Hi, beautiful birthing people! Today, we’re delving into a unique, artistic, and meaningful project that some undertake as part of the birthing process: the placenta print.
The placenta, an amazing organ that plays a crucial role in sustaining life during pregnancy, may be a new term for some of you, so sit back, relax, and let’s unfold the mystery of the placenta print, why it holds value for some, and how you can allow us to create one for you or even create one of your very own!
Understanding the Placenta Art Print
First off, what is a placenta print? In essence, a placenta print is a piece of artwork created by imprinting the placenta (often called the ‘tree of life’ due to its intricate, tree-like appearance) onto a piece of paper or canvas. This creates a natural, organic pattern, each as unique as the baby it nurtured.
The placenta is an organ your body created to connect the life inside you to nutrients and oxygen through the umbilical cord. After the baby is born, the placenta is born too.
While the placenta is often discarded as medical waste after birth, creating a placenta print allows you to honor its significance.
This remarkable keepsake serves not just as a memento of the birthing process, but also as a celebration of the incredible organ that sustained your baby throughout pregnancy. The placenta is indeed a symbol of life and growth, and creating a placenta print is a way of honoring this significance. How amazing is that?!?!
The Value of a Placenta Print
Why make a placenta print? The answer is individual for each parent. Some mothers find it a meaningful way to capture a tangible piece of their pregnancy journey, while others view it as a beautiful, natural piece of art to hang in their home or in the baby’s nursery.
Moreover, it can serve as a teaching moment, allowing you to explain the role of the placenta to older siblings or, eventually, to the child themselves. These prints are not just beautiful decor but meaningful mementos that families can cherish forever.
Creating Your Placenta Art Print: The Basics
You might be wondering, “How much does it cost to print a placenta?” The beauty of it is that creating a placenta print can be a low-cost endeavor. You will need a clean, flat surface such as a cutting board to lay out the placenta before creating prints.
The primary materials you’ll need are paint, paper, and a container to safely store the placenta. You may even choose to do it yourself at home after your birth, under the guidance of your midwife or doula. You will need to mention to your healthcare provider that you would like to take your placenta home.
If you choose us to create this print for you, the cost for prints alone (without encapsulation) is $75. A placenta encapsulation package from The Womb Room includes two unique prints at no additional charge!
What Kind of Paint Do You Use for Placenta Prints?
Safety is paramount in this process, so a non-toxic, water-based paint is the best choice. Make sure to clean off any excess blood from the placenta to ensure a clear and defined print. You’ll apply a thin layer of paint to the side of the placenta that’s being printed. Some mothers prefer to use natural, earthy colors like browns and reds to reflect the organic nature of the print, but the choice is ultimately yours. If you are also planning to encapsulate your placenta for ingesting postpartum, a food safe coloring will be used to create your placenta prints.
Choosing the Right Paper
As for the paper, you’ll want to use high quality paper that is sturdy enough to hold the weight of the paint without tearing. A thick cardstock or watercolor paper is ideal for a placenta print. If you’re planning to frame your artwork, make sure the paper size fits standard frame sizes.
Storing Your Placenta Safely
If you're planning to print your placenta post-birth, you'll need a safe and sanitary container to store it. A clean, food-grade plastic container or a large zip-top bag works well. Always ensure that your placenta is handled and stored in a sanitary way to prevent any risk of infection.
In Conclusion - Placenta Art Prints are Beautiful
Creating a placenta print is a beautiful way to honor and remember the incredible journey of pregnancy. The placenta, often referred to as the amazing tree of life, creates a unique and lasting piece of art. As you hold your precious artwork, remember the life that thrived thanks to the placenta you’ve just imprinted. This organic piece serves as a beautiful reminder of the life-giving experience of childbirth. This isn’t just a piece of art, but a symbol of life, love, and the power in the birthing process.
Are you considering creating a placenta print, or have you already created one? Share your experiences in the comments below! Let’s learn from and support each other on our unique journeys of parenthood. If you are looking for Placenta Encapsulation services in Washington DC or Maryland, contact The Womb Room. Multiple gorgeous placenta art prints are included with each placenta encapsulation service package.
Note: Always discuss your plan to create a placenta print with your healthcare provider, midwife, or doula to ensure safety and best practices are followed.
Comments