Accessible Placenta Encapsulation for South Jersey Moms: The Green Bottle Method
As a social studies teacher turned birth worker, I started out with zero business skills — and honestly, no desire to run a business. For the first decade, placenta encapsulation was just a side hustle, a way to help make ends meet while living on my then-husband’s second-year teacher salary. We cut corners wherever we could, and somehow, we made it work.
But in 2020, I found myself divorced and in the middle of a pandemic, and I knew I had to figure something out. I loved processing placentas, yes, but more importantly, I loved helping moms have an empowered and enjoyable postpartum experience.
As a homeschooling mom struggling with anxiety, going back into the classroom was not an option — I wanted to be mentally healthy and present for my kids. So I set forth on a new adventure and began to learn some new skills.
I tried the “traditional” route: I signed up for courses, hired coaches, and spent a lot of money I didn’t have chasing the idea that you have to “invest in yourself and your business to succeed.” I ended up taking the long way to land back where I started.
The truth is, I am by no means a “Boss Babe.” I’m not a businesswoman. I am not a capitalist. I’m an educator and a care worker. I have a shitty money mindset (working on it) and I absolutely loathe having to charge for my services. But the reality is, we live under capitalism, and because of that, I need to “earn” a living. I tried charging what I’m “worth,” building courses and coaching programs, and quickly realized… gross. That’s not me.
I just want to make placenta pills, support myself and my kids, and have a little extra for the fun stuff. I want peace. I want time with my kids before they’re grown and gone.
That said, charging for this work has always given me the ick. And it’s made worse by the fact that, online, placenta encapsulators are often called “scammers” or accused of overcharging for something “simple.” This is laughable and I can tell you for sure that nobody (aside from a rare exception, but I won’t name names) is getting rich from encapsulating placentas.
This is labor-intensive, skilled, high-responsibility work — and I want to show you what goes into it and why I’ve chosen a Pay-What-You-Can model that’s rooted in community care and sustainability.
What Goes Into Each Placenta I Process
Encapsulation is not a quick or easy task — it’s sacred, detailed work that requires focus, sanitation, and emotional presence. Here’s what’s involved:
Processing: A two-day process from start to finish. Day one: rinse, steam, slice, and dehydrate overnight. Day two: grind, encapsulate, label, and package for return.
Pick-up & Drop-off: Coordinating timing around birth, maintaining chain of custody, and occasionally hiring a trusted courier when schedules overlap.
Supplies & Utilities: Transport kits, capsules, gloves, cleaning products, PPE, water, gas, electricity — all restocked and sanitized regularly.
Business Expenses: Shipping, materials, business apps, taxes, marketing, continuing education, and licensing to keep this a legitimate, safe service.
I could technically process 30 placentas per month if I worked every day, but that risks errors and burnout — which I won’t do. I average about 12 per month, comfortably processing up to 20 when needed. Even at full price, this is modest work for a single mom running a small home-based business, and it allows me to provide safe, high-quality care to every client.
But it’s work I care deeply about, and I want to make sure it stays both accessible and sustainable — for me and for the families I serve.
The Green Bottle Method
I’ve adopted the Green Bottle Method for pricing — a community-based approach that recognizes our financial realities aren’t all the same. Instead of a single flat rate, I now offer four categories, all receiving the same care but reflecting different levels of financial access and contribution.
The Green Bottle Method is about mutual trust: consider what you can give, what you need, and how to sustain community care. No proof of income is required.
My Pay-What-You-Can Model
Sustainable — $350
The rate that sustains my business and reflects the true cost of care. If you have stable income, financial security, or access to resources, please choose this rate. Paying at this level helps make care accessible to others.
Supported — $250
For families who can meet their basic needs but need some flexibility. Covers essential costs while keeping services accessible.
Community — $200
For families stretching to meet their needs. Access care at a reduced rate, sustained by community contributions.
Care — $150
For marginalized families or those experiencing financial hardship. Processing only (no pickup or delivery). Drop off and pick up in Cherry Hill. Ensures access to care while keeping services sustainable.
Placenta encapsulation is intimate, emotional work. It requires time, focus, and love. And I believe every family deserves the benefits it can bring without feeling financial strain or guilt.
At the same time, the full-price tier exists so this work remains viable long-term. When you pay full price or more, you’re directly supporting someone else’s access. That’s how we create care that’s reciprocal, not extractive.
Choosing Your Tier
When booking, choose the tier that feels right for your situation. Ask yourself:
What can I comfortably contribute?
Do I have access to resources others may not?
Would paying a higher tier help sustain this work for others?
Whatever you choose, you’ll receive the same care, respect, and quality service.
Sustainability & Boundaries
Limiting encapsulations per month ensures I stay present, precise, and rested enough to provide safe, careful care. This model allows me to honor my capacity while holding space for yours.
In Short
Pay-What-You-Can reflects my commitment to accessibility, sustainability, and community care. It’s an act of resistance against the idea that postpartum support should only be for those who can pay premium prices.
Regardless of tier, you’re part of a movement to make postpartum care more equitable.
