At Central Nebraska Doula we understand the importance of having your placenta processed by a professional. Someone who understands this precious organ, that was once the life-force of your developing baby, cannot be duplicated. Someone who understands and adheres to strict safety guidelines.
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Central Nebraska Doula’s Placenta Encapsulation Service.
What are your qualifications?Central Nebraska Doula owner, Jenna Frick, completed her placenta encapsulation training through ProDoula in April 2015, and was Nebraska’s first trained and is currently the only certified Postpartum Placenta Specialist in the state.
Will my hospital release my placenta?Central Nebraska Doula has experience encapsulating for clients who have easily obtained their plactenta after delivery at all Tri-City area hospitals. If you are planning on delivering at a different hospital, it is important to inquire about their policy for placenta release. In the event that an infection was present during the delivery, the hospital, most likely, will not release the placenta.
What if my doctor/hospital wants to test my placenta? Sometimes your doctor may want to keep your placenta for testing purposes. If your placenta is sent to the lab, there is a possibility it will come in contact with toxic chemicals, therefore, it will not be able to be encapsulated. Your doctor may agree to removing a small piece for testing and allow you to keep the remainder of the placenta for encapsulation.
What method do you use?Central Nebraska Doula processes placentas using the Traditional Method, which is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine. This includes cleaning, steaming, slicing, drying, and grinding before the placenta powder is placed in capsules.
Additionally, all processing will take place in the home of the client.
How do I know I am in fact receiving my own placenta?Because Central Nebraska Doula provides this service explicitly in our clients’ homes there is no possibility of a mix up with another client, as you and/or your trusted love ones were the only people who came in contact with your placenta prior to processing.
Why do you encapsulate in your client's home? Central Nebraska Doula follows strict guidelines set forth by their certification organization,
ProDoula. We believe that in client home is the safest location for encapsulation to take place.
Under no circumstances will your Postpartum Placenta Specialist transport your placenta or encapsulate your placenta in her own workspace. Each client will receive a transportation kit that is compliant with the World Health Organization’s Guidelines for Organ Transport. The placenta will not be exposed to any additional unfamiliar bacteria and the possibility for a placenta mix-up is eliminated. Clients are able to take pictures, ask questions, or participate in the process according to their own level of comfort. We believe in complete transparency in our methods and our clients are able to observe any and all of the process to ensure nothing additional has been added to the placenta capsules.
Additionally, clients are also able to take advantage of the postpartum support they receive from their Postpartum Placenta Specialist as she is also trained in postpartum support and newborn care.
When will the process begin? We can begin the processing any time after the placenta has been delivered. Most clients choose to begin the process the day they come home from the hospital or the following day. We typically begin processing in the evening, after you have eaten dinner so we are not occupying your kitchen during meal time. Don’t worry about dirty dishes. Your Postpartum Placenta Specialist will take care of that and preparing the space for processing. Spend your time relaxing and enjoying your family. We will then return around the same time the following day.
How long does the process take? The entire process takes approximately 24 hours. Your Postpartum Placenta Specialist will be in your home for approximately 2 to 2.5 hours to start the process, then will return the following day to complete the process, which will again take approximately 2 to 2.5 hours.
Is my kitchen big enough? Is there anything I need to supply? Most likely, yes, your kitchen will be perfect! All we need is a sink, a stove, a plugin, and a little counter space.
When should I book this service? Placenta Encapsulation services may be retained any time during your pregnancy. Ideally, it is best to book this service by 36 weeks to allow time to receive (by mail) your transportation kit and instructions for packaging and transporting, and be able to have any questions answered. If you are nearing your delivery date, contact Central Nebraska Doula to find out how to proceed.
What do I need to take with me to the hospital? Please take your transportation kit and the enclosed items with you to the hospital. The hospital staff will be able to help you get your placenta into the cooler and provide you with ice to keep it cold.
How should the placenta be packaged? All items necessary for packaging will be supplied in the transportation kit. If the facility where you plan to deliver uses a different packaging system, that is fine. Just be sure your placenta is in a bag or container that is labeled and then placed inside the cooler and completely covered with ice within four hours of delivery. Periodically check to make sure the ice is frozen and replace as necessary until the placenta is able to be taken to your home. Once home, the entire kit may be placed directly into your refrigerator (or freezer if processing is not able to be started within the first four days.)
Can I have my placenta encapsulated if I receive an epidural?Yes.
Can I have my placenta encapsulated if I had pitocin during labor?Yes.
Can I have my placenta encapsulated if I have a cesarean section?Yes.
Can I have my placenta encapsulated if I have tested positive for Group B Strep?Yes.
Can I have my placenta encapsulated if my baby passed meconium before/during delivery?Maybe. If the placenta is stained with light meconium, it may be possible to encapsulate. If there was heavy meconium, the placenta will not be able to be encapsulated.
Can I have my placenta encapsulated if I am expecting twins/multiples?Yes.
Can I have my placenta encapsulated if I do delayed cord clamping?Yes.
Can I have my placenta encapsulated if I am vegetarian or vegan?Yes. Central Nebraska Doula only uses vegetarian capsules.
Can I have my placenta encapsulated if I have HIV/AIDS?No.
Can I have my placenta encapsulated if I have Hepatitis B?No.
How many capsules will I get? The number of capsules will vary from client to client and depends on the size of your placenta. Most clients will receive between 100 and 150, size 00 capsules.
How should I store my capsules? It is recommended that capsules be stored in the refrigerator.
How many capsules should I take and how often? Your Postpartum Placenta Specialist will provide you with information regarding recommended consumption guidelines. Because everyone is different and each person may react differently to the capsules, it is up to you how many capsules you take and how often you take them.
Is there any time I shouldn't take the capsules? It is recommended to discontinue taking placenta capsules if you develop an infection such as mastitis, flu, or cold with a fever, until symptoms have subsided for 24 hours. It is also discontinue consumption of placenta pills if you become pregnant.
What is a Placenta Tincture? If desired, your Postpartum Placenta Specialist can prepare a Placenta Tincture. This liquid contains a small portion of your placenta powder and vodka. It will take approximately 6 weeks to mature and is a way for you to continue receiving the benefits of the placenta after the pills are gone.
Have further questions? We would love to hear from you! Comment below or contact us by email info@centralnebraskadoula.com or phone (402) 760-1310.