Questions to ask when hiring a placenta specialist

If you decide, like many others before you, to hire a trained specialist for your placenta encapsulation, it can be a little daunting to know how to hire the right one.  Where do I find one?  How do I know I can trust them?  After all, you only get one shot at getting this done right, so you want to make sure that it is, in fact, done right.  So if you are wondering about how to hire a specialist and want tips for making sure they are a good fit for you, just keep reading our “questions to ask your placenta specialist.”

1. Are you trained?  
   This is important.  You want to make sure that the person you choose has been trained to safely work with placentas.  They need to know how to properly transport, prepare, and process your placenta in either their own workspace, or your home.  Also, they need to be trained in the different ways to process the placenta and have the ability to explain the pros and cons of each.  There are many organizations to train with and each has great programs for specialists. Being affiliated with any of these organizations also gives the specialist access to the most recent research and information regarding placenta work. It is also important that they have obtained training for OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens for placenta specialist, and a food handler’s safety card for their state.  
2. What is your cleaning protocol? 
   Don't ask "do you sanitize your workspace" because they may believe they are, even if they don't.  Open ended questions are best when trying to get clarification on something specific.  According to OSHA, the only way to properly disinfect a workspace and kill blood borne pathogens is with a bleach solution, or other medical grade disinfectants, in the process.  I won't get into the entire details on here (feel free to email me if you want to make sure I follow OSHA protocols) but it is imperative that your specialist isn't using things like essential oils, hydrogen peroxide, and/or vinegar for their cleaning and disinfecting.  This will not kill blood borne pathogens and it puts every client at risk.
3. Where is your workspace?  Do you only work in a client’s home?  
   A trained specialist should have no issue with either coming to your house for processing, or bringing the placenta back to their own workspace.  This is just a personal preference of you, the client. The most important part is that wherever they work, your place or theirs, that the workspace is properly disinfected, and void of children and pets that may interfere with the area provided.  If you choose your home, make sure the counters are clear of any items (don't worry about disinfecting the area - your specialist will take care of that), and that your sink is cleared of dishes.  If you choose to have your specialist work in their own home, ask if they have a dedicated work space with a separate sink and counters.  This is more ideal because it gives the specialist a place that they can kind of quarantine from any possible disturbances and the everyday traffic that comes with a normal household kitchen.
4. What type of equipment do you use?
   Your specialist should only be using equipment that is solely for placenta work.  Using a food grade dehydrator with a proper fan (top fan, not bottom) is very important.  An oven just isn't suitable for placenta dehydration because there is poor air flow, which is important for proper dehydration.  We don't want to cook the placenta, only dehydrate it.  Disposable products should be used when necessary (gloves, sponges, scalpels, etc.) and when not possible, the equipment needs to be able to be fully submerged in a bleach solution for disinfection.  So no wood cutting boards.  This also applies to the blender, or grinder used for powdering the placenta.  The blade needs to be able to be fully submerged in the bleach solution.  A simple spraying or wipe down, even with bleach, is not enough for this because of crevices and such.  
5. Are capsules my only option?
   It may be possible that you don't like taking capsules, or just want to incorporate your placenta into your postpartum recovery another way.  Your specialist should be able to provide your placenta in many options like tinctures, smoothies, or even just the jarred powder for you to add to your own food/drink.  
6. How do you package your capsules? What are your storage instructions?
   It is preferable for your capsules (also tinctures and salves) to be stored in either an amber or cobalt blue jar to protect it from light damage and include a food grade desiccant pack to deter moisture from humidity.  Furthermore, your specialist should be able to provide storage instructions to help further the life of your capsules and keep them safe from potential spoilage.  Capsules should be stored in a dark cabinet, like vitamins, and not in a refrigerator. Because refrigerators are used daily, the consistent opening and closing of the door can cause temperature changes and increase humidity in the capsule jar. This is something we do not want because it an lead to spoilage and mold growth.  Your specialist should also provide long term storage instructions in the event that you would like to save leftover capsules.
7. How do I know I am getting my own placenta back?
   If you hire a trustworthy specialist, you shouldn't have to worry about this, but it is good to clarify.  Especially if you desire to have your placenta processed in your specialist’s home.  Be sure to ask how they ensure that you get only yours back. For example, here at W.I.S.E, we only process one placenta at a time.  In the event that more than one client gives birth on the same day, I process the first one entirely before I start on the second one.  I will let my client know that there will be a little additional wait and then give them the option of using another specialist that I trust.  I've never had a mix up, and I never plan to.
8. Do you have a refund policy?
   It's good to know what type of policy your specialist has in place in the event that your placenta becomes unfit for consumption.  Unfortunately, some circumstances may arise that are beyond your control (uterine infection, care provider taking your placenta to pathology, or even losing your placenta) and you want to know that in the case that services are not rendered, you are entitled to some money back. However, you may not be entitled to a refund if you either just choose not to go through with it after you have the baby, or if the placenta is not handled properly due to not following the instructions provided by your specialist. Most specialists have a non-refundable retainer fee that they keep, but partial refunds in the event of you not being able to use your placenta are perfectly acceptable.  In my contract, I have a section on refunds that explains when they are provided and why.  Don't be afraid to ask about this because it may save you some hassle in the long run.

These are just some of the questions that you may want to ask when looking to hire the right specialist for you.  So make a list and be prepared when interviewing.  Ask around and see if anyone has one they recommend.  There is a great site called FindPlacentaEncapsulation.com where you can look up specialists in your area.  Check and see if they have any reviews on a Facebook page or website.  Don't be afraid to look around.  You only get one placenta after your birth, make sure you trust your specialist.

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