Cool immediately
Place the placenta in a sealed container or bag as directed by your birth setting and keep it cold as soon as possible.
Placenta Storage Resource
How to Store a PlacentaAfter Birth
After birth, the most important step is keeping the placenta cold until it can be transferred for encapsulation. This guide gives families simple preparation steps to discuss with their birth team and follow before pickup.
Storage basics
Keep it cold and labeled
Use ice top and bottom
For cooler storage, use ice or cold packs above and below the placenta container so it stays chilled during transport.
Refrigerate or freeze
Keep the placenta refrigerated for up to 3 days when it remains properly sealed and cold. Freeze it after 3 refrigerated days, or sooner if pickup or processing will be delayed.
Birth Perceptions advises clients to coordinate with their hospital, birth center, midwife, or provider for any facility-specific placenta release requirements.
Before pickup
What to have ready
Your name and date
Make sure the placenta container is clearly identified according to your birth setting’s release process.
A cold transfer plan
Have a cooler, ice packs, or refrigerator access ready before birth so the placenta is not left at room temperature.
Booking details
Confirm pickup or delivery instructions with Birth Perceptions as soon as baby arrives or once your birth team allows release.
Questions
Common Questions
Can the placenta stay in the refrigerator?
Yes. Birth Perceptions client guidance allows refrigeration for up to 3 days when the placenta remains properly sealed and cold.
When should I freeze the placenta?
Freeze it after 3 refrigerated days, or sooner if pickup or processing will be delayed.
Can Birth Perceptions pick up from a hospital?
Pickup availability depends on package, location, timing, and hospital release requirements.
Birth Perceptions provides postpartum wellness, education, cosmetic, and support services. Information on this page is not medical advice and does not replace care from a licensed medical provider.