Placenta Encapsulation Frequently Asked Questions

About Placenta Encapsulation

  • Placenta encapsulation is the process of preparing your placenta after birth so you can take it in capsule form during your postpartum recovery. After your baby is born, the placenta is rinsed, gently steamed, cut into thin strips, dehydrated, and ground into a fine powder that is placed into capsules. Those capsules are then returned to you to use in the weeks and months after birth.

    It’s a simple, practical way to use an organ your body made specifically to sustain and regulate you during pregnancy — instead of letting it be thrown away as medical waste.

  • Placenta encapsulation supports your body as it makes one of the biggest physiological transitions it will ever experience: pregnancy to postpartum.

    Your placenta contains:

    • Hormones that drop suddenly after birth

    • Iron and minerals that support blood volume and healing

    • Nutrients that help with energy and recovery

    By taking your placenta in capsule form, you are giving your body back some of what it just lost, which can help smooth out that hormonal crash and support a steadier recovery.

    Many parents report benefits like:

    • More stable mood

    • Better energy

    • Improved milk supply

    • Faster physical recovery

  • Because postpartum is intense — physically, hormonally, and emotionally — and modern society does almost nothing to support that transition.

    Your body spent nine months building an organ designed to regulate hormones, deliver nutrients, and sustain life. After birth, that organ is suddenly gone, and your hormones drop sharply. That shift is one of the biggest contributors to postpartum mood changes, exhaustion, and emotional overwhelm.

    People choose placenta encapsulation because it’s a way to:

    • Support hormone balance

    • Replenish nutrients

    • Feel more emotionally grounded

    • Recover more smoothly

    • Honor their postpartum body

    It’s not magic. It’s nature. And it’s about giving your body back something it made for you.

  • Your placenta is handled with medical-grade sanitation, temperature control, and dehydration standards designed to reduce bacterial risk and ensure safe consumption. This is why professional encapsulation matters. DIY methods or untrained providers can be unsafe.

    I also screen for certain medical situations and make sure each placenta is safe for consumption. Your safety always comes first.

    Placenta encapsulation is not a medication or a medical treatment — it’s a postpartum support tool. When prepared properly, it is safe.

  • Reports of benefits are based on anecdotal evidence from individual experiences and are not yet backed by specific scientific studies.

    You can check out my reviews on Google to see what my specific clients have to say, or visit my Research & Articles page for more info.

  • While there aren’t any major studies specifically on placenta pills yet, there is plenty of research that, when viewed through a natural and common-sense lens, supports the idea that placenta pills can offer benefits for postpartum moms.

    If you’re curious, check out my Research and Articles page to learn more.

Hospital Release (New Jersey, Philly, Delaware)

  • Yes. Your placenta is yours as much as your baby is and no one but you has the legal right to take ownership of it.

  • No — your placenta is not technically medical waste. In New Jersey, the placenta is classified as anatomical human tissue — not waste.

  • Yes. In all 50 states, your placenta is considered part of your body and is legally yours. You can do whatever you want with it.

  • Nope. It’s yours.

  • Nope. Just let the hospital know when you arrive that you plan to keep your placenta. They’ll ask you to sign a placenta release form.

  • You should:

    • Add your placenta wishes to your birth plan.

    • When you arrive at the hospital, let them know you’ll be keeping your placenta. They’ll have you sign a release form, and then you’re all set.

    • I suggest you remind the labor & delivery nurses when you are admitted and at every shift change.

  • Hospital staff in our area are usually familiar with placenta release for encapsulation. If they aren’t sure:

    • Stay calm and explain that you own your placenta and want it released to you.

    • Ask to speak with patient relations or a nurse manager.

    • Offer to sign any necessary paperwork and provide proper packaging (like a cooler with ice).
      Most staff will help once they understand your rights and have the proper release documentation.

  • All hospitals in South Jersey and surrounding areas allow placenta release for personal use (including encapsulation).

    Common hospitals where clients have successfully retrieved their placentas include:

    • Virtua Voorhees

    • Virtua Memorial Mount Holly

    • Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes (Camden)

    • Inspira Medical Center Mullica Hill

    • Atlanticare Regional Medical Center (Galloway)

    • Jefferson Washington Township

    • Cooper University Hospital (Camden)
      …among others in South Jersey and the Philadelphia area.

