormone stabilization. They are great for returning menstrual cycles, menopause, and even puberty. The biological mother and daughter of the birthing mom can also benefit from the tincture as it has an almost indefinite shelf life if stored properly. Mom may also give the tincture to a baby older than 6 months for teething relief, to help support immune function and during times of transition. The tincture is made from a thumbnail size piece of raw placenta and 100 proof vodka, which is aged for 6 weeks postpartum before it is ready for use. You will receive your tincture the same time your capsules are delivered, with instructions for handling until it is ready to be used. Your tincture will be created for you in a 4 oz glass amber dropper bottle.
Elderberry Syrup $30 16 oz / $20 8 oz / $10 4 oz
Handmade in small, fresh, batches per order. This immune system-boosting syrup is made with organic elderberries and rose hips, which are loaded with vitamin C. Elderberries have been used medicinally for hundreds of years and studies have shown that elderberry has a measurable effect in treating the flu, alleviating allergies, and boosting overall respiratory health! Take it daily as a preventative and increase intake upon the first sign of a cold or flu, or if someone in your household is sick. Elderberry syrup is great to keep on hand during cold/flu season. Ingredients: Purified Water, Certified Organic Dried Elderberries, Local RAW Organic Honey, Certified Organic Dried Rose Hips, Certified Organic Cinnamon Sticks and Certified Organic Cloves.
Elderberry Syrup Kit: Original $15 / $17 Super Immune Boost
Elderberry Syrup Kit, yield approx. 24 oz. Choose between the Original Recipe, or the Super Immune Boost Recipe. Elderberry Syrup is perfect for immune support! This handcrafted, healthy and delicious natural remedy can be used daily, as well as during acute illness. Both Elderberry Syrup Kit recipes feature Organic Elderberries and additional organic dried herbs. Both kits are good for ages 1 and up! Ingredients: ORIGINAL RECIPE INGREDIENTS //
Organic Dried Elderberries, Organic Cinnamon Sticks, Organic Ginger Root, Organic Black Peppercorns and Organic Cloves. SUPER IMMUNE BOOST RECIPE INGREDIENTS //Organic Dried Elderberries, Organic Astragalus Root, Organic Rosehips, Organic Echinacea Angustifolia, Organic Elder Flowers, Organic Reishi Mushrooms, Organic Cinnamon Sticks, Organic Ginger Root, Organic Black Peppercorns and Organic Cloves.
Postpartum Herbal Bath $15 3oz
Herbal baths are wonderful for postpartum healing and comfort. They are designed to aid in the healing of tears, stitches, hemorrhoids and swelling, which will reduce the soreness in the perineal area. They are also antiseptic and very relaxing! Please note, immersion in a bath is not appropriate after a cesarean. 3oz provides 2-3 bath’s. Ingredients: Organic Calendula Flowers, Organic Comfrey Leaf, Organic Lavender Flowers, Organic Sage Leaf and Organic Uva Ursi Leaves . All Herbs are Certified Organic and Kosher Certified.
Herbal Lactation Support Capsules // 80 capsules $25 / 160 capsules $45 / 320 capsules $80
This handcrafted organic herbal capsule support has a special blend of organic herbs that are traditionally used as lactation aids and will help support in increasing and maintaining your milk supply. This combination will not only support your breastmilk production but also provides you with additional nutrients to help nourish your body. Great for those who are breastfeeding and/or pumping! Ingredients: Red Raspberry Leaf, Goats Rue, Fenugreek, Alfalfa, Blessed Thistle, Fennel, Marshmallow Root, and Nettle. All herbs are USDA Certified Organic and Kosher Certified.
“I have used The Nurtured Leaf for three encapsulations and could not be happier with the experience not only with Alecia but with the massive benefits of placenta encapsulation. Alecia is professional, timely and friendly. She makes the entire process very easy to navigate with an organized bag, easy to follow instructions and endless support after the placenta is encapsulated. She has made my postpartum experience truly magical especially with a huge task of encapsulation. My biggest worry was whether an encapsulation would be done properly and ethically and there is no doubt in my mind that the Nurtured Leaf truly delivers all of that and more. The aesthetic of the products as well as the quality of the capsules were amazing. Communicating with Alecia before, during and after was a breeze for my husband and I. It was lovely to have her personally deliver the capsules and wish us all well. It felt familiar and supportive. I would highly recommend the Nurtured Leaf for encapsulations and products alike.”
-E.V. Seattle, WA
How to sign up
Ready to get started?
1
Questions?
Please reach out to me with any questions you have. You will receive a personal email reply with answers to all of your questions!
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Secure your spot
When you are ready to sign up, complete my online agreement form and deposit payment.
3
Confirmation
Once I have received your form and deposit payment, you’ll receive another personal email from me welcoming you, along with all the details you need for the big day!
*Disclaimer: The information contained on this website has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The services offered by The Nurtured Leaf are not clinical, pharmaceutical, or intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. Families who choose to utilize these services take full responsibility for their own health and for researching and using the remedies. If you believe you are experiencing signs or symptoms of postpartum depression or postpartum psychosis, please seek medical attention immediately.
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