FAQs the basics

What is a Doula?

A doula provides emotional, physical, and spiritual support with in the birth ceremony. Taken from the Greek language to mean female slave (I hate it too, I know), it is now well known as an experience companion for women prenatally, in labor, and through early postpartum.

Are doulas a new thing?

Great question (it was mine hehe)! Doulas have been a fairly new profession to spring up out of the natural birth movements. Attending births as a community member dates back to the first human, but as a named, monetary profession- that’s pretty new.

When should I hire a doula?

Whenever you want. If you value having more resources and time to prepare, then 20 weeks is great.

What if my partner wants to be very involved?

Wonderful! I work alongside your partner, offering suggestions, breaks when needed, and reassurance so they can focus on supporting you - not memorizing medical terminology or staring at their phone in a panic.

FAQs Placenta Encapsulation

How many capsules will I get from my placenta?

The total yield of capsules often depends on the size of the size of the placenta - typically somewhere between 60 to 240 capsules. Most women will receive enough capsules to last between 4 – 8 weeks postpartum.

How long do the capsules last?

Placenta capsules have a 2 years shelf life if stored properly (away from sunlight, in a cool dry location). After the initial postnatal period, any leftover capsules can be transferred to a ziplock bag, and stored in the freezer to use as needed.

How do I take the capsules?

The standard dosage is up to 2 capsules, up to 3 times a day for the first 2 weeks (best taken with food).

Some TCM practitioners suggest taking the pills with a little white wine, saying that it helps diffuse the placenta energy throughout the body. After 2 weeks you can start to decrease the dosage down to 1 or 2 pills a day as needed.

Every-body and their postpartum period is different, so I find  it’s best to judge what dose suits you better according to how you feel and how you respond to the capsules.

When it is NOT possible to encapsulate a placenta?

  • Chemically contaminated placentas in pathology, either sanitizing or preserving.

  • Placentas that have sat out longer than 3-4 hours at room temperature post birth.

  • Placentas that have sat in the refrigerator for more than 4 days without being frozen.

  • Uterine infections or chorioamnionitis (an inflammation of the fetal membranes due to bacterial infection)

  • Heavy drug usage.

  • Heavy smoking during pregnancy.

  • Cancer of the placenta, which is called choriocarcinoma.