Frequently Asked Questions

🍯 Placenta Encapsulation: Nourishment for the Fourth Trimester

Placenta encapsulation (also known as placentophagy) is a cross-cultural practice that has been used for generations in various communities around the world as part of postpartum wellness traditions.

Scientific research on placenta encapsulation is limited and mixed. While it is not considered a medical treatment, many mothers report personal benefits such as feeling more supported, nourished, and balanced during the postpartum period.

Some families choose placenta encapsulation as part of a holistic postpartum plan. Experiences vary, and it’s important to make an informed choice that aligns with your body, values, and care plan.

Placenta encapsulation is not a replacement for medical care, and I always encourage clients to discuss postpartum recovery options with their healthcare provider.

Learn more from trusted sources:

• National Institutes of Health (NIH): Human Maternal Placentophagy: A Review
• Cleveland Clinic: Placenta Encapsulation – What You Should Know
• American Pregnancy Association: Placenta Encapsulation Information

A doula is a trained, non-medical support person who provides emotional, physical, and educational support during pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum. Doulas help you feel informed, supported, and empowered throughout your experience.

I do not provide medical care or replace your healthcare provider.

Birth Village Care Coordination is structured, non-clinical support that helps you navigate care, resources, and next steps during pregnancy and postpartum.

This includes:

• Identifying your needs
• Creating a personalized care map
• Connecting you to trusted community resources
• Following up to help ensure referrals are completed

The goal is to reduce barriers so support doesn’t fall through the cracks.

Doula support focuses on:

• Birth preparation and education
• Emotional and physical support
• Labor and immediate postpartum support

Birth Village Care Coordination focuses on:

• Resource navigation
• Referrals and follow-through
• Support planning beyond birth day
• Postpartum transitions and next steps

They work together to support you as a whole person not just on birth day.

Yes. All birth support packages include Birth Village Care Coordination as part of the Smiley Bee Love model of care.

Higher-tier packages include expanded care coordination and follow-through to support postpartum transitions more deeply.

Support typically begins during pregnancy and continues through the postpartum period, depending on the package you choose. Care coordination often starts prenatally so you’re not scrambling for support after birth.

The Free Love Call is a no-pressure meet & greet where we:

• Talk about your pregnancy or postpartum needs
• Review what kind of support may be helpful
• See if we’re a good fit

There is no obligation to book—this is simply a conversation.

This support is for mothers who want:

• Guidance without pressure
• Preparation beyond just birth day
• Help navigating systems and resources
• A village—not just a provider

Support typically begins during pregnancy and continues through the postpartum period, depending on the package you choose. Care coordination often starts prenatally so you’re not scrambling for support after birth.

No. I do not provide medical advice, diagnose conditions, or replace your provider. All support is non-clinical and centered on education, advocacy, informed consent, and connection to appropriate resources.Add an answer to this item.

Reach out as early in pregnancy as possible so we have time to plan, prepare, and coordinate support before birth. My services are designed to support clients from pregnancy through birth and postpartum, and I do not currently offer postpartum-only packages.

1. Bridging Gaps in Care
   Doulas fill the gaps in traditional healthcare systems by offering personalized, holistic support that focuses on the well-being of both the birthing person and their partner.
2. Continuous Support
   In large hospital settings, care providers change frequently, but doulas remain a constant, reassuring presence throughout pregnancy, labor, and postpartum.
3. Comfort & Pain Management
   From massage and relaxation techniques to breathing exercises and position changes, doulas help ease discomfort and promote a smoother labor experience.
4. Emotional & Non-Judgmental Support
   Doulas hold a safe, compassionate space for birth parents, offering encouragement and guidance without judgment.
5. Involving & Supporting Partners
   Whether your partner wants to be hands-on or simply needs guidance, doulas help them feel empowered and included in the birth process.
6. Informed Decision-Making
   Doulas provide evidence-based information to help parents understand their options and advocate for their choices while working alongside medical providers. They do not offer medical advice but instead help facilitate open, informed discussions.
7. Education & Preparation
   From birth planning and coping strategies to breastfeeding and newborn care, doulas equip families with the knowledge and tools they need for a positive experience.
8. Supporting All Birth Experiences
   Whether you choose a hospital, birth center, or home birth, doulas support all types of births, including medicated, unmedicated, cesarean, VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean), and more.

Our trained and/or certified birth workers ensure a high standard of care, and with a variety of doulas available, each family can find the perfect match for their unique needs.

Postpartum Doulas are the gentle bridge between birth and everyday life with your baby. We provide hands-on, emotional, and educational support during those first tender weeks after delivery what many call the fourth trimester.

A Postpartum Doula’s role can include:

✨ Helping with feeding (breast/chest or bottle)

✨ Caring for baby while you rest or shower

✨ Light meal prep or household support

✨ Emotional check-ins and reassurance

✨ Helping you and your family adjust to new routines

It’s not about doing everything for you it’s about helping you feel confident, supported, and loved while your body heals and your family grows. 

Please text me as soon as you suspect labor has begun, even if your contractions are still mild or irregular. Once you reach out, we’ll stay in continuous contact by phone or FaceTime so I can guide and support you through early labor.

During our prenatal visits, I’ll teach you and your birth team what to do during this stage so you feel calm and confident. I’ll join you in person once your body moves into active labor.

You’ll never have to go through it alone from that first text until your baby arrives, I’ll be right there with you, virtually or in person, every step of the way. 

Beginning at 38 weeks, I’m on-call 24/7 for labor updates and time-sensitive birth communication. If labor begins before 38 weeks, contact me as soon as possible and I’ll make every reasonable effort to support you based on availability.

For non-urgent questions, I respond during office hours (Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.). Text is the best first contact. 

If you believe there is a medical emergency, contact your provider or call 911.

Every birth is unique, and sometimes babies come quickly! If that happens, I’ll provide guidance by phone right away and do everything possible to reach you. In the rare case I can’t arrive in time due to rapid labor or medical circumstances, your consultation and prenatal time are still honored, and refund policies will be stated in your agreement.

If an emergency or another birth overlaps, I’ll send a trusted backup doula from my team. You always have the right to meet or decline a backup before your birth. If no backup is available, a partial refund will be issued per our contract.

Your deposit is non-refundable it secures your place on my birth calendar and ensures I’m on call exclusively for your due month.

Once we commit to your birth, that time is held just for you meaning I turn away other families to serve your hive. If you choose not to use my services after booking or once prenatal visits have started, all fees remain the same as outlined in your agreement.

Flexible payment plans are available to make your investment more manageable. 

Yes! Overnight postpartum care is available at $40/hr (8-hour minimum). Many families add this for their first week home — it creates a peaceful transition for both parent and baby.