How do I request my placenta for encapsulation at Houston Methodist The Woodlands?

You should notify your nurse upon admission. Houston Methodist requires an 'Acknowledgment of Release' form to be signed before the placenta can be removed from the unit by your partner or doula.

Where does the placenta pickup happen at Houston Methodist The Woodlands?

Pickup typically occurs via the attached parking garage. Once the placenta is placed on ice in a personal cooler, the 'Placenta Guardian' coordinates with H Town Placenta at 833-PLACNTA for a seamless handoff.

Can I still encapsulate if Houston Methodist sends my placenta to pathology?

Yes, in many cases. You can request a 'gross exam' or a small tissue biopsy so that the bulk of the placenta remains available for release and encapsulation.

The Woodlands Field Guide: Placenta Release at Houston Methodist

If you are delivering at Houston Methodist The Woodlands, you’re experiencing one of the most modern birthing facilities in North Houston. Known for its "Leading Medicine" approach and hotel-like amenities, Methodist is very accommodating to holistic postpartum plans, including placenta encapsulation.

As your Houston placenta experts, we frequently visit this campus. Here is the insider’s guide to ensuring your placenta transition is as smooth and high-end as your birth suite.

1. The Methodist Protocol

Houston Methodist is streamlined. While they are a medical-first facility, they respect patient autonomy.

The Paperwork: Like most Methodist campuses, they may ask you to sign a specific "Acknowledgment of Release" form. (You may read (and download it here.)
When to ask: Mention your plans to your nurse during your initial intake or when you are being settled into your Labor & Delivery suite.
What to say: "We have contracted with H Town Placenta for encapsulation. Please let us know when the release paperwork is ready for signature so we can coordinate pickup."

2. The "Pro Tip” that you probably won’t need by will want to know.

Methodist physicians are very detail-oriented. If there are any concerns during labor (such as specific placental appearances), they may request to send the placenta to the lab.

Pro-Tip: Ask your provider if they can perform a "gross exam" in the room or take a small tissue biopsy rather than sending the entire organ. This usually satisfies their medical requirements while leaving the placenta intact for your encapsulation.

3. Storage & Logistics

At Methodist, the focus is on a clean, uncluttered environment. They will provide a sterile container, but you are responsible for the cooling.

The Cooler: Bring your H Town Placenta transport kit or a small travel cooler.
The Ice: Methodist has excellent ice machines on the L&D floor. Your partner or doula can easily keep the cooler topped off.
The Handoff: Because the Methodist parking garage is attached and very accessible, the handoff to our specialist is usually very fast. Once you are ready, have your "Placenta Guardian" (partner or doula) call us at 833-PLACNTA.

4. Why Methodist Moms Choose H Town Placenta

Parents who choose Houston Methodist The Woodlands expect a certain standard of care. We mirror that standard for safety and sanitation in our "placenta kitchen" and with our professional transport. We understand the layout of the Methodist L&D floor, making the pickup discreet and efficient so you can get back to your "Golden Hour."

Ready for your placenta pick up at The Woodlands Methodist? Let's go!