    Policies may vary slightly by facility, so it’s best to call ahead and check with the hospital’s Labor & Delivery or Patient Relations team. (Or ask your placenta specialist.)

  • It’s very rare that a placenta can’t be safely processed. Most of the time, hospitals release your placenta without issue, and I work closely with many local hospitals and birth centers to make the process smooth.

    If a medical reason or hospital policy prevents your placenta from being released, I offer refunds minus a deposit that covers booking and preparation costs. Parent-related issues like storage mistakes typically aren’t refundable.

    Want the full details on safety, refunds, and local hospital policies? Click here to read more

  • Short answer: yes.

    Placenta pills are safe. There is no evidence anywhere that anyone has gotten sick or worse from taking placenta pills. If anyone tells you otherwise, they are flat-out wrong and haven’t done their due diligence.

    The risks of taking placenta pills are about the same as when you eat out in a restaurant — you’re trusting that the person preparing what you’re about to eat has taken all precautions to keep you healthy and safe.

    As a professional placenta encapsulator, your safety is my top priority. I hold both a food handler’s card and a certificate with OSHA for bloodborne pathogens. I follow all recommendations carefully. Every time.

Specific Situations

  • Yep!

  • Yep!

  • Yep!

  • Yep!

  • Yep!

Medical Conditions & Safety

  • Short answer: Yes, you likely can.

    Many people with gestational diabetes (GD) have taken placenta capsules without any issues. While every body is different, most find that the capsules do not impact blood sugar levels. Some choose to monitor their levels a bit more closely at first, just in case, but very few ever report needing to adjust their dosage.

    If you do notice a shift in how you feel or in your blood sugar readings, it’s safe to take a break from the capsules, allow your body to reset, and try again later.

    It’s important to note that while some doctors may discourage placenta encapsulation for GD, that’s often due to limited research or caution—not because of known harm. Always consult your provider, but remember: the final decision is yours.

    Disclaimer: This is not medical advice. Just information based on experience and research. Always do what feels right for you.

  • Yes, even if you test positive for GBS, your placenta is safe for consumption. That goes for if you have COVID, if your baby poops in the womb (meconium), if you have a low grade fever, etc. There are very few instances when the placenta would be unsafe for consumption.

    Read more about placenta encapsulation and GBS here.

  • Short answer: Yes, in most cases.

    Many clients who experienced preeclampsia during pregnancy have safely taken placenta capsules postpartum without any complications. Preeclampsia affects the pregnancy, but once the placenta is delivered and encapsulated properly, it’s typically safe for consumption.

    The placenta is thoroughly steamed and dehydrated during the encapsulation process, which minimizes any remaining risks. That said, as with any postpartum remedy, it’s always good to pay attention to how you feel and communicate with your provider.

    Some providers may raise concerns, often out of caution rather than evidence-based risks—because there’s still limited formal research on placenta encapsulation and preeclampsia. But in practice, most people who've had preeclampsia report no negative effects.

    Disclaimer: This is not medical advice. It’s based on experience and anecdotal evidence. Always consult with your healthcare provider and trust your instincts.

  • Yes. Chronic or pregnancy-related high blood pressure does not prevent placenta encapsulation.

  • Yes — and this is actually one of the most common reasons people choose placenta encapsulation. The placenta contains iron, which may support recovery after blood loss.

  • Yes. Antibiotics (including those given for GBS) do not prevent encapsulation.

  • Yes. Labor medications such as Pitocin, epidurals, IV pain medication, or cervical ripeners do not disqualify your placenta.

  • In many cases, yes — and this is another situation where people often want their placenta for recovery support. We may ask a few additional safety questions before proceeding.

  • Usually, yes. A NICU stay does not automatically mean your placenta can’t be encapsulated. We’ll review your situation to ensure there were no infections or medical reasons the placenta cannot be released.

  • No. I cannot encapsulate a placenta that has been sent to pathology.

    If testing is needed, your provider can take a small piece of your placenta, and the rest can still be released and encapsulated once we receive the results.

  • If you have HIV/AIDS, or are a heavy smoker or use illegal drugs, then you should not take placenta pills.

    There are very few situations in which is would not be advised to consume your placenta. Ask your placenta specialist if you’re unsure.

