From Placenta Pills to Postpartum Peace: Supporting South Jersey Moms Through Every Step
Discovering the Power of Placenta Encapsulation
Back in 2011, a friend and doula client asked me if I could turn her placenta into pills. This was in the early days of Facebook and lots of us hadn’t even heard of placenta pills yet— and I was like, “Girl, what are you even talking about?”
Having had my first baby in 2008 and my second in 2009, I had heard that some folks would save the placenta to plant later (not my thing), but encapsulating it? I was intrigued. I said sure, asked my midwife what I needed to do, and went ahead and processed her placenta in my kitchen. She raved about how great she felt afterward, and I was hooked.
Transitioning from Doula to Certified Placenta Specialist
As word spread, more people began requesting placenta encapsulation services. To make sure I was being safe, I went ahead and took a training course and certified as a placenta encapsulator through the International Placenta and Postpartum Association. By 2014, I attended my last birth as a doula—seven months pregnant myself and realizing that on-call work wasn't sustainable for me.
Since then, I've dedicated myself exclusively to placenta work, serving families throughout South and Central New Jersey, Philadelphia, Delaware, and beyond.
Expanding Support: Beyond the Pills
While placenta encapsulation offers numerous benefits, I noticed that some of my clients still struggled during the postpartum period. They weren’t struggling physically — it was the other stuff — the unmet expectations, the lack of sleep, worries about breastfeeding, and partners who, in spite of most t=of them “trying” who were falling short in the support zone. To better support my clients who needed more, I went ahead and pursued additional certifications:
Bringing Baby Home Educator through the Gottman Institute
Fair Play Facilitator to help balance household responsibilities
Perinatal Mental Health Specialist through Postpartum Support International
Supporting Neurodivergent Birth through Neurodivergent Birth
Supporting Neurodivergent Lactation through the Mindful Breastfeeding School
These tools allow me to provide comprehensive support tailored to each family's unique needs.
My Personal Journey: Navigating Postpartum Anxiety
My passion for this work stems from personal experience. After the traumatic loss of my first baby at 22 weeks due to premature rupture of membranes, I underwent IVF and welcomed my second baby in 2009. As grateful as I was to finally experience the joys of motherhood, I struggled hard with postpartum anxiety and rage—a condition I never expected and didn't even recognize at the time.
It lingered for years, drawn out by my perfectionist tendencies and need for control. It wasn't until I was diagnosed with both autism and ADHD at 49 that I began to understand the root of my challenges and why early motherhood was so difficult for me.
Understanding Neurodivergence and Postpartum Challenges
Learning about my neurodivergence shed light on why I, and many of my clients, face unique postpartum struggles. Traits like sensory sensitivity, anxiety, and the need to do everything “right” can intensify during this period.
Interestingly, many of my clients—without me specifically targeting them—are neurodivergent themselves. They seek support, understanding, and proactive measures to ensure a smoother postpartum experience.
The Importance of Preparation in a Village-Less Society
In today's world, the traditional "village" that once supported new moms is mostly a thing of the past. Beyond folks shouting at us to make sure we don’t forget about self-care and how much IT TAKES A VILLAGE, we’re kind of abandoned and left to figure out the Mom thing behind closed doors. We have no mentors, no one to answer the scary questions like, “Is my baby’s poop color normal? Is he getting enough milk? Why won’t she sleep anywhere but on me?” We’re typically stuck asking the internet or random strangers in Facebook groups for advice — and we all know where that usually lands.
This lack of communal support can feel super isolating and lead to feelings of overwhelm and inadequacy. At least 1 out of every 5 new moms will experience a PERINATAL mood or anxiety disorder (PMAD) and it’s not really that difficult to understand why. Our pull yourself up by your bootstraps society isn't structured to support new moms adequately. In fact, the opposite is true. It is set up to make us feel overwhelmed and inadequate. Our spiraling keeps the system working exactly as it is intended to work.
Taking Control: Empowering Yourself Through Proactive Measures
Moms choose to try placenta encapsulation not because it’s trendy (okay, some do, but they usually hire Mommy Made to do their pills for them) but because they are searching the internet for ways to support themselves postpartum — and usually one of the only things they find that doesn’t mean they have to find a therapist or attend virtual support groups is placenta pills. Placenta pills are a way to be proactive. Choosing to have your placenta encapsulated is a way to give yourself a sense of control during a time when things can very quickly and easily feel out of control. It’s a way to help yourself and support your overall well-being. While research is ongoing, the anecdotal evidence is definitely out there. Women all over the world report benefits like improved mood and energy levels, increased milk supply, less postpartum bleeding (lochia), and even no postpartum hair loss.
By choosing to take your placenta pills, you're not just preparing for postpartum—you're challenging societal norms and advocating for your own health.
Serving South Jersey Moms: Local Support You Can Trust
Based in Cherry Hill, NJ, I proudly serve families within a 90-minute radius, including (but not limited to) those giving birth at:
Virtua Hospital in Voorhees and Mt. Holly
Inspira Hospital in Mullica Hill
Jefferson Hospital in Washington Township
Pennsylvania Hospital
Capital Health in Pennington
Shore Medical in Somer’s Point
Whether you're a first-time mom or preparing for another baby after a challenging postpartum experience, I'm here to support you.
Let's Connect: Your Journey Starts Here
If you're interested in placenta encapsulation or looking for guidance and mentorship for your postpartum journey, let's talk. We will work together to create a plan tailored to your needs, desires, and values — one that helps you feel supported every step of the way.
Ready to take the next step? Contact me to learn more about placenta encapsulation and postpartum support services in South Jersey.
