Let me consume your time...

I need some help, my iPhone is my only Internet access currently and it makes looking for info hard.

I'm wanting to know how NZ customs would deal with a placenta coming in from Australia, would it be allowed what should one know prior to doing this, etc...

If you're really bored I'm sure there's a helpline and you'd be doing me a huge favour.

We're currently discussing where it will be buried, not too keen on eating it, and as there's no 'family' land here, the family property in Gisbourne maybe our best choice.

Are you wanting to send it, or are you bringing with you on your next visit? Either way I guess the actual vessel used will be a large consideration.

I am fairly unfamiliar with the cultural requirements of returning the placenta the land. Can it be frozen? (believe me, the way they smell, freezing has to be an option for shipping).

It'll definitely be frozen and brought through with us on a flight.

I have a midwife friend who may well know. I'll be seeing her tomorrow so I'll ask. When is your due date again? Are you well? Blooming?

5 weeks and 2 days til due date, 3rd of March, but I think he'll be a February baby. He's still breech and posterior (yes I hurt) and they're going to look at turning him next week, but the midwife thinks his cords too short as there's no other reason for him not to turn (he has space, I'm super tall), so he may end up being sliced and scooped. I'm not keen on that, but it does mean my mum can pop over for the slicing as there will be a predetermined date. So silver lining etc...

I am yet to spend a dime on clothes for him, on anything really. The joys of a fertile family. He has the nicest 'like-new' things. Mum bought him a cot, bedding etc... and I have the coolest sesame street bath from my SIL.

Our friend who boards here got engaged today, which will free up 2 bedrooms very soon. Our guest room gets sun all day and in 40 degree heat it's not exactly 'nursery' space. Babys cot is set up in our room (which is bigger than a double garage) and I think we'll leave it there until our friend moves out, the aircon will be good for March/April anyway. I melt.

As for blooming... I've lost weight and people are still shocked when they realize we're expecting. Belly finally popped out a few weeks ago and when I try to sleep I feel like a whale and have had to stop sleeping on my belly.

Oh and the PAIN! Ribs and back are cracking under pressure, lol.

We've finally named him, but we haven't got a middle name. All will be announced after arrival.

I miss my computer.

If a dead body can be shipped overseas so can a placenta. Any other such case just shows retarded bureaucracy.

frup wrote:If a dead body can be shipped overseas so can a placenta. Any other such case just shows retarded bureaucracy.

Hah! This was my argument for it too.

My question is more about what I'd need to do before taking it over and what customs would do with it. I have no issues getting my chocolate approved by customs, but this seems... Different?

Interestingly my hair extensions have more trouble getting 'security clearance'... it's always fun to take chunks of hair out in front of hoards of people.

~thinks her iPhone screwed her font size up~

Hey I looked on the customs website and couldn't find anything about placenta's OR dead bodies lol,

this is their number though
1800 301 861

Hi Waireka! My bosses wife works for Customs at our Airport, and I know that she can find out for you. Will let you know once she gets back in touch.

Okay, just heard back from Fiona (wife of boss), and apparently a lot of people bring Placentas into NZ, so it is certainly allowed. She is now going to find out what specific requirements there might/will be for packaging, storage, etc. and I will post that info when she lets me know.

Tikva wrote:Hi Waireka! My bosses wife works for Customs at our Airport, and I know that she can find out for you. Will let you know once she gets back in touch.

Awesome, thanks!

Dechire that's an Australian number, I need to know NZs customs stance.

Okay, Fiona checked it out while she was working this afternoon, and was told that there are no special requirements for bringing the Placenta into New Zealand. Just put it in a plastic bag, seal it, and make sure you declare it when going through Customs.

Not sure how long the plane ride will be for you, but might also be a good idea to ask the Airline Staff if they could store it in a freezer (or fridge if nothing else) for you during the flight.

Good luck, and can't wait to hear the news when your wee one is born.

Tikva wrote:Okay, Fiona checked it out while she was working this afternoon, and was told that there are no special requirements for bringing the Placenta into New Zealand. Just put it in a plastic bag, seal it, and make sure you declare it when going through Customs.

Not sure how long the plane ride will be for you, but might also be a good idea to ask the Airline Staff if they could store it in a freezer (or fridge if nothing else) for you during the flight.

Good luck, and can't wait to hear the news when your wee one is born.

Thanks! We'll see how things pan out. Won't take it back for some time. Good to know the options there and easy.

lol australian number for NZ customs..