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Placenta Handling, Storage & Pickup

  • When you work with me, you’ll receive a placenta transport kit with packing instructions. Everything you need to pack up your placenta is included.

    Your care providers can help you with this. You do not need to handle your placenta.

  • After you give birth, your providers will help you pack the placenta and get it into the cooler you’ll bring with you to the hospital.

    When you work with me, you’ll receive a placenta transport kit that includes everything you need to store your placenta safely until I pick it up.

  • Some placenta encapsulators allow for more wiggle room here, but I ask that if you plan to keep your placenta and consume it, you should keep it on ice or in a refrigerator, and then transfer it to a freezer within 3 days.

  • As long as you continue to replenish the ice and your cooler is closed completely, your placenta is safe on ice.

  • While I recommend getting your placenta on ice ASAP, our placenta will not reach room temperature for at least a couple of hours. It’s important to get it on ice or in a fridge as soon as possible.

  • Yes. You can keep your placenta in the freezer forever if you want. If you plan to consume it, I recommend storing in a deep freezer after 6 months. I do recommend taking your pills within the first days and weeks postpartum, but they can still be beneficial down the line.

  • Yes, pickup from your home or birth place is included with your encapsulation.

    If you’re within 45 minutes of my workspace, there is no additional fee for pickup. If you are further than that, a $25 travel fee per every 15 minutes applies.

  • I service Central and South Jersey, the Jersey Shore. Philadelphia, and most of Delaware. I will travel up to 90 minutes for a placenta pickup.

    However, if you are further out and have friends or family willing to assist with transport, we can make it work.

  • You have a couple of options.

    1. You can ask a friend or family member to meet me within my service area with your placenta.

    2. I can help you find someone local.

    *I will only process local placentas. There are companies who will have you ship your placenta to them, but for a variety of reasons, I think this is a bad idea. Shop local! And you’ll get your pills back in your body before you know the hormones have left.

Encapsulation Process

  • When you book me for placenta encapsulation, I'll send you a transport kit that comes with everything you need to store your placenta safely until I can pick it up from your birthing location.

    Once you've reserved my services, you'll receive a detailed checklist to help you prepare and know what to expect.

  • I steam all placentas, unless specifically asked to prepare raw.

    Sometimes the energy of a placenta is intense, and many clients report feeling jittery or anxious when consuming raw placenta.

    I prefer to err on the side of caution.

  • I process all placentas using the “warm” method, meaning your placenta is gently steamed before dehydration.

  • The way I do it, encapsulation is a 2-day process.

    On day one, I prepare the placenta by rinsing, gently steaming, slicing, and dehydrating.

    I grind the dried placenta strips into a fine powder on day two, and then place the powder into capsules.

  • My goal is always to return your capsules ASAP, so you can get those hormones back in you before your body knows they’ve left.

    I typically have your pills back to you, or on their way to you if I’m shipping back, the day after I pickup your placenta.

    I communicate every step of teh way so you know what to expect.

  • When I receive your placenta, I store it in my dedicated placenta fridge until I'm ready to begin processing.

    I first rinse your placenta with cold water, to remove any clots or vernix that may be present. If there’s meconium, I remove the membranes and rinse with rice vinegar for added safety.

    Then, I steam the placenta gently for 5-10 minutes, depending on its size.

    Next, I slice it thinly and place it on dehydrator trays. It dehydrates overnight, and in the morning, I grind it into a fine powder and encapsulate it into your capsules.

    Finally, I store your capsules in a container and prepare them for delivery back to you.

  • As someone who loves our planet and wants to minimize waste, I take special care to make sure that everything I use in the placenta encapsulation process is safe and as eco-friendly as possible. I wear latex-free, powder-free gloves and store your placenta in food-safe bags with dust-free silica packets that meet FDA food safety standards.

    I use a stainless steel food dehydrator with temperature control, lined with unbleached parchment paper. To grind the dried placenta, I use a Magic Bullet that comes apart easily for cleaning, and I fill capsules using a special machine. I also use disposable kitchen shears and a scouring sponge to make sure everything is clean and hygienic.

    In addition, I have a compact refrigerator and freezer, as well as antibacterial soap, recycled paper towels, disposable pads, face masks, safety goggles, hair nets, scrubs, and disposable aprons. I even use 8.25% Sodium hypochlorite (which is above the 5.25% minimum required by OSHA) to make sure everything is extra clean and safe.

