General Frequently Asked Questions
What is a doula?
Doulas provide the mother & partner with emotional, mental, and [non-medical] physical support; help provide information; encourage their own research; and promote self-advocacy in the pregnancy, labor, and delivery of their child.
If choosing to breastfeed I will also provide breastfeeding support.
My goal is to assist in ensuring the parent(s) have a positive birth experience according to their vision; hold space so they can feel empowered & confident in their growing family or as they embark on their journey as new parents.
Why should I hire a doula?
There are many evidence-based statistics out there supporting the many benefits of a trained doula in a woman’s care team.
“Studies have shown that having a doula as a member of the birth team decreases the overall cesarean rate by 50%, the length of labor by 25%, the use of oxytocin [pitocin] by 40%, and requests for an epidural by 60%. Doulas often use the power of touch and massage to reduce stress and anxiety during labor,” as quoted by the American Pregnancy Association, Jul 22, 2017.
How will hiring you affect my partner’s role during the birth?
Working with a doula should never interfere with the role of the partner.
I help partners to be involved and knowing what he/she can do to help during the entire experience of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Partners often times are unsure how to assist, doulas can help bridge that gap for a connected experience for both the birthing person and the partner.
I want the partner to feel seen and supported as well. Doulas do not replace the partner, we are there to support both parents.
What are your interactions with medical staff like?
My interactions with medical staff is of a professional nature. I greatly respect the work done by medical staff and would never interfere with that. I often times assist the nurses whenever asked or needed.
As your doula, I will not communicate or answer questions for you. During our prenatal education sessions, we discuss self advocacy and how to communicate with medical staff from a place of empowerment.
Do you perform any physical examinations?
No, doulas are not medically trained and do not provide medical/health care or at advice. All medical or health care related needs must be received from a proper medical care provider whether that be a midwife, obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN), etc.
Can I or should I have a doula if I am planning to get an epidural?
Yes! There are no requirements for qualifying for doula support and care.
I support women of all backgrounds, no matter the birth setting or pain medication preference. There is no discrimination!
Whether you would like an unmedicated birth; epidural; cesarean birth, unplanned or planned; VBAC; those of the LGBTQ community; surrogate births; multiples; ethnic or religious backgrounds; etc. No matter the circumstance, a doula can be of great service to you and your family.
My role is not to judge or tell you how you should birth your child(ren), but to get to know what your preferences are and to support you in achieving a satisfying birth experience in alignment with your ideals.
Can I have a doula if I am not having a home birth? What about a planned cesarean birth?
Absolutely! There is no type of birth or type of person that justifies whether or not a birthing person should have a doula. I believe EVERY person should have a doula.
How early or late can I book doula support?
I encourage looking at doulas and interviewing as early in pregnancy as you would like.
With that being said, I do not accept deposits for booking a doula client until they have reached 16 weeks' gestation.
If you are already in your third trimester and would now like to hire a doula, it is not too late! Doula support can still be effective and properly done even in the third trimester.
I have worked with clients in their third trimester with as little as two weeks left before their estimated due date! It was just as wonderful as clients who hired me earlier along in their pregnancy! We would simply have a shorter time for preparation but nothing that cannot be done.
What areas do you service?
I service the Hampton Roads area of Virginia and it's surrounding cities: Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Suffolk, Portsmouth, Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, Yorktown, Williamsburg, Carrollton, Smithfield.
If you do not see your city listed above, I will service your area as long as you are within 30 miles of the Town Center area of Va Beach, VA 23462.
If you are slightly out of that distance, please feel free to contact me and I may be able to accommodate you with the addition of a small travel fee.
Frequently Asked Questions About Placenta Encapsulation
What are the benefits of placenta encapsulation?
Benefits mothers experienced after consuming their placenta include:
Increased milk production
Improved mood
Increased energy
Hormonal balance
Decreased postpartum bleeding
Stress reduction and feelings of balance and clarity
I have heard or read that it is not safe to consume my placenta?
While the CDC and many medical professionals advise against consumption of the placenta, a 2018 study at the University of NV proved that placenta consumption causes no harm to the mother or baby as previously speculated by many. The conclusion was that it would be extremely rare for placenta consumption to cause any harm to the mother or baby.
NOTE: it is not safe to consume your placenta if you have ever been diagnosed with: HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis (A, B, and C), Ebola, Chorioamnionitis, or currently have any STIs.
What is the placenta exactly?
Is there evidence to support the use of placenta encapsulation to prevent postpartum depression or to increase milk supply?
"The placenta is your body’s temporary organ that delivers nutrients and oxygen to the baby during the pregnancy, and it also removes waste for the baby.
In 2016, two studies came out in which researchers analyzed the contents of placentas that had been encapsulated. In the first study, they chemically analyzed 28 placentas that came from donors who were nonsmokers. In this first study, they looked to see what kind of minerals were in the capsules. They found that the placenta capsules contained a modest amount of iron, about one fourth of the recommended daily intake of iron for breastfeeding women. That equals to about three ounces of chicken liver or three ounces of canned sardines. It also contained trace, or modest, amounts of other minerals.
There were no toxic levels of any elements that they looked at that could be harmful. There didn’t seem to be any toxic ingredients in the placenta capsules, which is good news. Other than iron, none of the other micronutrients reached high enough levels in order to make any kind of an impact on your body." Source
Why should I consume my placenta via placenta encapsulation?
During pregnancy the placenta is formed, it's a temporary endocrine organ that produces hormones for both the maintenance of a healthy pregnancy and in preparation for labor and breastfeeding.
After the birth of baby and placenta, hormone levels plummet and fluctuate drastically. For this reason, consumption of placenta capsules in the coming weeks after birth aids in hormonal balance, it acts as a sort of hormonal supplement that comes naturally from your own body - this is thought to be part of why women who consume their encapsulated placenta experience a variety of benefits.
