Frequently Asked Questions
How soon after delivery is my placenta encapsulated?
ASAP! My goal is to start the encapsulation process as soon as possible after delivery. For moms delivering at home or in a birth center, this is typically within 24 hours. For moms delivering at a hospital, this is typically within 24-48 hours, with the capsules complete by the time you are released from the hospital. Seton is the only exception since their protocol is to hold your placenta for 72 hours before its released. I will start any Seton placenta asap after it's released from the hospital.
Contact me when you go into labor, or have your delivery date scheduled. It’s a good idea to save my contact info in your phone (and in your partner/spouse’s phone too). We will then schedule the exact time for encapsulation at your home.
Why is it important to have a certified professional encapsulate my placenta?
You only get one chance with a placenta. It is truly sacred, and should be handled with the most attention and care possible from a trained professional. Treat your placenta with the same care as your newborn baby.
Did you encapsulate your own placenta?
I sure did! I hired a certified PBi Placenta Encapsulation Specialist to prepare my placenta with my second child, after experiencing severe PPD (postpartum depression) with my first child. The positive difference in my postpartum well-being was like night and day between my two births with my placenta capsules. I only wish I had known about encapsulation with my first birth experience. I am happy to share my first hand experiences and knowledge with you.
Why is encapsulation done in the mom's home?
This is SO important! Encapsulation should only be done in the mom's home for the safety of everyone involved. In the state of Texas, it is illegal for a professional to transport or prepare a placenta (food products) for distribution outside of the client’s home. Your placenta should remain in your possession at all times to ensure proper treatment, preparation, sanitation and to ensure you are getting your own placenta. Be cautious of people that encapsulate in their own home. They will typically be handling multiple placentas at one time, and the chance of cross contamination, poor sanitation, and placenta mix up is high. You need to be certain that you are getting your own placenta, and ONLY your placenta. And most importantly, every placenta is unique and deserves one-on-one time, energy, and attention. This can only be done in the mom's home.
As a PBi Certified Placenta Encapsulation Specialist, our handling and disinfection practices meet strict Federal (OSHA and EPA) guidelines. The PBi method of preparation is on file and documented with the FDA. Our standards meet EPA guidelines for a licensed small laboratory, that handles bloodborne pathogens and medical waste. All PBi Certified Placenta Encapsulation Specialists are required to only encapsulate in the client's home. It's all for safety!
What is required to release a placenta from a hospital?
Releasing your placenta from the hospital is now very easy! Effective January 1, 2016, ALL Texas hospitals are required to release your placenta directly to you. HB 1670, known as The Texas Placenta Bill, was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 17, 2015. It allows women to keep their placenta from ANY Texas hospital or birthing center. No court order, or special release from The Placenta Picker Upper, is required. Hospitals were granted transition time until January 1, 2016, to update their protocol and begin releasing placentas directly. This is a huge victory for womens rights in Texas!
Seton Hospitals - Sign their placenta release of liability form when you are admitted to the hospital. Seton will hold your placenta for 72 hours after the birth of your baby, and then release directly to you
St. David's Hospitals (including NAMC, Georgetown Hospital, Round Rock, and St. David's Main) - Sign their placenta release of liability form when you are admitted to the hospital. St. David's will release your placenta directly to you after the birth of your baby.
Cedar Park Regional Hospital - Sign their placenta release of liability form when you are admitted to the hospital. Cedar Park Regional will release your placenta directly to you after the birth of your baby.
What is required to release a placenta from a birthing center?
Nothing! The placenta is yours to handle as you wish.
What is the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Method?
The TCM method has been used for more than 5,000 years on placentas, and is considered to be sacred, bringing the body Qi energy after birth. The steaming process for encapsulation kills any potential bacteria without compromising the hormones and beneficial nutrients within the placenta. The placenta is then dried using a dehydrator, and then ground into a fine powder and placed into capsules for consumption. No other ingredients are added to the placenta.
What are accepted forms of payment?
Cash, check, Venmo, and credit card (via PayPal). Payment plan options are available. Special discounts are available for teen/single/military mamas. Please contact me to discuss payment questions. Focusing on your postpartum wellness if one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself as a mother. Encapsulation makes a great gift too!
What areas do you serve?
Austin, Cedar Park, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Georgetown and surrounding areas. I will travel outside this service area for an additional fee. If I cannot help you, I will help you find an encapsulation specialist that can. My goal is to ensure you get the help you need!