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
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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