Placenta Encapsulation

Placenta encapsulation is often chosen by new mothers as a natural way to support their postpartum recovery. Many people report improved emotional stability, increased energy, and a smoother physical recovery during the weeks following birth. The placenta contains iron, essential nutrients, and hormones that may help replenish what the body loses during childbirth. Some parents also feel that encapsulation supports milk supply, eases mood fluctuations, and promotes an overall sense of grounding during the early postpartum period.

While research is still emerging, countless families describe the experience as a valuable, holistic addition to their postpartum care plan—one that honors the body’s innate wisdom and nurtures healing from the inside out.

Placenta Print

Create a lasting memory with a custom paint print of your placenta. A paint print differs from a blood print, in that the blood is washed off, and your color choice is applied to the fetal side of your placenta. Paper is then pressed against it to make the print or series of prints. The paint is applied with gloves and q-tips. White drawing paper is most often used, but black drawing paper is recommended when making a gold print.

*Note: The paint I use is non-toxic, and I am very careful to wash off every last trace of paint, before proceeding with the encapsulation process.

Tincture

Placenta Tincture is a way to get the most out of your placenta because it won’t expire and can be used for menopause 10-20 years down the road. It is made by taking a raw dime-size portion of the maternal side of the placenta, and steeping in 100 proof alcohol for 6 weeks. It is then strained through a coffee filter into a 4 oz. amber or blue dropper bottle. Store in a cool dark place and it will keep indefinitely. Take 8-10 drops in some water/day to balance hormones during PMS or menopause.

Price List

Placenta Encapsulation (Includes Pickup and Delivery) - $275

Paint Print - $50

Tincture (4oz) - $45

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FAQ

  • Your placenta is composed of beneficial hormones, chemicals, iron, and proteins. These healing substances include:

    • Estrogen, Progesterone, Testosterone: Contributes to mammary gland development in preparation for lactation; stabilizes postpartum mood; regulates post-birth uterine cramping; decreases depression; normalizes and stimulates libido.

    • Prolactin: Promotes lactation; increases milk supply; enhances the mothering instinct.

    • Oxytocin: Decreases pain and increases bonding in mother and infant; counteracts the production of stress hormones such as Cortisol; greatly reduces postpartum bleeding; enhances the breastfeeding let-down reflex.

    • Placental Opioid-Enhancing Factor (POEF): Stimulates the production of your body’s natural opioids, including endorphins; reduces pain; increases well-being.

    • Thyroid Stimulating Hormone: Regulates the thyroid gland; boosts energy and supports recovery from stressful events.

    • Corticotropin Releasing Hormone (CRH): Low levels of CRH are implicated in postpartum depression. Regulation of CRH helps prevent depression.

    • Cortisone: Reduces inflammation and swelling; promotes healing.

    • Interferon: Triggers the protective defenses of the immune system to fight infection.

    • Prostaglandins: Regulates contractions in the uterus after birth; helps the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size. Anti-inflammatory effects.

    • Iron: Replenishes maternal iron stores to combat anemia, a common postpartum condition. Increases energy; decreases fatigue and depression.

    • Hemoglobin: Oxygen-carrying molecule which provides a boost in energy.

    • Urokinase Inhibiting Factor and Factor XIII: stops bleeding and enhances wound healing.

    • Immunoglobulin G (IgG): Antibody molecules which support the immune system.

    Human Placental Lactogen (hPL): This hormone has lactogenic and growth-promoting properties; promotes mammary gland growth in preparation for lactation in the mother. It also regulates maternal glucose, protein, and fat levels.

  • Placenta Encapsulation, derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine, is the process of steaming the placenta with lemon and ginger, slicing it into thin strips, dehydrating/”mummifying” the strips in a food dehydrator, then grinding them into a powder, that is then put into capsules. Process makes 70-150 pills (size 00 capsules) depending on the size and density of your placenta.

  • After the birth, have your support person remind your doctor or Midwife that you would like to save your placenta. If you’re at a hospital, you will need to have your own small cooler. It is also useful to bring your own gallon sized zip lock bags. 2 of them. This is what your partner will hand your doctor or midwife to double bag your placenta. I find this is a more environmentally friendly way than using the hospital giant plastic containers. 

    It needs to be refrigerated or several cups of ice put into your cooler within 2 hours of the birth. 

    If you have only a soft pack cooler that is also fine, but you will just want to bring some extra zip locks bags to put the ice in (so the water won’t leak out of the cooler, if some of it melts)

  • I always encourage women to save their placenta, even if they’re unsure they want to encapsulate it. You can always store it in the freezer until you decide what to do.

  • Yes, there are a few contraindications:

    1. If you contracted a uterine or blood infection during labor (Chorioamnionitis)

    2. If you turned out to be allergic to any drugs you took during labor

    3.  If morphine was accidentally injected into your placenta during an emergency C-section.