Live Naturally, Birth Naturally...
-
Doula F.A.Q
-
Placenta F.A.Q
-
Other F.A.Q
<
>
What is a doula?
Doula is a greek word meaning caregiver. It now describes a trained and experienced non-medical birth professional that provides emotional and physical support throughout pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. A doula is an addition to your birth team and ensures that you are prepared, supported, and cared for.
What are the benefits of hiring a doula?
statics show that women who have continuous support during labor are less likely to have a cesarean, less likely to have pain medication, and less likely to think negatively of their birth experience. Labor tends to be shorter with fewer complications when a doula is present. A sense of security and confidence is present for the mother as well.
Does a doula replace a partner?
No one can replace a partner, not even a doula. In fact, a doula can assist the partner in comforting the mother. A doula can help bring a couple closer together by reassuring the partner and helping the partner to stay calm and feel safe.
I plan on getting an epidural, will a doula make a difference?
Yes! A doula will get to know you and your birth plan and will then work with you to find the perfect balance of natural comfort measures and medication. The doula's job is to make sure you have a positive birth experience.
This is not my first birth, why would I need a doula this time?
Each birth and each baby is different. A doula will be helpful in each situation. You may also want more information on your choices this time and a doula can provide those resources.
Doula Do's and Don'ts
Doula's do:
offer physical and emotional support to you and your partner
help the mother rest and drink
work for you, not your care provider or the hospital
Offer information about medical procedures
provide information so that you can make your own informed choices
Doula's Don't:
perform medical tasks such as checking blood pressure, fetal heart check and vaginal exams
make medical decisions for you
replace your support person
Doula is a greek word meaning caregiver. It now describes a trained and experienced non-medical birth professional that provides emotional and physical support throughout pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. A doula is an addition to your birth team and ensures that you are prepared, supported, and cared for.
What are the benefits of hiring a doula?
statics show that women who have continuous support during labor are less likely to have a cesarean, less likely to have pain medication, and less likely to think negatively of their birth experience. Labor tends to be shorter with fewer complications when a doula is present. A sense of security and confidence is present for the mother as well.
Does a doula replace a partner?
No one can replace a partner, not even a doula. In fact, a doula can assist the partner in comforting the mother. A doula can help bring a couple closer together by reassuring the partner and helping the partner to stay calm and feel safe.
I plan on getting an epidural, will a doula make a difference?
Yes! A doula will get to know you and your birth plan and will then work with you to find the perfect balance of natural comfort measures and medication. The doula's job is to make sure you have a positive birth experience.
This is not my first birth, why would I need a doula this time?
Each birth and each baby is different. A doula will be helpful in each situation. You may also want more information on your choices this time and a doula can provide those resources.
Doula Do's and Don'ts
Doula's do:
offer physical and emotional support to you and your partner
help the mother rest and drink
work for you, not your care provider or the hospital
Offer information about medical procedures
provide information so that you can make your own informed choices
Doula's Don't:
perform medical tasks such as checking blood pressure, fetal heart check and vaginal exams
make medical decisions for you
replace your support person
How do I choose which method is right for me?
Each method is beneficial and the decision is ultimately up to each individual person. The RAW method is said to have more of a punch and can be felt immediately after taking. TCM is said to be a little more gentle. If you have trouble swallowing pills, cubes may be a better option.
Is it safe? Are there any risks?
Placenta encapsulation is safe when it is performed properly by a skilled and trained specialist. Risks include potential cross-contamination if the wrong type of equipment is used or if the equipment is not properly disinfected. Side effects are rare, but include headache, too much energy, insomnia, stomach ache, or oversupply of breastmilk. Side effects can usually be managed by adjusting the dosage.
How is your equipment sanitized?
Disposable items are used when possible. Everything that is reused is scrubbed in hot soapy water, then rinsed, and then soaked in an EPA approved, hospital grade disinfectant for 20 minutes. It is then rinsed again and dried.
What equipment is used?
A food grade dehydrator is used to dehydrate the placenta. A magic bullet is used to grind the dehydrated placenta. Both the dehydrator and the magic bullet come apart completely to allow for proper sanitation.
How should I handle the placenta before it is encapsulated?
The placenta should be placed into a refrigerator or cooler of ice as soon as possible after birth. If the placenta cannot get to me before 4 days after birth, it should be put into a freezer.
I have had my placenta in the freezer for a long time, can I still have it encapsulated?
It depends. After 6 months in the freezer, I will want to defrost it and check the condition. Depending on the handling and storage, the hormones and placenta should still be viable.
How many capsules will I get from my placenta?
This will depend on the size of each individual placenta and the preparation method you choose. The average yield is usually 150-200 capsules
Each method is beneficial and the decision is ultimately up to each individual person. The RAW method is said to have more of a punch and can be felt immediately after taking. TCM is said to be a little more gentle. If you have trouble swallowing pills, cubes may be a better option.
Is it safe? Are there any risks?
Placenta encapsulation is safe when it is performed properly by a skilled and trained specialist. Risks include potential cross-contamination if the wrong type of equipment is used or if the equipment is not properly disinfected. Side effects are rare, but include headache, too much energy, insomnia, stomach ache, or oversupply of breastmilk. Side effects can usually be managed by adjusting the dosage.
How is your equipment sanitized?
Disposable items are used when possible. Everything that is reused is scrubbed in hot soapy water, then rinsed, and then soaked in an EPA approved, hospital grade disinfectant for 20 minutes. It is then rinsed again and dried.
What equipment is used?
A food grade dehydrator is used to dehydrate the placenta. A magic bullet is used to grind the dehydrated placenta. Both the dehydrator and the magic bullet come apart completely to allow for proper sanitation.
How should I handle the placenta before it is encapsulated?
The placenta should be placed into a refrigerator or cooler of ice as soon as possible after birth. If the placenta cannot get to me before 4 days after birth, it should be put into a freezer.
I have had my placenta in the freezer for a long time, can I still have it encapsulated?
It depends. After 6 months in the freezer, I will want to defrost it and check the condition. Depending on the handling and storage, the hormones and placenta should still be viable.
How many capsules will I get from my placenta?
This will depend on the size of each individual placenta and the preparation method you choose. The average yield is usually 150-200 capsules