Placenta Encapsulation 101

Placenta encapsulation is a process where the placenta is transformed into capsules that can be taken during the postpartum chapter. This process is centuries old and has become more popular over the past few decades. The placenta is full of nutrients & hormones and has many reported benefits (see below).

This process is available for both vaginal and cesarean births, and at all birth locations (home, birth center, hospital). 

Benefits
  • Decrease the risk of postpartum depression or "baby blues"
  • Replenish depleted iron levels from birth
  • Stabilizes hormones
  • Increase milk production and supply
  • Replenishes energy and B vitamins​​
Recent Studies
While there are many anecdotal testimonies to the benefits of placenta encapsulation, it's helpful to keep an eye on what the research says. In 2016, two studies showed us that placenta capsules contain ~1/4 the daily recommendation for iron with other minerals detected as well in trace levels. The studies also showed that there are 15 hormones present in placenta capsules, with progesterone and estradiol present in levels that could lead to physiological effects. A very small study in 2017 looked at iron and hemoglobin levels, with a bigger study linked to this to be released soon. We are waiting for a larger, randomized trial to finish to learn about the potential effects on postpartum depression. (Source: Evidence Based Birth)

👉 Read below for our process, steps towards safety, packages + pricing, etc.

Placenta Service Options

Capsules

Capsules are unflavored, clear and size 00 (~23mm in length). Colored or flavored capsules are available.

Cord Keepsake

The umbilical cord can be dehydrated into a keepsake, with the shape depending on length.

Placenta Print

Edible food coloring is used to create a print of your placenta. You get to choose the color(s)!

Chocolates

This choice offers a dozen truffles using fine placenta powder. Options include milk & dark.

Salve

A salve is an herbal tonic for the skin, extending the healing nature of your placenta to external ailments.

Tincture​

A tincture has an infinite shelf life and can be utilized after capsules have been used up.

Check out our gallery of placenta art...

Client Feedback

"I just had my second baby, with my first I suffered from terrible postpartum depression. I recently started taking the capsules and I feel very motivated, I feel less fatigued even after being up half the night with the baby. My mood has been much better, before I started the capsules I could definitely feel some severe baby blues/postpartum depression starting. I feel as if the capsules are helping fight that off. Allison is wonderful and I definitely recommend her and her amazing services!"
​~Anna
Read more testimonials below!
"If anyone is teetering on placental encapsulation, DO IT! Allison came to my home to pick up my placenta Thanksgiving day and dropped off my capsules 24 hrs later, again at my home. She texted pictures of the entire process and made a beautiful customized artwork of my placenta. I cried what felt like hourly after delivery and my milk supply was slow to come in. 3 days after taking the capsules, I stopped crying and my milk came in no problem! Even now 6 weeks postpartum, I notice the blues and crying come back only on days I've forgotten to take a capsule. I've also stopped needing to supplement with formula and have had no issues with my milk supply."
~Erin​
"​I also received placenta services from her and the products came out amazing! I can't wait to hang the beautiful placenta print that was made."
~Chelsea

FAQs

How many capsules can I anticipate? What's in the capsules?
The average placenta yields enough dried powder to produce 100-120 capsules. Capsules simply consist of dried placenta powder with no additional herbs, spices, etc. 

Depending on additional products you may request (eg. chocolates, tincture, salve), the quantity may vary to accommodate the creation of your other products. 
What does the timeframe look like?
You will receive detailed instructions about what to expect upon hiring, but the main things to know are:
  1. Your designated placenta specialist will be waiting for your call to pick up the placenta.​
  2. Processing the placenta will take anywhere from 48-72 hours, though more often it's 24 hours.
  3. Your product(s) will be delivered to you in person (or may be sent by priority mail if arranged).
  4. 'Dosage' and instructions will be provided upon delivery.
When is it too late to hire a placenta encapsulation specialist?
Securing your spot on our calendar earlier rather than later is ideal. However, it's still possible for you to work with our team last minute. As long as your placenta was placed in a fridge or freezer within 2-4 hours of birth, it can still be encapsulated. To maximize your decision-making timeframe, putting your placenta in the freezer can ensure that encapsulation can be done even after several months of freezing.
What if I'm GBS (Group B Strep) positive?
It is safe to encapsulate and consume when someone is GBS positive! The Center for Disease Control states that GBS is sensitive to moist heat at 131 ºF for 30 minutes and susceptible to dry heat at temperatures of 160 ºF for at least an hour. Our protocol for every placenta, regardless of GBS status, exceed these guidelines. The specialist will steam the placenta first and then dehydrate (i.e. dry heat) the placenta in strips at 160 ºF for at least 8 hours, though it usually is done for longer. When these standards are adhered to, there should not be any harmful bacteria (including GBS) present in the finished product.
What is 'dosing' like?
We give dosing guidelines as a starting point, though it is very individualized as all placentas are different in their potency and how they affect your body can vary.

​In general, we see most people consume 2-3 capsules 2-3x/day in the first week (front loading the capsules is a common approach), with 2 capsules 2x/day the second week and then 1 capsule per day onward. Some people we work with like taking the capsules in the morning or afternoon for the energy support and avoid taking the capsules in the evening as they don't want to be too alert at night. Others prioritize consuming in the evening to support their overnight energy lulls. 
What if I have a cesarean birth? Or an induction?
Placenta encapsulation is still possible with a cesarean birth and with an induction! 

