Am I allowed to take my placenta in the state of Texas?

Yes!  HB 1670, known as the Texas Placenta Bill, passed in the Senate on March 26, 2015, with unanimous support (31-0), and was signed into law by the Governor. This law allows a person to keep their placenta after the birth of a baby in any Texas hospital or birthing center. You must make your provider aware of your wishes, and upon admittance to your birth facility you must also inform them. You will need to sign their release form. 

How do I book this service?

You will need to contact me and provide me with your email so I can send you the paperwork for electronic signature. You then will need to send your refundable deposit via PayPal or Venmo. All clients will receive detailed instructions on storage and handling as well as how and when to contact me. I advise getting me everything by 35 weeks.  

How soon will I get my pills?

Once the placenta is picked up, I typically deliver the pills within 24-48 hours. If I am called out to a birth as a doula this time maybe longer. 

How do I store the placenta?

You are responsible for providing two Ziplock Freezer Bags and one ice chest (no Styrofoam). The placenta is placed in the doubled bags then packed on ice. All hospitals have ice machines. If you are at a birth center you must check on their access to ice and you may have to buy a bag yourself. The placenta must be packed on ice within two hours after birth and ice levels should be checked every few hours. If it has been in the cooler for more than twelve hours it must be placed into a refrigerator. After three days in the refrigerator it must be transferred to a freezer. 

Are there any reasons that would make consumption unsafe?

There are a few reasons; if the placenta goes to pathology, if there is a uterine infection (indicated by a fever in labor), if the placenta is not properly stored, if birthing person smoked during pregnancy. If we cannot proceed with the service, you will be given a full refund. 

Are there any people that should not have their placentas capsulated? 

You cannot proceed with this service is you have any blood-borne disease such as HIV or Hepatitis B/C. It is also advised not to proceed if you have been diagnosed with IUGR (Intrauterine growth restriction) as that may be an indication that the placenta is not functioning well. If you are taking any medications during your pregnancy please seek the advice from your prescribing provider. 

How many pills will I get and how long will they last?

Each placenta is unique in size and shape, therefore the amount each yields varies greatly. The average is around 110. Most take them until they are gone, and how long they last you will depend on how many you get. They should be stored in a cool dry place like a cabinet for the first six weeks. If any are left after six weeks they should be transferred to a freezer container (preferably vacuum sealed).  

Can I encapsulate if I had medication in labor or a cesarean?

Yes! Encapsulation is still possible if you have had an epidural or Pitocin during labor. 

Can I encapsulate if I have a water birth?

Yes! I do advise to deliver the placenta out of the water if possible, to reduce contamination risk. The steaming process however, will kill any bacteria that is present if that is not something you desire or does not happen for any reason. 

Can I still encapsulate if there is meconium?

Yes! Meconium is sterile and does not contain the bacteria that normal stool contains. Meconium is only harmful if inhaled by baby. These placentas are washed thoroughly and given a vinegar rinse. 

Can I still encapsulate if I am Group B Positive?

Yes!  I only do the traditional steaming method, so Group B poses little concern, especially if you have received antibiotics during labor or have a cesarean. The steaming process kills bacteria. If you want to be extra safe, simply be sure to wash your hands after handling your pills. 

Can I still encapsulate if I have pre-eclampsia?

Yes! Pre-eclampsia is not contra-indicated. Many people who have had pre-eclampsia have consumed their placentas without any negative effects. No one knows what really causes pre-eclampsia. Although the placenta does seem to play a part, I have had no documented cases of any negative effects or return of pre-eclampsia symptoms.  

Can I still have delayed cord clamping and encapsulate?

Yes! Delayed cord clamping, waiting for the cord to stop pulsating, is evidence based and has been proven to give infants lifelong benefits. Delaying the cord clamping in no way effects the placenta for encapsulation. 

Can I encapsulate if my baby is born prematurely?

Yes! People who have premature babies can benefit greatly from encapsulation by possibly helping the mature milk come in quickly, faster healing and balancing of mood altering hormones. 

What are other things I can do with my placenta if I am not able to encapsulate?

You can still create placenta prints, which is an imprint of the placenta onto watercolor paper. You can also dry the cord for a keepsake, or chose to bury the placenta at the base of a tree or plant. 

Are there any reasons I should stop taking my pills?

You should discontinue your pills if you have any infection (such as mastitis), common cold, flu, COVID-19, or fever. Once your symptoms have subsided you can continue the dosage where you left off. You should stop taking if you become pregnant again, since the hormones in the pills can interfere with your pregnancy. If you start experiencing any negative side effects stop taking and please contact me for guidance.