Expert Insights on Placenta Care at Melbourne Hospitals
All Melbourne hospitals support your decision to keep your placenta, recognizing that it belongs to you. Still, the level of assistance offered varies among facilities. Some hospitals go the extra mile by taking care of your placenta and storing it in their fridge. However, most will only provide ice to maintain it’s freshness, and a few have strict policies against keeping the placenta on-site for more than an hour or so.
Three hospitals with particularly stringent policies are Cabrini Malvern, Joan Kirner, and Sandringham, all of which are very strong about not allowing the placenta to stay on site. Unfortunately, some clients felt pressured to relinquish their placentas to the hospital’s discard process, which means incineration. If you’re giving birth at one of these hospitals, I strongly advise bringing a cooler bag to store your placenta discreetly. Add some ice to keep it cool for hours. Usually, when it’s out of sight, it’s not a problem. Worst case scenario, you can keep it in your car until pickup.
Remember that each hospital has unique placenta care policies, so discussing this with your
healthcare provider well in advance is essential. By staying informed and prepared, you can ensure your wishes are respected and your placenta is appropriately handled. From my experience, having this conversation is crucial for a smooth experience.
Your placenta is an integral part of your birth and postnatal recovery and wellness, and you have a right to determine how it’s managed.
Empower yourself by asking questions and making your preferences known. Your healthcare team is there to support you, so don’t hesitate to advocate for yourself and your baby.