Encapsulation Agreement

Placenta encapsulation is the process of preparing a fresh placenta by rinsing, steaming or slicing it raw, dehydrating, grinding it into a fine powder, and placing the powder into consumable capsules for ingestion. All encapsulation procedures are performed by a Biologix-Certified Placenta Encapsulator who holds a ServSafe Food Handler Certification in a respectful and sanitary environment.

It Takes a Village Birth DFW strictly adheres to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines and follows proper food safety protocols throughout the encapsulation process.

The placenta capsules are prepared exclusively for the client’s personal consumption and are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition. Placenta encapsulation does not replace medical care, prevent postpartum depression, regulate milk supply, or serve as a substitute for professional healthcare. Clients should consult their healthcare provider for any medical concerns.

Clients Responsibilities

It is the client’s responsibility to notify It Takes a Village Birth DFW within three (3) hours of birth to arrange for placenta pickup or drop-off. Failure to provide timely notification may result in delayed preparation, potentially reducing the potency of nutrients, hormones, and other beneficial properties of the placenta.

The client is responsible for discussing placenta release with their birthing facility before birth to ensure a smooth transfer. Proper storage is essential to maintain the placenta’s integrity. The placenta must be kept on ice or refrigerated until it is retrieved for preparation and encapsulation. Improper storage may result in spoilage, making the placenta unsafe for consumption.

The client must disclose any blood-borne illnesses (e.g., Hepatitis, HIV) or other health conditions that could pose a risk to the encapsulation specialist or anyone who may come into contact with the client’s bodily fluids, including maternal and fetal blood and amniotic fluid. Certain conditions, such as Hepatitis or Herpes Simplex Virus, may prevent It Takes a Village Birth DFW from providing placenta encapsulation services.

The client is responsible for determining whether placenta consumption is beneficial to their postpartum well-being. It Takes a Village Birth DFW does not employ medical doctors and does not diagnose, treat, or prescribe for any health condition. Services provided are strictly for the preparation of the placenta for personal consumption.

Individual responses to placenta consumption may vary. While research supports some benefits, these claims have not been evaluated or approved by the United States government or the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The client must disclose all medications taken during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, including dosages. Certain medications may make placenta encapsulation unsafe or impossible.

It Takes a Village Birth DFW Responsibilities

It Takes a Village Birth DFW responsibilities includes maintaining client confidentiality and committing to preparing and returning the consumable placenta to the client within 3-4 days of receiving the placenta while upholding the highest standards of cleanliness, safety, and quality of professional postpartum services. In the unfortunate event that It Takes a Village Birth DFW is unable to provide postpartum services due to a scheduling conflict, It Takes a Village Birth DFW will provide a backup Postpartum Specialist who is capable of providing comparable services.

It is important to understand that there may be circumstances in which the client’s placenta cannot be used for postpartum consumption. Significant abnormalities of the placenta may require the doctor or midwife to send the client’s placenta to Pathology for further examination. Once the placenta has been released to Pathology, It Takes a Village Birth DFW may not be able to encapsulate it without an additional waiver. Other additional conditions, such as signs of infection in the mother during labor, may mean that consuming the placenta could be harmful to the client’s health. It Takes a Village Birth DFW will always consult with the client prior to making a choice on whether or not the client’s placenta is viable for ingestion. If your Dr. or nurse recommends sending your placenta to pathology for testing, request that they take a sample of the placenta in your room instead of taking the entire placenta.