"Look down at your navel...."
Frequently Asked Questions:
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the process for releasing my placenta at a hospital or birth center?
It's quite simple!
All hospitals and birth centers should be familiar with placenta release. The policies vary slightly between locations, but they are very similar. I suggest getting familiar with your local policies BEFORE your birth.
Here are a few tips:
- Make sure your care providers, nurses and any assistance know you want to keep your placenta when you give birth. Writing it in BOLD print on your Birth Plan can be very helpful.
- The hospital or birth center will likely place the placenta in a plastic container and/or zip lock type bags.
- They MIGHT keep it safely refrigerated for you OR you may need to provide your own cooler, until it can be released. I'm happy to return the cooler when I deliver your items, if you'd like.
- The placenta needs to be kept at 41° or lower within 2 hours of the birth. Plenty of ice or freezer packs in a cooler should be enough to maintain this temperature.
- The staff will likely give you a release form to sign consent for me to pick up your placenta.
- Please update me (or delegate someone from your birth support circle to do so) when you are headed to the hospital/birth center AND let me know the exciting news as soon as possible after birth!
- If your baby arrives between the hours of 9pm and 8am, I will be unable to pick up your placenta until morning. If this happens, it is important that you either have a:
- member of your support circle, bring it home to place in the fridge within 2 hours of birth or
- small cooler or ice chest to keep the placenta on ice until I can arrive
- If your placenta is sent home with a friend or family member to be placed in a fridge, simply send me the address for pick up and the number of who I need to coordinate with.
I'll take care of the rest! Congrats and enjoy!!!
How do I store my placenta after a home birth?
Usually your midwife will take care of this and if not, it's very easy!
After birth and the umbilical cord is detached:
- Double bag your placenta in 2 gallon size zip lock type bags
- Or your mid-wife may provide a plastic container and zip lock type bag - either is great!
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of birth
- Contact me when you've given birth and I will pick it up from your home as soon as you are ready for me to do so.
- If your baby arrives between the hours of 9pm and 8am, I will be unable to pick up your placenta until morning. If this happens, it is important that you place the placenta in the fridge within 2 hours of birth.
What is a placenta tincture?
In addition to placenta encapsulation, I also offer placenta tinctures as another option to receive the benefits of your placenta!
A tincture is essentially a liquid extract using a small piece of your placenta in high proof alcohol solution. It takes six weeks for your tincture to be ready for use - which is probably when you will be running low, or out, of your capsules.
A tincture is a great backup for your capsules since you don't know how many you will get (every placenta is different in size) or how long you will want to take them for the benefits.
Store your tincture in a cool, dark place and it will keep indefinitely.
Tinctures can be used once your capsules are gone if you feel you need the the support with:
- mood
- energy
- milk supply
- postpartum mood disorders, etc.
- PMS symptoms once your menstrual cycle returns postpartum
- help alleviate menopause symptoms years into your future
It can be very helpful to have this back up even on hard days when you just need a pick-me-up. With a placenta tincture, the benefits can be extended far beyond postpartum!
What cleaning process do you follow?
Do you deliver my items?
All you need to think about is taking care of yourself and your baby after birth. I strive to make this process as easy as possible for you, so yes I deliver to your home or the hospital, wherever you are when your capsules are ready.
PLEASE rest during this special time after birth and DO NOT clean up or change your clothes, etc. before I come to pick-up your placenta! I will respect your space - if you prefer that I just grab it & go, that's totally fine OR if you'd like to introduce me to your baby, that's great too! Either way - RELAX! Enjoy these precious early baby moments!
Also if you are located 30+ miles outside of St. George, Utah - I will charge an additional fee depending on gas prices at the time.
How many capsules will I get?
This can vary widely depending on the size of your placenta. The average amount of capsules a placenta yields is about 80-100. I recommend adding a placenta tincture which will extend the benefits of your placenta for a much longer time.
How is my placenta processed?
I use a Traditional Chinese Medicine method, by steaming the placenta along with ginger, lemon & peppers then dehydrating, grinding and encapsulating (plus LOTS of cleaning before, during and after LOL).
What are the costs for Sacred Placenta Services?
Since I recently finished my training, I'm offering a "Grand Opening Special", which means you get an amazing price while I spread the word about what I offer!
Right now I'm offering these sacred services for only $144 (regularly $255) which includes Encapsulation, Tincture and choice of one art or keepsake item - but only for a limited time! Additional artistic items & prices listed in the next section.
Contact me ASAP, I'll send you a link for an intake form, you pay $44 deposit via cash, Venmo, PayPal or Zelle, to hold your spot and the other $100 (or $111 if you like repeat numbers like me) is due before you give birth!
What placenta keepsakes and art do you offer?
This is my favorite part in the placenta process - creating memorable, soulful pieces to celebrate the magic of this miraculous, lifegiving organ!
I'm happy to offer placenta keepsakes and art EVEN if you choose another ceremonial method such as planting or floating your Sacred Afterbirth (instead of encapsulation).
Options include:
- Umbilical Cord Symbol of your choice such as hearts, spirals, stars etc. I simply thread crafting wire in the cord, shape & dehydrate. Can be painted after dried.
- Included: 1 complimentary keepsake with each encapsulation
- A la Cart: $55-66
- Placenta Prints - using either the natural blood from the placenta itself or non-toxic food dye to make as many prints as you'd like. This can be done on cardstock paper or a canvas.
- Included: 1 complimentary Cardstock Print
- Additional: $11-22 per print
- A la cart: $44-55 for the first & $11-22 per additional print
- Placenta Print Artwork - first I start with a print like I previously mentioned, then I create a masterpiece with either paint, pastels or colored pencils. I can also add your baby's name, a poem, quote or any text you would like on the art piece. This can be done on cardstock paper or a canvas.
- Included: $44-55 each
- A la carte: $111-155 each
Above term details:
- "Included" = if encapsulation is purchased
- "Additional" = in addition to the included items if encapsulation is purchased
- "A la carte" = stand alone services - no encapsulation purchased
- Price variations are dependent on your choice of supplies (ie: cardstock or canvas)
- Add a placenta tincture to any a la carte purchase for only $20
I'm so excited to serve you! Warmly, Dixie