In a 2016 study, "researchers analyzed the placenta capsules for hormones. They looked for 17 hormones and they found that there were 15 hormones that were present in all 28 of the placentas. They found hormones like progesterone, estradiol, which is a form of estrogen, cortisol, aldosterone, and testosterone. Overall, the concentrations of the hormones were relatively low, but the researchers said that the concentrations of progesterone and estradiol could reach levels that could lead to physiological effects." Source
What if I am GBS+ (Group B Streptococcus)?
Can I still safely consume my placenta via capsules?
Yes!
The specialist and how a placenta is prepared and encapsulated is truly very important. To safely consume your placenta if you are GBS+, the specialist must be knowledgeable in the temperatures and length of time required to dismantle GBS+. This bacteria dismantles at 131F.
I encapsulate using the Traditional Chinese Medicine method, this involves gentle steaming of the placenta at a specific length of time as well as dehydrating at a specific temperature - this cooks the placenta, killing bacteria, and then allows the placenta to dry at a safe temperature that does not breed bacteria.
How long do my placenta capsules last? How about the option for a placenta tincture?
Placenta capsules are intended for the postpartum period. It is my recommendation that placenta caps be consumed within the first year. If you still have some after that, store them in the freezer. Placenta capsules should be disposed of if any remain after two years' time.
The placenta tincture is intended for long -term support and will not expire.
How are my placenta capsules to be taken?
Dosage information will be included with your capsules upon delivery! 😊
When is the earliest and latest I can book?
I recommend booking as early as 16 weeks' gestation! Booking is based on your EDD/estimated due date.
The latest timeframe for booking is preferably no less than one week from the estimated due date. However, if you are past that, please feel free to contact me regarding my availability.
How do I let Tiana know my placenta is ready for pick up?
Text or call me once you know you are in active labor and again post birth.
Placenta pick up and delivery times are every day of the week 8 AM - 8 PM. Earlier or later times may be possible depending on availability and discussion between the specialist and client(s).
What if there's meconium on my placenta, can I still have it encapsulated?
Absolutely! The placenta is thoroughly rinsed and cleansed in water and then steamed to kill off any bacteria.
How do I book for my placenta to be encapsulated and pay?
To book you will select the service and your estimated due date; sign the contract/agree to the terms; and pay the deposit to secure your reservation for placenta encapsulation.
NOTE: Completion of all of the above is required to retain placenta encapsulation services. Reservation of your due date is not complete until payment is received.
How long does it take for my placenta to be encapsulated?
From the time of pick up, your processed placenta product(s) will be delivered back to you within 48 hours
What does the placenta encapsulation process entail?
First and foremost the work area is thoroughly scrubbed, disinfected, and covered to ensure a sanitary space. The placenta is then rinsed and prepared for steaming. I use the Traditional Chinese Medicine method, you can read more about that here. The placenta steams for a specific length of time, checked for appropriate temperature, and then allowed to cool. Once cooled, it is sliced and set to be dehydrated. Once completely dehydrated (Day 2), Tiana is able to powder the placentas and fill your capsules.
What is a Placenta Tincture?
This is an extract created using a piece of your placenta and 100 proof alcohol. The placenta contains vitamins, minerals, hormones and stem cells.
Placenta tincture may assist both you and baby (or any blood relative) during times of difficult transition and/or increased stress.
Examples are: growth spurts, illness, moving, separation from parents, menopause, sleep difficulties, weaning, teething, high stress events, etc.
Placenta capsules are most beneficial in the weeks after birth where as the placenta tincture is most useful in the months and years to come.
Although the placenta tincture will be delivered with your capsules, it will not be matured and ready for use until 6 weeks after processing. The tincture must be left in a cool dark place as it matures. It will continue to strengthen over time.
A 4 oz. tincture may be added on to your placenta encapsulation for an additional fee.
What if I am birthing in a hospital or other birthing facility, can I still keep and encapsulate my placenta?
Yes! You have the right to keep your placenta. I encourage each of my clients to check with both their care providers and birthing facility regarding what information, forms, or requirements are needed to ensure that they may safely store and keep their placenta.
If you have any trouble or are confused, please contact me immediately so I may assist you. I want this process to be as smooth and stress-free for all as possible.
How do I communicate with my birthing facility and/or care provider that I will be keeping my placenta?
Communicating with your birthing facility and or care provider is as simple as stating to them upon arrival, "Hey, I would like to keep and take home my placenta. Can you please confirm what is required in order to do this?"
As birth nears, I recommend reminding your medical staff that you intend to keep your placenta to avoid any confusion or missteps.
What if my care provider states that they need to keep the placenta for testing?
In this case, request that they take a piece of the placenta for testing. Do not let them take your placenta as there is no way of ensuring safe and proper handling of the placenta for food consumption later if they do. They should be able to take a piece of the placenta without removing the placenta from your possession. Remember to stay calm and respectful in your communication.
What do I need to ensure I have all that is required for safe storage of the placenta until it is picked up by Tiana?
Your placenta must be kept cold and in ice for the entire time between birth and pick up for placenta encapsulation.
Bring with you to the birthing facility or have at home ready:
Small six can size cooler or cooler bag
At least four gallon size freezer ziploc bags, I recommend bringing more just in case - at least two extra.
Ice
You should be able to get ice at your birthing facility, check on this ahead of time and be prepared to supply your own ice if necessary.
You will need to fill two gallon size bags with ice.
Double bag your placenta, removing as much air as possible from the bags.
Place one bag of ice at the bottom of the cooler,
Place your double-bagged placenta in, then another bag of ice on top.
NOTE: You may need to change out the ice as it melts. It is important to keep the placenta as cold as possible.