+ What is a birth doula?

A birth doula is a person trained and experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after childbirth.

+ What effects does the presence of a birth doula have on birth outcomes?

Numerous clinical studies have found that a doula’s presence at birth: – tends to result in shorter labours with fewer complications – reduces negative feelings about one’s childbirth experience – reduces need for Pitocin (a labour-inducing drug), forceps or vacuum extraction – reduces the requests for pain medication and epidurals, as well as the incidence of caesareans

+ What effects does the presence of a doula have on the mother?

When a doula is present during and after childbirth, women report greater satisfaction with their birth experience, make more positive assessments of the babies, have fewer caesareans and request for medical intervention, and less postpartum depression.

+ What effects does the presence of a doula have on the baby?

Studies have shown that babies born with doulas present tend to have shorter hospital stays with fewer admissions to special care nurseries, breastfeed more easily and have more affectionate mothers in the postpartum period.

+ Does the doubla replace nursing staff?

No. Doulas do not replace nurses or other medical staff (Midwife, Doctor, etc.). Doulas do not perform clinical or medical tasks such as taking blood pressure or temperature, monitoring fetal heart rate, doing vaginal examinations or providing postpartum clinical care. They are there to comfort and support the mother and to enhance communication between the mother and medical professionals.

+ Does a doula make decisions on my behalf?

A doula does not make decisions for clients or intervene in their clinical care. She provides informational and emotional support, while respecting a women’s decisions.

+ Will a doula make my partner feel unnecessary?

No, a doula is supportive to both the mother and her partner, and plays a crucial role in helping a partner become involved in the birth to the extent he/she feels comfortable.

+ What is included in the cost of $250.00?

This cost includes pick-up/drop-off, placenta capsules, a placenta print and a cord keepsake.

+ Where and how is my placenta prepared?

With the Traditional Chinese Method, your placenta will be thoroughly rinsed under warm water to remove any blot clots or meconium. Your placenta is steamed and then thinly sliced and placed on dehydrator trays, which are left overnight to dry at a steady 160° F / 71° C. The following day the dehydrated pieces are ground into a fine powder and placed into capsules.

+ I am having my baby at the hospital. Is there anything I need to tell the staff in advance?

It's a good idea to inform your birth team that you would like to keep your placenta. Be sure to bring a large, food-grade container that seals well or two large ziploc freezer bags with you to the hospital. In the event that you are having a cesarean birth, be sure to have your primary caregiver or doula remind the O.R. staff that you would like to keep your placenta.

+ When do I need to call you to inform you that I've given birth?

Please notify me to let me know when you're in labour. This gives me a heads up so I can prepare to receive your placenta. Call me as soon as possible after the birth. Ideally, your placenta should be encapsulated within 48 hours after birth, as your body will be at its lowest point hormonally around five days postpartum. If you haven’t decided whether you want to encapsulate yet, you can keep your Placenta (protected) in the depths of your freezer. It will lessen in hormonal availability the longer it stays in the freezer.

+ How do I properly handle my placenta?

Refrigerate your placenta as soon as possible after the birth of your baby. Double Bag your Placenta in two large Ziploc freezer bags and then place that inside a large, food-grade container that seals well. Place the container inside a small cooler filled with ice. Sometimes the Nurses can hold it at their station for you.

+ If I am induced, have a medicated birth or have a cesarean birth, can I still encapsulate my placenta?

Absolutely! Encapsulation is still possible if you birth with an epidural, narcotics, Pitocin or if you have a cesarean birth.

+ When will I receive my placenta capsules?

Encapsulating your placenta will take approximately 48 - 72 hours.

+ How should I store my capsules?

Your capsules will come in a sealed jar. It is recommend that placenta capsules be kept in a cool, dark cupboard.

+ Is your encapsulation process safe and sanitary?

Yes! I use stainless steel, food grade or disposable items to prepare your placenta. Everything is washed in hot water and soap and then disinfected in bleach solution for 10+ minutes. I follow the same guidelines for cleanliness and sanitation as food establishments and small laboratories/hospitals. I thoroughly disinfect the equipment and preparation area before, during and after the process using a bleach solution. I encapsulate one placenta at a time, so there is no risk of cross contamination.

+ How many placenta capsules will I get?

One placenta typically gives between 80 - 200 capsules depending on the size of your placenta.

+ What are the benefits to consuming placenta?

Consuming your placenta: • Prevents and lessens the risk of postpartum depression, anxiety and the “baby blues” • Assists in bringing your hormones back into balance • Increases milk supply and helps establish healthy early breastfeeding • increases energy and decreases fatigue • Increases iron and decreases the likelihood of postpartum anemia • Helps the uterus to contract to it’s normal size • Assists in managing pain from birth • Helps you to recover more quickly from birth • Shortens the period of postpartum bleeding

+ Do you offer Reiki for people who aren’t pregnant?

YES! I offer Reiki for anyone, including children and animals!

+ How long would it take for you to preform Reiki?

It can take any where from 20 minutes to 1 hour.