FAQ
Here is a list of my F.A.Q and my answers.
1. How long have you been encapsulating placentas?
Answer: I encapsulated my first placenta in 2006.
2. What method do you use?
Answer: I use the raw method with my own little tweaks to the process.
3. Why do you use the raw method?
Answer: It is my belief that the placenta is perfect the way it is and does not need anything added to it. After research and interviews with other Mamas I have found TCM may cause unwanted side effects. If that happens there’s no way to get your placenta back to the original state so I would rather stick with what nature intended and use the placenta only.
4. What type of capsules do you use?
Answer: As of November 2014 I use veggie caps exclusively because I found a company that makes a veggie cap that I’m extremely happy with.
5. Will you do it in my home?
Answer: I rather not. If it’s something you really want done in your home I can do it for an additional $100. The reason for the extra charge is to cover childcare and the extra gas/mileage(if needed, if not I can deduct that from the $100) The reason I rather not is because of the method I use for encapsulation. The process takes longer than the TCM method. Drying time can change due to humidity and other factors which is why the extra gas/mileage could be a concern. One other reason I like doing it in my home is I can get it done faster. The faster I get to dry the placenta the more nutrients in the encapsulation. If you have a hospital birth I usually get you your placenta back to you by the time you leave, the day after at the latest. If you want it done in your home we can’t even start the process until you get home from the hospital.
6. Why not do it myself?
Answer: You can do it yourself. I did one of my own myself and then hired someone to do it the next time. It was to much for me to do postpartum. One major benefit to having someone else do it is you really shouldn’t be doing anything but cuddling your baby for the first few weeks. One reason people encapsulate their placenta is to help with postpartum depression, one thing that can bring on postpartum depression is doing to much after you have your baby. Other reasons are you need to buy the supplies and the odor during process may bother some people. If you can not afford placenta encapsulation services please email me and we can work something out to make it affordable for you. If you still rather do it yourself feel free to email me and I will give you some directions on how you could do it on your own. (It will be a variation of mine unless you have a dehydrator that has a very low temp)
7. How do I know I’m getting my placenta back?
Answer: The best answer I can give is, you just need to trust me. That is one reason why I only take 6 clients. I only work on one placenta at a time and limiting my clients to 6 a month makes that easier to do.
8. What if the hospital won’t let me keep my placenta?
Answer: If they tell you they can’t release your placenta ask them to show you where it says that in their policies. It is very legal for you to bring your placenta home. You do not need to tell them why you want it, just that you do. You can tell them it’s for culturally, religious reasons if you want. I have had clients in almost all of the local hospitals and nobody has had a problem with them.
9. Have you used placenta encapsulation and what was your experience?
Answer: I have, 3 times. Each time I took placenta pills I had a good experience with it. I’ve used ones made raw and TCM. The TCM pills did cause me to have hot flashes and itching. Each way did help me with my postpartum depression, gave me energy, and helped with my recovery and milk supply.
10. Why do you ask for a non-refundable deposit?
Answer: I only take 6 clients a month at this time. The deposit ensures your spot. I also schedule my plans around client “guess dates”, if a deposit is made I don’t need to worry as much about changing my plans and then a client changing their mind without telling me. It can still happen with the deposit but if it does then I’m at the very least compensated for the inconvenience. In some instance a deposit will be returned.
11. Why is it so expensive? Some people charge much less.
Answer: I can’t answer why others charge a lower price. The reason I charge what I do is for many reasons. Gas, mileage, child care, electric, water, supplies, equipment, my time, my experience, and it’s about the same price as other encapsulation specialists in the area. I think it’s very important to keep pricing in the same ball park as other placenta workers. It’s very ethical and was one of the first things I was taught when I studied aromatherapy/herbal medicine with the pioneer Jeanne Rose.
11. What forms of payment do you take?
Answer: cash, check, money order, paypal and all major credit cards
12. What are your certifications?
I encapsulated my first placenta in 2006. At the time I did it there wasn’t really anyone doing it and there was no training. Soon after a business started offering training and other followed. I have perfected the way I process an encapsulation so I feel receiving training/certification from another company will not be beneficial to me. I have completed OSHA’s course in Bloodborne Pathogens and Infections Control for Placenta Encapsulators.
Do you have a question you would like to see on this list? Email me at greenlivinmama@gmail.com and ask me!