Meet APPA Certified Encapsulator Jennifer Wakefield, another shining star out there serving postpartum moms!
Jen is a DONA International Certified birth doula, APPA Certified Placenta Arts Specialist and a birth + newborn photographer serving clients in the Baton Rouge area. She began working as a birth photographer in 2010, and in 2013 was encouraged to take doula certification training. She fell in love with being able to serve moms and their families! In 2014, Jen added a rebozo certification, placenta encapsulation services, and childbirth preparation class to her clients.
We asked Jen to tell us more about herself:
Tell us about your practice; where you’re located, some stats, etc. Tell us how your practice has changed or grown since joining APPA. Share some of your successes.
Since beginning encapsulation services in 2014 and certifying in 2015, I have gone through a flood and a move while continuing to improve my quality of service to my 200+ clients. I went from using reusable items, disinfecting appropriately between each client, to nearly all single-use items. Each client receives a new cooler bag containing a transportation kit and detailed instructions on how to pack and store their placenta until pick up, which is mailed out to them prior to birth.
Why did you choose to renew your APPAC?
I chose to renew with APPA due to their rigorous certification process and accountability.
In what way has being an APPAC/being part of APPA benefited you as a placenta prep provider?
Becoming an APPAC in 2015 has brought comfort to both my clients and local providers – midwives, doctors, and nurses. Certification shows I keep up with current practices and follow appropriate safety protocols. I am continuously held accountable by APPA to provide the safest practices possible to my clients.
Do you have any advice for those interested in becoming a placenta prep provider?
Get ready to provide an amazing service to your local families while receiving the support of APPA!
Why did you choose APPA as your certifying organization?
Appa was the most thoroughly thought out organization at the time and continue to be.
What did you like the most about APPA?
I enjoy the resource, training, community of APPAC’s, and availability to APPA faculty and staff if I need anything.
How has this training changed your practice or added to your knowledge?
APPA training has actually brought me more comfort in handling placentas and being exposed to potential bloodborne pathogens.
Jen serves the Greater Baton Rouge, LA and up to a one and a half hour radius as well as Birth Center of Baton Rouge clients traveling from outer lying areas under special circumstances.
She also provides one-on-one childbirth prep sessions, Fresh48 photo sessions, and newborn/family documentary photo sessions.
Connect with her on the web: mydoulaheart.com
Facebook: facebook.com/mydoulaheart
Instagram: @mydoulaheart #
