When people hear the word "postpartum" many automatically think of postpartum depression.  There's more to your postpartum than just mood.

Your postpartum period can be defined as:

Physically
The time after your deliver your baby until your reproductive organs return to the pre-pregnancy state in five to seven weeks.

Emotionally
Adjusting to the new "normal" life while bringing a new baby into the family unit.  

The emotional adjustments can take far longer for some new parents than the physical adjustments.

How can you best plan for both the physical and emotional adjustments after the birth of your child?  

Postpartum Planning Sessions!

Birth:  Before and After will work with you individually to help you develop the best plan for you and your new family during the postpartum period.

You'll have a completed plan to be able to put into place immediately after your birth to include:

• meal planning
• mood guides
• basic postpartum wants and needs of new parents
• resources you might want or need
• options for hiring postpartum help
• quick sanity savers for when nothing else is working
• tips on getting enough sleep
• information on developing your preferred parenting styles and philosophies
• and more

Contact Deb at Birth:  Before and After to schedule your personalized postpartum planning session.  As always we offer nonjudgmental support for your birthing and parenting decisions.
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Here's why you might want to consider taking a private childbirth education class:

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Private classes can be scheduled with Birth:  Before and After at your convenience. Classes can be scheduled for daytime, evening or weekends.  Classes can also be held at our office in Elmhurst or at your home. 
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You can pick and choose topics of interest to you. Do you have a special need? VBAC? Planned cesarean? Planning on utilizing pain medication or an epidural?  Planning on having a medication free birth? Private classes will fit your individual needs. You won't be spending 4-10 weeks or more learning things you do don't want to learn.  Is visualization your thing and you want to practice several different styles? GREAT! We've got you covered! Are you no nonsense and just want the facts? GREAT! We've got you covered for that, too!
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Wait, what?? Sometimes in group classes you feel like you are the only person like yourself there which can be uncomfortable. Do you have a room full of people planning a home birth and you are planning a hospital birth? Are you the only same sex couple in class? The only single person in class?  That list can go on and on. In a private class you don't need  to worry about that because it's all about you and your preferences. There is no judgement. You'll be met where you are and get the information that truly matters to you.
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Have a time crunch? Maybe you just decided to take classes at 38 weeks and don't have time for a long series. Maybe you or your partner work long hours and a series or even all weekend class just doesn't work. Without several other students in the class, the material covered goes much quicker because it's only what you want.
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There are no embarrassing questions in childbirth education. With a private class, you don't need to be concerned about asking in front of a room full of strangers.
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Interested in finding out more about Birth:  Before and After's childbirth education? Contact us at Deb@birthbeforeandafter.com or call us at 815-867-0087.

With our individualized approach, you guide your birthing plan your way.  From innovative, specialized labor and delivery services, including midwifery care at Elmhurst Hospital, to private birthing suites, deluxe family amenities and highly equipped nurseries, our Family Birthing Centers combine state-of-the-art technology with personalized expert medical care wrapped into the comforts of home.

This isn't your mother's pregnancy circle. The Elmhurst Area Pregnancy Mix and Mingle gathers for a special mom-to-be mocktail of the month and appetizers to make friends and get to know others with similar due dates. There is no judgement here whether you plan to birth with an epidural or planned cesarean or choose a medication free birth. We eliminate the mommy wars and enjoy meeting others who either choose to work or stay at home.  Some of these in person events will be purely fun, others will have topics to learn and explore.  Check out upcoming events at Meetup.com. 

Birth:  Before and After offers individualized childbirth education and postpartum support for the modern family through a variety of classes and one-on-one support. We offer nonjudgmental support no matter your birthing and parenting preferences.  

Achy, Sore, Radiating, Numb, Leaking! These are all words that many women describe as feeling during or after pregnancy.  These symptoms are often accepted as a "new normal".  While the feelings are common, it's not normal and help is available.  Our personalized treatment plans incorporate physical therapy, education, and exercises to help patients restore health and wellbeing. Call Vitality Woman's Physical Therapy and Wellness if you are pregnant or postpartum and experiencing discomfort or difficulty moving.

Kate Jensen is a Licensed Professional Counselor who works in private practice in Elmhurst and surrounding areas.  Kate specializes in perinatal (both pregnancy and postpartum) anxiety, mood disorders and prenatal loss. Kate also specializes in family and relationship counseling surrounding transitioning bringing a new family member into the home and other relationship areas as well. 

While many expecting families interview a care provider and a doula, many do not interview the placenta encapsulator they intend to hire.

Here is a list of important questions to ask your potential encapsulator and why you should be asking them.

What training have you had?

Training is important! There is so much more included in a great placenta encapsulation training than how to put a placenta on a dehydrator. A great class should include safety aspects of encapsulation, guidelines to follow, when the placenta should not be encapsulated, proper equipment and more.


Are you currently certified or pursuing certification? Why or why not?

This question also speaks about the training organization. Is there even a certification option?  If your encapsulator is choosing not to become certified that could be a red flag. Does the encapsulator not wish to follow the guidelines laid out by the training organization?  If there is no certification agency there would be no where to report a questionable encapsulator. 

Have you taken a bloodborne pathogen training?

Here's the flat out truth on this one. The placenta contains blood and your encapsulator better know proper techniques to protect her/himself and you from the dangers of cross contamination of blood from one placenta to the next and proper sanitation of equipment.

How do I know the pills I am getting are my own?

The only way for you to know for sure the placenta you get back is your own, is to keep it in your own possession. 

Does any of your equipment get used for personal use as well?

A professional encapsulator will have equipment and supplies that are only for the encapsulator's business. 

What safety precautions do you take?

Almost all encapsulators wear gloves, but are they covering their hair, so there is no chance of hair getting into your capsules? Are they wearing a mask, so that they are not breathing onto your pills? Are they wearing eye protection for bloodborne safety when working with the raw placenta? Are they taking all steps to ensure there is no cross contamination? 

How is the equipment being cleaned and sanitized?

The equipment must be handled with bloodborne pathogens (BBP's) in mind. Bleach (and a few other substances are BBP approved. While sometimes we aren't thrilled with the use of chemicals, this is the time it's a necessity for safety. 

Can I watch the process?

Why on earth ask this question?? You may or may not actually want to watch the process, but if the encapsulator is following all the safety precautions and doing everything correctly, why would they mind? It's a question that provides an additional layer of comfort for you (even if you know for sure you do not want to watch the process).

What kind of follow up do you have?

This is a nice little question. While many encapsulators leave you with,  "Well, you can call me if you have questions."  You should hear that the encapsulator will offer basic postpartum support and guidance while they are processing your placenta and have some pre-set check ins to make sure things are going smoothly for you.


Be assured that Birth:  Before and After welcomes all these questions and more!

Deb is the owner and trainer for Placenta Training Company and teaches the importance of each of these questions.

​Have questions?  Contact Deb via email or phone at 815-867-0087


Authored by Deb Pocica

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