General Questions?

How do I sign up?

• Complete the sign-up form.

• After the form is submitted, we will send you 2 separate emails with links to complete an intake form and contract/waiver.

• Once everything is complete, your due is added to our calendar, and all the information/instructions will be in your client portal, including payment options.

• Please read instructions carefully before your due date to ensure that the process goes smoothly and your placenta is safe for encapsulation.

What areas in the DMV do you service?

Service areas: Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Anne Arundel County, Howard County, Carroll County, Harford County, Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, DC, Northern Virginia (Alexandria, Falls Church, Fairfax).

Hospitals:

• Maryland: University of Maryland, Johns Hopkins, GBMC, St. Agnes, Sinai hospital, University of maryland, Medstar harbor hospital, Mercy medical center, Luminous Anne Arundel medical center, Holy cross hospital, Medstar Southern Maryland Hospital Center, Medstar Montgomery medical center, Carroll hospital center, UM Upper Chesapeake medical center, UM capital region medical center, Frederick health hospital 

• DC: Sibley Memorial Hospital, Medstar Washington hospital center, George Washington University Hospital

• Virginia: Inova Fairfax Medical Campus, Inova Alexandria Hospital, Inova Fair Oaks Hospital, VHC health

We typically only go 1hr outside of baltimore county but if there’s a hospital or area you don’t see on this list reach out to us to check!

What is your pick up process?

Placentas are picked up between 7am-7pm. When you go in labor you will text us so we will know ahead of time. Once baby areas send us another text and placenta will be picked up during pick up times. Make sure placenta is stored properly.

What’s your process?

Once your placenta is received, it is placed in the fridge. When we are ready to process, our workspace is sanitized several times, counters are lined, and pads are placed on top of the lined counters. Your placenta never touches the counter. Once that's done, we put on our PPE, rinse and inspect your placenta. If you picked keepsakes, then those are done. The placenta is then steamed for 10-15 minutes, sliced, and then placed in the dehydrator and moved to our other station. Workspace and supplies are cleaned. Once placenta pieces are completely dried and we grind them into a powder, place them in capsules, and package them to be mailed to you.

How long does it take to get my finished products?

Processing takes 2-3 days, and shipping is through USPS, which takes 2-3 business days and is free of cost. If you would like your placenta products faster and you have someone to pick it up for you, you can always do that. Just let us know, and we will text you when everything is packaged and ready for pick up.

How do I know I’m getting my own placenta back?

All placentas are labeled and processed one at a time. We never do 2 placentas at once due to having a small space, and we don’t wanna risk cross-contamination. You and your babies safety is our number one priority.

Is it safe to encapsulate when GBS (group B strep) test is positive?

Yes, if your test comes back positive, your providers will most likely give you antibiotics. There are steps we also take before dehydrating that kill off any bacteria present on the surface.

Is it safe to encapsulate if my baby passes meconium in the womb (babies first bowel movement)?

Yes, meconium is sterile and only harmful if the baby inhales it during the labor process. There are steps we take, like steaming and the heating from the dehydrating process, that helps kill any bacteria on the surface.

What certifications do you have for placenta encapsulation?

I am a certified placenta encapsulation specialist through Woman’s Choice Prenatal Services and Brilliant Birth Academy. I have also completed Maryland ServSafe food handling and Biologix OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Training.

Where are the placentas processed?

Placentas are processed in our personal kitchen that is thoroughly sanitized with bleach and hospital-grade cleaners as our trainers and bloodborne pathogens training recommend.

Do you offer client in home placenta processing?

We do not at this time. As it is a long process and we don’t wanna risk cross-contamination. When processing, counters must be completely cleared, and the kitchen must be deep-cleaned. Processing also requires a lot of supplies that would have to be sanitized and taken to and from a client’s home.

What do I need to do before my due date?

In your client portal, you will have paperwork with important instructions. Please read over those so you and your support person are prepared. Also, you should ask about your hospital's policies about taking your placenta, as some require you to fill out a release/waiver form. You should also let your provider know you plan to take your placenta home, as well as all staff supporting you during your labor.

How should I store my placenta after birth?

• Placentas are safe at room temperature for no longer than 4 hours after birth. Before or at the 4-hour mark, the placenta should be stored on ice in a cooler (ice should not be melted if it does refresh) or refrigerated.

• Placentas that were placed in the refrigerator is good for 48 hours. At or before the 48-hour mark, the placenta should be frozen.

• Placentas that are frozen are good for 6 months in a refrigerator freezer or 12 months in a deep freezer.

• Hospitals usually put placentas in a container or a biohazard ziplock bag. When packing your hospital bags, be sure to put 1 gallon freezer bags in your cooler just in case. Your placenta should be double-bagged and sandwiched between a lot of ice.

What cooler should I get?

You can use a hard cooler, an insulated bag, or a lunch box with a liner. Hard coolers are highly recommended because they keep cool for longer periods of time. Also, some hospitals require that the placenta be picked up before going to the mother-baby unit. In this case, if you deliver outside of our pickup hours, your placenta will be kept cool if it needs to be placed in your car until pickup hours.

How many capsules will I receive?

The number of capsules varies as placentas come in many shapes and sizes, but you can see anywhere 100-200

What kind of capsules do you use?

Standard capsules are gelatin capsules, but you have the option to request vegan capsules.

• Gelatin capsules are 100% bovine gelatin and kosher/ Halal certified.

• Vegan/Vegetarian capsules are 100% plant-derived, kosher/ Halal certified

• Both options are free of preservatives, gluten, and gluten-free.

What happens if the hospital gives pushback about taking my placenta?

Your placenta belongs to you, and it is illegal to prevent parents from keeping their placenta. Hospitals and providers should respect all cultures, spiritual beliefs, and choices. Thankful encapsulation/ placenta practices are becoming more common, so most facilities will give you your placenta with no problems. Reminder: whoever attends your birth (partner, loved one, doula) should know your plans. Assign someone to be your placenta guardian because sometimes they will discard it without anyone knowing or send it to pathology. Once your placenta is sent to pathology services cannot be done as there is a risk of cross-contamination. You won't be sure if it's your placenta you are getting back, and they put chemicals on it that are not safe to consume. Your placenta should never leave your room!

Whats in my capsules?

Your capsules contain your placenta and your placenta only. There are no extra herbs, spices, or additives added.

Can I encapsulate if I had a Cesearan?

Yes, the kind of birth you have doesnt matter, just make sure your provider knows and you have your cooler with you.

Can I encapsulate if I do any of the following cord variations?

• Lotus birth: encapsulation/placenta consumption is not recommended as the placenta will be left out for days at room temperature.

• Delayed cord clamping: yes, delayed clamping is done for several mins. As long as cord is cut and placenta is put on ice/ refrigerated within 4 hrs it is ok to encapsulate.

• Cord burning ceremony : yes, cord burning does not affect the placenta. Long as the placenta is put on ice/ refrigerated within 4 hrs is ok to encapsulate.

When is encapsulation/ placenta consumption not recommended?

• Placental infection/cancer

• Heavy drug or cigarette use during pregnancy

• If you have hiv/aids/ active infection (hsv) or hepatitis

• If the placenta was left out at room temperature for more than 4 hrs

• If placenta was left in the fridge for more than 48 hrs

• If the placenta has been in a regular freezer for more than 6 mths

• If the placenta was in a deep freezer for more than 12 mths

• If Placenta has been sent to pathology

• Mother or baby has fever (100.4 +) during postpartum

*If you have any questions that aren’t mentioned above please send us a email and we will gladly get back to you*