Birthplace Policies

If you plan on having a homebirth, please let your midwife know ahead of time that you wish to keep your placenta.  They will bag it and it will need to stay in your fridge until I arrive to begin the process, or arrive to pick it up.

If you are planning to deliver at either 3 Sisters or Waco Birth Center, please let your midwife know that you are keeping your placenta.  They will bag it for you, but you need to provide your own cooler to transfer it.  If your encapsulator is picking up, please let her know as soon as the birth is complete, and she will pick up before you leave the facility (between 9am and 9pm).  If the encapsulation is being done in your home, you will need to transfer it with you and your encapsulator will meet you as soon as possible.  

If delivery will be at Hillcrest, you will need to notify your doctor ahead of time that you plan to keep your placenta, as well as your nurses when you arrive to deliver.  BSW will require that you sign a release, and will want the placenta removed from the facility property immediately.  They will put it into a container and biohazard bag, but you will be required to have your own cooler and designated family member ready to go.  

If delivery will be at Providence, you will also need to notify your doctor or midwife ahead of time that you plan to keep your placenta, as well as your nursing team upon arrival for delivery.  They will require that you also sign a waiver/release, however they require a 72 hour hold.  Either you or your spouse will have to pick up from the hospital.  You will also have to provide your own personal cooler upon pick up.  

Many of the traditional doctors and hospitals are hesitant when a patient wants to keep their placenta.  To help alleviate any concerns, we can provide you with a liability release form for your doctor and hospital.  Just let us know if you will need one, and it will be provided for you.