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TTMC Frequently Asked Questions

Doula FAQs

  • What is a doula?

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  • A Care expert who partners with expecting individuals and families, to provide emotional, physical and educational support. The TTMC experience provides special care to ensure you are clear on what to expect before, during, and after the birthing, postpartum, or life experience. We provide support in a holistic way that is tailored to your support needs/preferences. Your Doula will meet you in a comfortable agreed-upon location, such as your home in order to demonstrate and educate in preparation for the event, ceremony or assistance. ​

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  • Is a Doula a doctor or medical professional?

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  • No. Doulas use their professional family care expertise to add supplemental value to your experience with your team of medical professionals. Doulas are able to spend more time and attention with you and your family than your team of medical professionals can, and help take away the feeling of having to make rushed decisions for you and your family. The TTMC experience is intended to help calm the chaos and work with you to ensure you have all of the clarity you need to make informed decisions for yourself and your family

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  • When should I hire a doula? 

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  • It is best to start looking for a doula to join your support team as soon as possible. If you are considering hiring a doula, TTMC recommends doing so by your 2nd trimester. The sooner you book with a doula, the more time you give yourself to prepare. You are able to get to know your doula and connect while retaining valuable information and skills.

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  • How do I choose the best doula for me?

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  • Take your needs seriously. Shop around for a doula service or someone to hire that matches the needs of you and your family. This is the time to really evaluate your needs and take them seriously. Take into consideration what your current support team already looks like, as well as the kind of support experience you’d prefer from your doula. Check out their websites and see what service packages they offer. Get referrals from people you know and trust. Once you create a list of doulas that have services that resonate with you, schedule interviews with them. Interviews help you get to know them better and allow you to ask all of your questions so you can decide on the person who is the best fit for you and your family. If you are interested in setting up an interview with me, click here to schedule an appointment.

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  • Why should I take Childbirth Education or make other preparations if I hire a doula? 

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  • Childbirth education as well as other preparations such as research, other classes, reading material and educational videos all offer different levels of preparation towards being an active participant in your own birth. By adding preparations you permit your visits with your doula to be informed which allows for doula support, which is different from educator support. Educators (Childbirth Education, Hypnobaby, Pregnancy & Postpartum Herbalist, etc) have specialized experience and training in the field they are specialized into work with adult minds and specific techniques for success.

Placenta Encapsulation FAQs

  • What is placenta encapsulation? 

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  • Placenta encapsulation is the process of the placenta being cleaned, steamed, dehydrated, crushed, and then placed into gelatin or vegan capsules for use. 

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  • What are the benefits of encapsulating my placenta?

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  • This is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. TTMC only provides informative suggestions for use. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Frequently, in the parenthood community, ingesting encapsulated placentas have been attributed to increased energy, reduced fatigue, hormonal balancing, increased milk supply, and iron replenishment. However, there are no guarantees with placenta encapsulation. Results may vary. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call 911 immediately.

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  • How many capsules will I get? 

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  • Anywhere between 75-200 capsules with one placenta.

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  • What is the process of picking up the placenta? 

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  • Please be sure to notify your provider that you will be keeping your placenta! Many hospitals and birth centers have biohazard kits they can provide but once booked your specialist can further assist you. If you live in the state of Arizona where services are offered, you may be asked to sign a waiver of release.  ** If you decide to request pick up from birth: Notify your specialist within 1 hour of delivery. Some clients give notice of labor signs out of courtesy but regardless of the delivery time, please reach out if that is the contractual understanding of transport. We expect the placenta to be placed on ice or in the refrigerator until we arrive. Your specialist will be there within 3 hours to retrieve and begin the process. ** If you decide to transport the placenta from the hospital: it is good for up to 3 days refrigerated and roughly 6 months in a deep freezer. 

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  • When is it NOT possible to encapsulate my placenta? 

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  • Encapsulation is not recommended if the placenta has not been properly stored (I.e. sitting out at room temperature for more than 3 hours of being stored in a refrigerator for more than 4 days), or exposed to any chemicals. ** Remember to check with your Midwife or Medical provider, they will be able to best assess if placenta consumption risks apply to you. 

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  • Can I have a tincture or another option made as well?

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  • Yes, We offer tinctures, keepsakes, and a print to go along with your order. Other specialty items can be included or modified all at an additional fee.

Services FAQs

  • Do you offer virtual services?

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Yes. All in-person services have the option to be provided virtually. Click here to contact us for more information. 

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  • Can payments be made using a Health Savings Account (HSA)? 

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Yes, TTMC accepts HSA payments for specific services. Click here to contact us for more information. 

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  • Can my insurance reimburse for your services? 

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Please check with your insurance provider to see if they cover doula services as part of your insurance plan. We would be happy to submit documentation for credentials or a supporting claim document. 

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  • Will a doula still be useful if I decide to use medication or if I get a c section? 

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Yes. Clients hire doulas for many types of birth experiences, including but not limited to cesarean births as well as different life events.

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  • Do you offer a fixed price, discounts, or other loyalty programs? 

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TTMC services come at a fixed price. If you would like to separate or select an individual service, you can do so by check out A La Carte Services. We offer a sliding scale for clients that qualify due to income or circumstance.

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  • Do you use a backup doula? 

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Yes, We utilize a backup doula for all services. 

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Product & Affiliation FAQs

  • Where do you get your ingredients? 

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  • All ingredients are locally sourced from private farmers in Arizona, Oregon, North Carolina, Florida and other amazing zones. I purchase my other ingredients wholesale in order to make items from scratch. 

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  • Who are your small-owned Affiliates? 

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  • KD Homestead Market, Agape Body & Soul, Happy House Farms, R&F Cleaning Solutions, Royal Beauty By Lex, A New Peace. Some of these entrepreneurs are in different states but we all see the value in the support of black-owned businesses, indigenous-owned businesses, women-owned businesses, financial freedom, and community.  

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  • What exactly am I supporting by purchasing products?

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  • When you buy TTMC products, you are supporting a company that donates to autism awareness, and educational support for black and indigenous children. Also, proceeds help support 3 important missions: the TTMC sliding scale fee, provided to qualifying low-income families. The TTMC paid internship program for teens and young adults to get in touch with ancestral talents, and my donation program (quarterly) that promotes community and volunteer support.

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  • How do I select the right product for my needs? 

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  • If you are looking for a specific product or detail please message us. None of our products substitute for medical or professional care. Reliance on any information provided by thetotalmotheringchronicles.com, TTMC employees, contracted workers, or medical professionals presenting content for publication to The Total Mothering Chronicles is solely at your own risk.

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