Question 1

So how does this work... do I just call you?

Accepted Answer

When you sign our contract I’ll give you a detailed client checklist to help you understand the complete process. Here is the basics: text me when you are in labor, put the placenta on ice ASAP after the birth, text me when you are ready for pickup, I come get the placenta, I process the placenta, I deliver the capsules back to you.

Question 2

Will you pick up my placenta from the birth place?

Accepted Answer

Yes! I will come within 24 hours after your birth (often much sooner) to pick up your placenta and will return capsuels back to you no later than day 3 postpartum.

Question 3

Will the hospital let me take home my placenta?

Accepted Answer

Most likely yes. All Fruit of Labor hospitals have their own placenta release policy and our clients have successfully taken home their placentas from all of them. There are no city, state or federal legal barriers. However, some hospitals may have more complicated policies and you may need to advocate for yourself in order to take home your placenta.

Question 4

How do I store the placenta until you pick it up?

Accepted Answer

Your care provider will put the placenta into either a plastic container or a sealed bag. You will need to put this in a cooler with ice until we pick up the placenta from you. Please keep the placenta with you in the cooler, not in a hospital lab or refrigeration unit outside your room.

Question 5

How many capsules will I get?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the size of your placenta and the way it is prepared. The average is around 170 capsules. The lowest yield of our clients thus far has been 64 (preemie baby) and the highest yield has been 304. The size of the placenta typically corresponds to the size of the baby. Our Simple method of encapsulation will give the most amount of capsules per gram of raw placenta. The Gentle method (TCM) gives the least amount of capsules per gram (about 24% less).

Question 6

How do I know what method is right for me?

Accepted Answer

This answer varies per individual.  Most clients choose the 50/50 blend becasue they get the best of both worlds and can experience the benefits of both.  Some moms who have chose the 50/50 have reported the Simple Method was like having a cup of coffee - that perk of energy; where the Gentle Method was like a glass of wine - calm, relaxed, happy feelings.  Moms who are prone to anxiety tend to do better with the Gentle Method.

Question 7

I am having an induction/c-section, can I still encapsulate?"

Accepted Answer

Yes! You can still encapsulate after an induction or cesarean as long as you don’t have the infection chorioamnionitis.

Question 8

Do you offer in home placenta encapsulation?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately I no longer encapsulate in client's homes.  I have found there to be too many variables when encapsulating in client's homes that I cannot control to make the encapsulation safe for everyone involved.  I have found it safer when I can control the environment and babysit the dehydrator overnight as it does its drying magic.

Question 9

I'm banking or donating cord blood, can I still encapsulate?"

Accepted Answer

Yes. The collection process is done immediately after the baby is born typically while the placenta is still inside you. It’s likely you won’t even notice the blood being drawn as you’ll be busy meeting your baby. The collection process doesn’t compromise the placenta in any way.

Question 10

Do you serve my city?

Accepted Answer

I provide encapsuation services in the Greater Kansas City Metro area.  My base fee covers travel to all area metro hospitals except St. Luke's North.  My travel radius is 30 miles from Lee's Summit (64063 zip code).  I have a travel fee of $15 for anywhere beyond a 30 mile radius from Lee’s Summit, plus an additional $0.50 a mile - please message me travel quote if needed. 
 
Most all metro hospitals are covered in the 30 mile radius. St. Luke's East, Plaza and South; University Health Downtown and Lakewood; KU; Research; Advent - Shawnee Mission or South; Liberty; Olathe Medical Center; Menorah; Overland Park Regional; Centerpoint; North Kansas City Hospital
 
I have served several families at Western Missouri Medical in Warrensburg as well as Golden Valley Memorial Hospital in Clinton with special travel arrangements made.

Question 11

Do you offer discounts, trades or bartering?"

Accepted Answer

I am very happy to offer a discount to our United States Military and First Responders (with verification) of $20 off encapsulation. I have in the past bartered for services or products if they are something I need.  If you are experencing a financial hardship, please reach out and lets get something worked out! I want every mom to have her placenta as a postartum tool for recovery.

Question 12

What if my baby is early or late?

Accepted Answer

We hold to the famous words of Gandalf the Grey “A baby is never late, nor is s/he early. S/he arrives precisely when s/he means to.” We provide 24/7/365 coverage so that no matter when your baby makes their big debut we will be ready!

Question 13

Are there any reasons why I couldn't encapsulate my placenta?

Accepted Answer

Yes there are a few contraindications:
If your placenta is not refrigerated quickly after the birth and is allowed to sit out at room temperature.
If your placenta is taken to pathology to be tested or examined.
If you have a lab-confirmed case of chorioamnionitis.
If you have hepatitis or HIV/AIDS (the hospital will typically refuse to release your placenta).
If your placenta has been in the refrigerator for longer than 4 days.
Situations that DO NOT necessarily contraindicate encapsulation:
Group B Strep – there has been a recent report by the CDC that a mother’s capsules tested positive for group B strep after preparation with the raw foods method. If you are GBS positive it is recommended that you prepare the placenta using the Gentle Method (also called TCM). Please wash your hands after handling your capsules.
 
Meconium staining – As long as there isn’t also a uterine infection we can still encapsulate. The top layer of the placenta can be peeled away and the rest thoroughly rinsed.
 
Fever in labor– There are many reasons why a woman might run a fever during labor and not all of them are contraindications to encapsulation. We will ask questions to find out if it is appropriate in your case.
 
Long labor or long rupture of membranes – This by itself isn’t a contraindication but you may be more prone to infection so we will ask screening questions during pick up.
 
Definitely not contraindicated: gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, cesarean, induction, epidural/spinal, magnesium sulfate, antibiotics, IV narcotics, cord blood banking

Question 14

Is there any chance of a mix up or cross contamination?

Accepted Answer

There is absolutely no chance of a mix up because I never work on more than one placenta at a time. Never. Ever. Your placenta is labeled start to finish and delivered back to you before another client’s placenta is begun. I do a full disinfection between each client of both the workspace and  equipment so that there is no chance of cross-contamination.

Question 15

What is the shelf life of my capsules and how many do I take?

Accepted Answer

We recommend you consume them within the first few months. After six weeks they need to be stored in the freezer. There is no research on how long capsuels are good for, but other organ meat capsuels you can purchase have a shelf life of 3-5 years properly stored.

Question 16

What forms of payment do you take?

Accepted Answer

My preferred method of payment is cash.  Payment in full is expected at the time of me returning the capsules back to you, unless other arrangements have been made.

Frequently Asked Questions