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"I strongly encourage you to NOT encapsulate due to being Group B Strep positive" a doctor tells you. Let's talk why they may say that and why it may still be encapsulat-able. While it is important to do your own research, I fully support whatever decision you decide to make concerning what you put in your body. Placenta Encapsulation and GBSIs is safe to encapsulate my placenta if I'm GBS positive? If so, you're not the only one. In 2017, The CDC released a single case study concerning a sick newborn whose mother had her placenta encapsulated, and placenta pills were named as a potential source of the baby’s recurrent Group B Strep (GBS) infections. So is it true? Can placenta pills make babies sick? The best news out of the case study is that the baby is now healthy, but the situation does provide some hard questions about placenta encapsulation services for individuals who test positive for Group B Strep. When it comes to the safety of babies, parents and encapsulators - the highest priority must be SAFETY FIRST – for everyone. Let’s look at a few facts about following the evidence-based guidelines that are well established in food safety preparation. These same procedures are what restaurants use to reduce the risk of food poisoning, pathogens and other illness that can be transferred via our food. (Please note that I carry a certificate in both Blood Borne Pathogens and a Food Handlers License). Placentas and Food SafetyPlacenta safety and food safety principles have these in common:
Placentas and Blood Borne Pathogens
Using the above principles, I establish processes that help ensure safety in the encapsulation process. Placentas MUST be heated to 140F. I dehydrate at 160F and don't offer any placenta products that do not include heating the internal temperature of the placenta to 140. Encapsulation heats our any potential GBS or even antibiotic used, during the steaming and dehydrating process of encapsulation. Placentas MUST be refrigerated/stored correctly to reduce the risk of illness. This includes any time between when the placenta is birthed and when it is picked up as well as how it is stored until it is processed. I have a variety of ways to obtain and store placentas in food safe temperatures so that I can use the one that best suits your clients and business. Bleach and other EPA registered disinfectants should be used at every stage of the process - there is no substitute. All items that come in contact with a placenta or placenta waste MUST be disposable or cleaned properly. Disposable items should be used when possible but anything that is not disposable that is used at any point in the encapsulation process must be bleached both to avoid pathogens and cross contamination. When might placenta encapsulation be unsafe?Here’s where we circle back to our family from the CDC case study. Beyond unsafe storage, the biggest reason to not encapsulate a placenta is if the birthing person or baby has an infection at the time of delivery or within 24 hours of that delivery. Active infection is always a contraindication to encapsulation. We don’t know many of details of the encapsulation process from the CDC case study. Perhaps the encapsulator did not follow food safety guidelines - though that has not been confirmed by either the encapsulator or the CDC. Perhaps poor hand washing played a role - once again, completely unconfirmed. However, we do see in the CDC report that the baby was diagnosed with an infection within 24 hours of delivery, so we absolutely know the placenta was not safe for encapsulation. In all likelihood, the encapsulator had no idea an infection was present, so this serves to underscore the importance of communication with encapsulation clients. Making the Best ChoiceOnly a birthing family can decide what options are best for them. I provide info on my safety procedures to my clients upon request. I also communicate with my clients when placenta encapsulation is not the safest choice. Meconium (Baby Sh*t) HappensMeconium on the placenta is not a contraindication for placenta encapsulation. The bacteria in meconium is from your own body and the placenta is thoroughly washed and steamed at 220 degrees F for 20 minutes to kill any bacteria or viruses present. Bacteria and viruses cannot survive at temperatures higher than 131 degrees F. It is also important to note that meconium is not the same as human fecal matter. Meconium staining, if at all, is typically on the fetal side of the placenta, membranes and umbilical cord. I have no problem removing it and continuing on with your encapsulation. Each placenta has two layers to the amniotic sac. The chorion is the thicker layer that is physically attached to the bulk tissue of the placenta. The amnion is the second layer which is thin, fragile, see-through and is the portion that directly holds the fluids in. This is the layer that is directly touching the baby. When the baby passes meconium in utero, the thick, sticky substance can adhere to the membranes and umbilical cord. I can actually pull back the amnion layer of the amniotic sac, which would remove all of the meconium from the fetal side of the placenta. If there is still meconium staining, simple water will not fully remove it. I will then gently rub or soak the placenta with a small amount of apple cider vinegar to remove it, rinsing it off before it is prepared. If the placenta, even after soaking still appears to be severely stained, I will not go through with encapsulation. Meconium is not a reason for your placenta to be sent to pathology or a contraindication of encapsulation. If you are told your placenta needs to go to pathology or is no longer safe for encapsulation let your OB/Midwife/nurse know that you intend to take your placenta home so you decline it being sent to pathology. In SummaryThe evidence shows us that testing positive for GBS (simply being colonized) is not a safety concern for consuming a properly prepared and handled placenta. Only if there is a present infection during labor can I not encapsulate.
