Does making capsules from a placenta sound a bit weird? We totally get that! Over 80% of new mothers experience some form of postnatal mood disorder after birth and 1 in 7 moms experience postpartum depression/anxiety. Placenta pills, tiny in size, but can have a big impact on improving your postpartum experience.
The hormonal loss after birth happens when the placenta comes out, so the benefits of placenta encapsulation come from replacing the hormones lost at birth. Taking placenta pills naturally brings more balance and emotional well-being to parents after birth.
The placenta holds all the hormones of pregnancy (Estrogen, Progesterone, and Prolactin). Placenta encapsulation replaces these hormones after birth and helps the body feel emotionally balanced. Hormone balance also reduces baby blues, sleep disorders, “night sweats”, mood swings, and persistent crying.
The placenta is filled with Prolactin, the hormone responsible for creating milk supply. Many moms report that the Placenta pills helped bring in their milk more quickly and increase milk supply.
The placenta, full of iron, replenishes blood loss after birth. Studies have shown that iron in placenta encapsulation can help increase energy in postpartum and alleviate the feeling of fatigue. It can also reduce postpartum bleeding, which helps prevent anemia after birth.
The placenta is full of Oxytocin, called the “love hormone”. Oxytocin in placenta capsules helps with pain relief and brings feelings of calm, reduced anxiety, and feeling grounded. Many moms report “just feeling like myself” in a positive way with the placenta pills.
Parts of the placenta can be made into a tincture and used when mother or baby experience any stress, mood swings, anxiety, fatigue, illness or PMS. Being filled with stem cells, placenta encapsulation can support the immune system of both Mom and baby in the years to come.
Because the placenta is your perfect hormone, tinctures can be used down the road as a natural hormone replacement for the transition into menopause! Placenta encapsulation can aid in menopause and symptoms of hot flashes, hair loss and just overall feeling of well-being.
The placenta is steamed using ginger, lemon, jalapeno and myrrh, then dehydrated, ground into a powder and encapsulated. This is my go to method unless otherwise specified.
This method leaves out the steaming step and goes straight to dehydration and encapsulation. The placenta is cleaned, sliced and placed into the dehydrator raw.
Because this method does not utilize steam, it has not been proven to kill all bloodborne pathogens. If you wish to have your placenta encapsulated using the raw method, please advise.
Tinctures are always recommended in addition to encapsulation, to offer needed support when capsules are gone (4–6 weeks). They provide the same benefits as the capsules and are especially helpful for Mamas managing anxiety, mood swings, or low energy.
The tincture preparation extends the longevity of your placenta’s benefits. A small piece of placenta is preserved in 100 proof alcohol, creating a powerful extract that supports hormonal balance and overall wellness.
This method only requires a small portion of the placenta. The tincture is ready for use after 6 weeks, around the time capsules are usually gone. It offers an easy way to continue support during your postpartum recovery.
Tinctures have an indefinite shelf life and are ideal for both Mama and Baby. They’re great for long-term use—helping with stress, immune support, menopause, and even teething or PMS for your growing child.
Placenta prints are a special way to honor the connection between mother and baby. The placenta is gently pressed onto acid-free paper, creating a natural image called the “Tree of Life,” representing growth and nourishment.
Each print is completely unique, showcasing the beautiful branching pattern of your placenta. It’s a timeless keepsake that reflects the life-giving role your placenta played during pregnancy.
This process uses only the placenta itself—no ink is added—and just a small portion is needed. Prints are often chosen with encapsulation to give both emotional and visual memory after birth.
Placenta prints can be framed, saved in a baby memory box, or gifted to loved ones. A beautiful way to mark the start of your family’s journey and preserve the story of your baby’s arrival.
Prior to birth, prepare a temperature safe container.
Have a cooler or other suitable container ready for hospital staff to place your placenta in for pickup.
Upon arrival, notify hospital staff of your intentions.
Inform hospital staff of your plan to have your placenta released for encapsulation; this is you or your support person’s responsibility.
Staff should place placenta in refrigerated storage or on ice in your cooler.
Let me know as soon as possible that you have birthed.
Notify me as soon after the birth as possible to request pick-up of the placenta(s) at the location previously agreed upon. Me or a representative will then pickup within 2 hours of contact.
Note: Failure to notify me in a timely manner may reduce or eliminate the efficacy of your placenta.
That’s why I do all of the following to ensure the safe preparation of your placenta:
(These protocols are followed no matter where I prepare; your home, or my workspace.)
Temperature check of placenta at time of pick up – to ensure proper storage has occurred.
Storage until processing in a placenta dedicated refrigerator with thermometer – to ensure safe temperatures are maintained.
Prep space is cleaned with hospital grade disinfectant before and after preparation of your placenta. (Your placenta never actually touches the workspace. It only comes in contact with disinfected, or single use, food-grade equipment.)
Single use equipment where appropriate.
Multiple use equipment is cleaned and then soaked in a hospital grade disinfectant. Followed by a rinse with clean water.
I use personal protective equipment, not only to protect myself but to ensure there is no cross contamination from myself to your placenta. – This includes a hair cap, face mask, goggles, gloves, and apron.
I only process one placenta at a time.