  • I only process one placenta at a time, and I have a placenta-specific fridge in my workspace. Every placenta that goes in the fridge is labeled.

Capsules & Usage

  • The average size placenta will yield about 130 capsules. That said, I’ve had clients receive close to 300 capsules, and others receive as few as 80. It all depends on the size of your baby, as a placenta is about 1/6 of your baby’s weight.

  • You can store them in your freezer for up to two years. If stored properly, they won't ever "go bad", but like most herbal supplements, their potency may decrease over time. It's best to use all of your capsules before your baby's second birthday.

  • I recommend starting with two pills three times a day for the first week after giving birth. Then, you can switch to taking two capsules twice a day for the following week, and then two capsules a day until you start feeling like your old self again.

  • In order to maximize the benefits of your placenta for postpartum healing, begin taking them as soon as you receive them.

  • The evidence on whether placenta pills increase milk supply is mixed and largely anecdotal. Some mothers, including many of my clients, report improved milk supply after taking placenta pills. This could be due to the potential presence of hormones like oxytocin and prolactin or the nutritional support they might provide during postpartum recovery.

    Read more here.

  • You can share with any female in your maternal family line.

Nutrients & Benefits

  • Placenta capsules contain many of the same nutrients that supported your baby’s growth during pregnancy — which is why so many people choose to use them for postpartum recovery.

    These typically include:

    • Iron – helps support energy levels and replenish blood loss after birth

    • Vitamin B6 & B12 – important for mood regulation, nervous system support, and energy

    • Amino acids – the building blocks of protein, supporting tissue repair and healing

    • Hormones & hormone precursors – including small amounts of estrogen and progesterone that may help with the hormonal drop after birth

    • Trace minerals – such as selenium, zinc, and copper, which support immune function and healing

    Because placenta is a whole-food, bio-individual tissue, the exact nutrient profile varies from person to person. Capsules are not a synthetic supplement — they are made from your own placenta, gently prepared and dehydrated.

  • The "baby blues" is a common postpartum symptom where new moms experience feelings of sadness, anxiety, and are highly emotional after giving birth. These symptoms can progress to postpartum depression (PPD) or postpartum anxiety (PPA) if not addressed. Research shows that PPD/PPA symptoms are linked to a deficiency in vital nutrients like iron, vitamin B6, and the stress-reducing hormone CRH, all of which are found in high concentrations in your placenta. Taking placenta pills can potentially help prevent these symptoms by providing new moms with the essential nutrients and hormones they need after childbirth. However, it's essential to note that placenta pills are not a substitute for medical treatment or a magic solution to postpartum issues. It's crucial to take a holistic approach to postpartum care, and if you experience anxiety or depression symptoms, reach out for professional help.

Booking & Timing

  • Booking early is always a great idea so that you can cross one more thing off your list as your due date approaches, and it also gives me plenty of time to get your placenta transport kit to you.

    However, even if you don't book in advance, don't worry - as long as you still have your placenta and it has been stored safely, it's never too late to book my services.

  • Babies don’t care about due dates — so neither do I.

    Forty weeks is just the average of what’s considered “normal.” Anywhere from 38–42 weeks is considered at term. Some babies show up a little early, some take their sweet time, and all of it is perfectly normal.

    If your baby comes before or after your due date, I’m on call and ready.

  • I’ll provide specifics after you book, but you’ll just shoot me a text when your placenta is ready for pickup.

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About The Placenta Girl

  • This is all I do. I’m not a doula juggling births on the side — placenta encapsulation is my full-time work, which means I’m available when you need me.

    I work out of a dedicated, professional workspace (not my kitchen), and I’ve been doing this long enough that other encapsulators come to me when they have questions.

    I also include on-call coaching, so you’re never left trying to figure things out on your own during those early postpartum days.

Refunds

  • I’ve been doing this since 2012, and I can count on one hand the number of times a placenta was truly unfit for encapsulation.

    If, in fact, your placenta is deemed unfit for consumption due to reasons outside your control, I will refund your payments, minus the $50 deposit.

    Without a documented medical reason for cancellation, here are your options:

    1. 25% refund of your total paid

    2. Full credit minus the $50 non-refundable deposit. The credit is transferable and never expires.

    3. Choose placenta keepsakes instead.