The placenta is okay at room temperature for up to four hours, then it needs to be on ice or refrigerated. Any medications used during either a cesarean birth or induction do not create cause for concern for consumption. 
When is it NOT safe to encapsulate?
We advise against placenta consumption in the following cases:
  • Improper storage of placenta postpartum
  • Fever or infection during labor/birth
  • Chorioamnionitis
  • HIV/AIDS
  • PUPPS
  • Active STD outbreak during vaginal birth
  • Heavy, heavy meconium staining (mild to moderate meconium present can be processed with additional cleaning steps, though a heavy meconium presence may be advised against)
  • Placentas sent to pathology (you can advocate for only a piece of the placenta to be sent; avoiding contamination and proper storage is not guaranteed and consumption is not likely safe for a placenta returning from pathology)
What if I am expecting twins/multiples?
If your multiples are sharing a placenta, we process as usual. If your littles have their own placentas, we process them and store the capsules separately to ensure easier monitoring of how the placenta is affecting your body. 
Do you apply any travel fees?
There is no travel fee when our closest available specialist is located within 45 miles from your birth place/pickup location!

If the birth place is within 45 miles from the closest specialist's home, the specialist will pick up the placenta from the place of birth/storage at no extra charge and return to client upon completion, unless other arrangements are made with the birthing family.

*If the pick up or drop off location is outside of that 45-mile radius, the placenta may be dropped off or picked up at no charge by the client or a designated person, -OR- the specialist will drop off and pick up in a reasonably drivable range for an additional fee of $25. Completed products may be picked up, dropped off or shipped priority once finalized.

We also offer a Placenta Collection Kit to provide placenta services nationwide!
(Read more below)

The Process & Safety
The process includes: cleaning, steaming, dehydrating, grinding and encapsulating the placenta into ingestible capsules. Using this Gentle (TCM) Traditional Chinese Medicine method, the capsules hold the placenta powder and nothing else (no herbs or oils). 

The safety of you and your baby is a major priority. Holistic Birth & Beyond's founder, Allison Morgan, is fully trained and has met the following criteria:
  • completed placenta encapsulation course training & certified
  • certified OSHA training in Bloodborne Pathogens by Biologix Solutions
  • follows universal precautions and standard sanitization before and after encapsulation
  • uses proper PPE and storage guidelines
  • only one placenta is worked on at a time to maximize safety and reassurance

Packages

All packages include local pickup at your birth place and either drop-off to your birth place/home or shipment back to you. To make other arrangements, please contact us here for options.


​There is a $75 non-refundable retainer fee to book this service. The remainder is due at the time of placenta pickup. Additional fees are possible if in-home processing or extended travel radius is requested. 


Have a unique request in mind?
Don't hesitate to ask!
--> ​We've gotten quite creative with customizing a placenta print according to the color and themes requested, along with other treats or flavored capsules to disguise the placenta powder. Options for keepsakes and consumption exist! 

Our Placenta Collection Kit explained:
To ensure safe collection & shipping for our clients across the country, this kit includes detailed collection instructions, a cooler, ice packs, and shipping box with shipping label directing to HBB. The fee for this is $100.

​More feedback from previous clients...

"I can’t say enough good things about this company. I birthed my daughter and placenta around 6:30/7 and reached out to let Allison know. She was at Portsmouth Hospital with in the hour to pick up my placenta. She had such a good turn around time . Everything was mailed to me by the time I got home. She reached out with pictures from the whole process of the encapsulation and tincture making. And I LOVE LOVE my placenta print beyond words. I highly recommend getting your placenta encapsulated. Worth every penny to help with postpartum depression. I would highly recommend using Holistic Birth & Beyond. I know I definitely will be if there’s a baby #2."
~Beth
"Allison has been responsive and supportive from my first interaction. As I was having a hard time deciding on placenta print colors, Allison offered to pick them for me, and surprise me. I was so grateful for this small, but big gesture. Upon having my placenta picked up at the hospital, Allison was turned away because they needed to keep it until I was also discharged. I felt terrible, but Allison was calm, cool and came to get it the day of discharge. Totally free of any anxiety, I have been taking 3 capsules 2x a day and I have WAY more energy and feel way better than I did after having my first son. I feel like my mood is 100x better. I'm breastfeeding, and my supply is so good that I have pumped over 20oz to freeze. The other thing that I've noticed is my bleeding is MUCH less this time around since starting the capsules! I'm so thankful!! Thank you!"
​~Chelsea
"Allison was so amazing, kind, and very professional. She made sure to introduce herself to my fiancé and I while she did her pick-up. She also came right to our home and delivered our wonderful purchase. She then went out of her way a couple day's later to check in on me and ask how I was feeling and doing. She was so wonderful and I highly recommend her."
​~Brooke
"Great experience and super super easy to work with! Couldn’t recommend anyone better! Super accommodating and nice. Would 100% use again."
​~Nathan
"I would recommend to anyone! The placenta package was even better than expected! I am so thankful for Allison for offering such a valuable service!"
~Amanda

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