Regarding meconium, it is cleaned and rinsed thoroughly before steaming. Steaming removes any possible present bacteria from meconium. If you'd like to chat more about encapsulation and guidelines, please reach out for any concerns and/or questions!
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Hello, dear birth doulas and birthworkers! We know that your work is a labor of love, quite literally. Supporting families through the beautiful and transformative journey of childbirth can be incredibly rewarding, but it's also undeniably demanding. Today, we're here to discuss the importance of self-care and recovery routines for birth doulas, with a special focus on somatic experiencing. After all, taking care of yourself is just as vital as caring for the families you support. Let's explore how you can nurture yourself so you can continue to nurture others. Start with Self-CompassionAs birth doulas, you're often so focused on offering kindness and support to your clients that you might forget to extend the same level of compassion to yourself. Remember that it's perfectly okay to take a step back and prioritize your well-being. Begin your self-care journey with self-compassion, acknowledging that you deserve the same care you provide to others. Mindful BreathingOne of the simplest yet most effective self-care practices is mindful breathing. Find a quiet space, sit comfortably, and take a few deep breaths. Pay attention to your inhales and exhales, letting go of any tension with each breath. This practice not only calms your nervous system but also allows you to reconnect with yourself. Embrace Somatic Experiencing Somatic experiencing is a powerful tool for healing and self-care, especially for birth doulas who are exposed to intense emotional and physical experiences and/or secondary trauma regularly. By working with a somatic therapist or practicing somatic exercises on your own, you can release stored tension, process emotions, and restore your body's natural balance. Some examples incude:
Movement and ExerciseEngaging in regular physical activity is essential for maintaining your overall well-being. Consider yoga, Tai Chi, or gentle stretches to keep your body flexible and resilient. These practices not only help with physical strength but also promote emotional and mental clarity. Nourish Your Body Your body is your instrument, and you need to take care of it. Make sure you're nourishing yourself with a balanced diet and staying hydrated. Don't forget to treat yourself to your favorite indulgences from time to time; you've earned it! Traditional Chinese Medicine encourages warming foods for restoration, just like a new mother, and so a doula needs that comfort as well to help reset. Connect with Fellow DoulasBuilding a supportive community of fellow doulas can be incredibly comforting. Share your experiences, joys, and challenges with your peers. They understand your unique journey, and their insights can be invaluable. Rest and RechargeYou can't pour from an empty cup, so prioritize rest and sleep. Create a peaceful bedtime routine, practice relaxation techniques, meditate, and ensure you're getting enough restorative sleep to be at your best. Creative OutletsDiscover creative outlets that allow you to express yourself outside of your doula work. Whether it's painting, writing, music, a puzzle (that's me), or any other artistic pursuit, engaging in a creative hobby can be a wonderful form of self-care. ConclusionDear birth doulas, your work is a gift to the world, and you deserve to be cared for just as diligently as the families you support. By embracing self-compassion, mindful practices, somatic experiencing, and a nurturing routine, you can ensure that you continue to provide your invaluable services with love and strength.
