Placenta Encapsulation and Gestational Diabetes
If you're pregnant and living in South Jersey, chances are you're exploring every option to support your postpartum recovery. And if you've been diagnosed with gestational diabetes (GD), you might have some extra questions and concerns on your plate—especially if you are considering placenta encapsulation as part of your postpartum plan.
But rest assured, you can still encapsulate your placenta even with a gestational diabetes diagnosis.
As a placenta encapsulation specialist serving Cherry Hill, Collingswood, Haddonfield, and the broader South Jersey area as well as Philadelphia and Central New Jersey, I’ve worked with many clients with GD who’ve had smooth, positive experiences taking placenta capsules. While there are a few nuances to be aware of, this option is very much still on the table for you.
Let’s get into what that looks like.
First — What Is Placenta Encapsulation?
Placenta encapsulation is the process of steaming, dehydrating, and grinding your placenta into a powder that is placed into capsules. These capsules are then taken postpartum as a natural supplement to support postpartum healing.
Moms choose encapsulation for a wide range of reasons:
To support mood regulation
To promote energy and recovery
To potentially boost milk supply
To feel more grounded and emotionally balanced
Though dedicated research is still emerging, many moms across South Jersey and beyond (myself included) report feeling physically and emotionally better when taking their placenta capsules.
But What If I Have Gestational Diabetes?
Gestational diabetes can raise concerns about anything you ingest postpartum—understandably so.
Here’s what you should know:
1. Most people with GD take placenta capsules without issue.
In my 13+ years of experience working with over 1500 clients from Cape May to Hackensack, I’ve encapsulated placentas for lots of mamas with gestational diabetes. None of my clients have ever experienced any disruptions in their blood sugar after starting the capsules.
2. There is no sugar added.
Placenta encapsulation does not add sugar, starch, or any additives to the process. It’s simply your own placenta, processed safely and in alignment with food-handling guidelines. That means the capsules themselves shouldn’t spike blood sugar.
3. It’s still wise to pay attention to how you feel.
While most people don’t have to change a thing, some clients choose to monitor their blood sugar a bit more closely in the first few days of taking capsules, just to be extra sure. Others simply pay attention to how they feel—and this is where your intuition becomes a powerful tool.
If something feels "off," you always have the option to take a break, reassess, and then try again later.
But Doesn’t the Placenta Contain What Caused My GD?
This is a super common concern — and a valid one. After all, your placenta was part of your body during pregnancy while you were managing gestational diabetes. It’s natural to worry that ingesting it later might bring those blood sugar issues back around.
The important thing to understand is that gestational diabetes is caused by hormonal shifts that affect how your body processes insulin — not by something specific in the placenta itself. While your placenta played a role in the hormonal picture, consuming it postpartum doesn’t reintroduce those same hormonal conditions at the same levels.
Placenta capsules are made from your own tissue, yes, but after birth your body is no longer in the same hormonal state. Most clients with GD who take placenta capsules don’t experience any spikes in blood sugar, and report feeling stable and supported — sometimes even more so — during recovery. That said, everyone’s body is different, so it's totally okay to monitor how you feel and track your levels if that brings peace of mind.
What If My Provider Says No?
Not every provider is on board with placenta encapsulation.
In fact, some OBs or midwives in South Jersey may advise against it for moms with gestational diabetes. But that recommendation often comes from a place of caution, not because of known harm.
Placenta encapsulation hasn’t been extensively studied in people with GD, so it’s not unusual for medical professionals to default to a conservative approach. But anecdotal evidence from specialists like myself, and from many parents across the country, shows that it's safe when done properly.
You absolutely should consult your provider. But also remember: this is your decision.
I always encourage my clients to:
Ask their provider what specifically they are concerned about
Ask what studies they are referencing to come to this decision (always ask for the studies, regardless of the topic)
Share that the placenta will be processed professionally and safely
Make an informed choice that aligns with their own experience and values
So What Should I Watch For?
Every postpartum body is different. Whether or not you had gestational diabetes, your hormone levels, blood sugar, energy, and sleep patterns are all shifting after birth.
Here are some signs that may indicate your capsules aren’t sitting well with your system:
Sudden spikes or drops in blood sugar
Unusual mood swings or anxiety
Digestive discomfort
Feeling "off" without a clear reason
If that happens:
Take a break from the capsules.
Let your body recalibrate for a few days to a week.
Try reintroducing the capsules slowly.
Many moms find that this simple reset helps their body adjust.
A Note About Dosage
Every specialist has a slightly different recommendation, but most suggest 2 capsules per day to start. If you have GD, you might choose to start with 1 per day and increase if you’re feeling great.
Again, there’s no right answer here—only what feels right for you.
The South Jersey Experience: What Local Moms Are Doing
Here in South Jersey, moms are blending traditional and holistic care like never before. Whether it’s in Cherry Hill, Pennsauken, or Medford, more and more birthing people are choosing placenta encapsulation as part of their postpartum plan.
And yes—that includes people with gestational diabetes.
They’re:
Working with trained local encapsulation specialists
Having open conversations with providers
Taking control of their recovery
Trusting their bodies
I’m proud to support this movement of informed, empowered postpartum choices.
Why Work with a Certified Local Encapsulation Specialist?
Not all encapsulation services are created equal. When you hire a certified placenta encapsulator in South Jersey, you get:
Safe handling in accordance with OSHA food safety protocols
Local pickup and delivery options
Quick turnaround so you can begin capsules when you need them most
Personalized guidance based on your unique needs
Working with someone who understands the nuances of GD, mental health, and postpartum realities gives you peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been diagnosed with gestational diabetes and are exploring placenta encapsulation in South Jersey, know this:
You are not excluded. You are not risky. You are not "too complicated."
You are allowed to make informed, empowered choices about your healing.
The best thing you can do is:
Trust your body
Talk openly with your provider
Work with someone who knows what they’re doing
Adjust as needed
Placenta encapsulation may be a beautiful part of your recovery story. Gestational diabetes doesn’t automatically change that.
Want to talk it through? I'm here. Let’s make sure your postpartum plan feels like yours.
Disclaimer: This blog post is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making health-related decisions.
