Thank you for your interest in placenta encapsulation! Please take a few minutes to read this agreement in full. Once you submit this form, you should hear back from me within 1-2 days to confirm your place on my books. If you haven't heard from me after that time, or if you have any questions, please contact me by email at maddison@sfbirthcenter.com
Process:
Placenta encapsulation is the process of preparing the placenta after the birth of the baby by dehydrating, powdering and placing it into capsules for the person who gave birth to use at their discretion.
Limitations and Disclaimer:
I am not a licensed medical professional and I am not able to diagnose, treat, or prescribe for any health condition. Services and fees are for the preparation and encapsulation of your placenta, not for the sale of the pills. No specific benefits or effects are promised. Any benefits will vary from person to person. Some of the ascribed benefits of placenta consumption are supported by research; however these benefits have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA. It is your responsibility to determine whether using placenta preparations may be of benefit to you.
Service Description:
- I will pick up your placenta from the location where you gave birth, within 24 hours of birth. Please bring your Placenta Transportation Kit to your birth location.
- I will complete the full placenta preparation and encapsulation process. Proper cleanliness and preparation precautions for ingesting the placenta will be carried out to ensure the highest quality of placenta encapsulation possible for the age and storage methods of the placenta before the encapsulation process.
- I will deliver the finished encapsulated placenta pills (along with any other products) in proper storage containers within 4 days of pick-up to your home.
- I will provide a detailed explanation of the proper storing and handling of the finished placenta products and suggestions for ingestion recommendations.
Client Responsibilities:
- Please have either yourself or your support person (partner, doula, midwife) let me know when your placenta is ready to be picked up.
- Your placenta should not be treated with alcohol, formalin, or any other preservative.
- Your placenta may be kept at room temperature for 3-4 hours following your birth. After that, or as soon as possible, it should be placed on ice or in a refrigerator or freezer. If you are practicing some form of delayed cord cutting or lotus birth, ice packs may be wrapped up with the placenta to prevent spoilage. You can prepare your placenta for transport by placing it in a couple of large, freezer strength Ziploc bags or in a large plastic container with lid, then into a cooler with ice packs or into a refrigerator. (Provided in Transportation Kit)
- Many hospitals will provide a container or bag. Please do not place the placenta directly on the ice.
- SF Birth Center will place the placenta in the freezer for pickup. Depending on the timing, a frozen placenta may require 1-2 additional days for processing since it must be gently defrosted prior to being dehydrated.
- Because of COVID-19 safety protocols, I may need further assistance in having hospitals release the placenta. This usually just means that someone must take it down to where I'll be waiting outside the lobby.
Placenta Restrictions:
It is important to note that there may be circumstances under which your placenta cannot be used. Significant abnormalities of the placenta may necessitate your doctor or midwife sending your placenta to Pathology for further examination. Other conditions, such as signs of infection in the mother during labor, may mean that consuming your placenta will not be beneficial to you. If in doubt, I will consult with you before proceeding.
Please let me know if you have any health conditions or medications which may affect the health of your placenta or the health and safety of anyone who may come in contact with your placenta.
Fees:
The fee for this service varies by package, which includes the preparation and encapsulation of the placenta, a storage container for capsules, written instructions for storage and handling, and guidelines for taking your capsules. An umbilical cord keepsake is also provided where possible.
In all cases I request a deposit of $50 upon signing this contract, with the balance payable upon receipt of your finished capsules. Payments may be made through venmo (@maddison) or I can send an invoice through PayPal.
Refunds:
In the event your placenta is unavailable to you (e.g. sent to Pathology and not released) or if you change your mind and choose to terminate this contract prior to releasing your placenta to me, I will refund any fees paid, including the deposit. Once preparation has begun, payment will be due in full, even if you choose not to take the finished capsules.