Quick sidenote: Don't be summed up. Don't allow others to miss the artistry in your great work. You are caring for so much more than they see. You build an entire world around them in addition to your good job. Few will fully see through your eyes. But your work is far more than a job complete, it is an art and there is so many more gifts for them to discover. Remember, self-care is not a luxury; it's a necessity. When you care for yourself, you're better equipped to care for others. So, go ahead and prioritize your well-being—it's a beautiful journey that will only enhance your ability to support and guide families through their own transformative journeys. You're worth it! Imagine placenta encapsulation as an insurance policy for your postpartum journey—a support when you need it the most. If the pills bring relief amidst the chaos, that's fantastic! And if not, they make excellent plant food. Here's why it's valuable:
When you choose placenta encapsulation, you're in for a comprehensive experience designed to make your journey smoother:
Starting at $250, this is an investment in your well-being. Ready to take the next step? Book now at www.placentadenver.com **The information on this website is not meant to diagnose any health related issues. Placenta encapsulation is not approved or regulated by the FDA. Liz Foster (Love In Motion LLC) is not a doctor or other health care professional.*
So you want to raise an emotionally intelligent child and and you're wondering where to begin? Start with these five steps. 1. Acknowledge your child’s perspective and empathize.Even if you can't "do anything" about your child's upsets, empathize. Just being understood helps humans let go of troubling emotions. If your child's upset seems out of proportion to the situation, remember that we all store up emotions and then let ourselves experience them once we find a safe haven. Then we're free to move on.Empathizing doesn’t mean you agree, just that you see it from his side, too. He may have to do what you say, but he’s entitled to his own perspective. We all know how good it feels to have our position acknowledged; somehow it just makes it easier when we don’t get our way. “It’s hard for you to stop playing and come to dinner, and still, it’s time now.” “You wish you could have me all to yourself, don’t you?” “You’re so disappointed that it’s raining.” “You want to stay up later like the big kids, I know.” “You’re mad your tower fell!” Why this encourages emotional intelligence:
2. Allow expressionLittle ones can't differentiate between their emotions and their "selves." Accept your child’s emotions, rather than denying or minimizing them, which gives children the message that some feelings are shameful or unacceptable. Disapproving of her fear or anger won't stop her from having those feelings, but it may well force her to repress them. Unfortunately, repressed feelings don't fade away, as feelings do that have been freely expressed. They’re trapped and looking for a way out. Because they aren’t under conscious control, they pop out unmodulated, when a child socks her sister, has nightmares, or develops a nervous tic. Instead, teach that the full range of feelings is understandable and part of being human, even while some actions must be limited.
Why this encourages emotional intelligence:
Listen to your child's feelingsRemember, rage doesn't begin to dissipate until it feels heard. Whether your child is 6 months or sixteen, she needs you to listen to the feelings she’s expressing. Once she feels and expresses them, she’ll let them go and get on with her life. In fact, you’ll be amazed at how affectionate and cooperative she’ll be once she has a chance to show you how she feels. But to feel safe letting those feelings up and out, she needs to know you’re fully present and listening. Assured that it’s safe, children have an amazing ability to let their feelings wash over and out, leaving them relaxed and cooperative. Your job? Breathe through it, stay present, and resist the urge to make those troublesome feelings go away. Your child instinctively knows how to heal herself.
Why this encourages emotional intelligence:
Teach problem solvingEmotions are messages, not mud for wallowing. Teach your child to breathe through them, feel them, tolerate them without needing to act on them, and, once they aren’t in the grip of strong emotion, to problem-solve and act if necessary. Most of the time, once kids (and adults) feel their emotions are understood and accepted, the feelings lose their charge and begin to dissipate. This leaves an opening for problem solving. Sometimes, kids can do this themselves. Sometimes, they need your help to brainstorm. But resist the urge to rush in and handle the problem for them unless they ask you to; that gives him the message that you don't have confidence in his ability to handle it himself. “You’re so disappointed that Molly can’t come over because she’s sick. You were really looking forward to playing with her. When you’re ready, maybe we can brainstorm ideas of something else to do that sounds like fun.” “You’re pretty frustrated with Sam not giving you a turn. Sometimes you feel like not playing with him anymore. But you also really like playing with him. I wonder what you could say to Sam, so that he could hear how you feel?” Why this encourages emotional intelligence:
Play it outWhen you notice a negative pattern developing, recognize that your child has some big feelings she doesn’t know how to handle, and step in with the best medicine: Play. For instance:
For instance, maybe your four year old always wants Mommy. Instead of taking it personally, help him work through his feelings about how much he prefers Mom by playing a game where poor bumbling Dad "tries" unsuccessfully to keep him away from her. Dad gets between Mom and son, and roars “I won’t let you get to Mom….Hey, you just ran right around me!...You pushed me right over!...You are too strong!....But this time you won’t get past me!” Your four year old will giggle and boast and get a chance to prove he can ALWAYS have his mom. He'll also discharge all those pent up worries that make him demand her. Why this encourages emotional intelligence:
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