What to Consider When Choosing to Encapsulate your Placenta

So you’re considering encapsulating your placenta and looking for a place to start? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Thanks to the Kardashians, placenta encapsulation in Charlotte, NC has become increasing popular over the years for those parents looking for additional postpartum support. While scientific research is still evolving, many birthing people report benefits such as, reduced postpartum bleeding (AKA: Lochia), increased energy levels, increased breastmilk supply, postpartum repairs, and reduced risk of postpartum depression. If you are interested in encapsulating your placenta, it’s important to ask the right questions before making your decision.

Safety and Handling Practices

This is number one for a reason. Please keep in mind, your placenta is a biological organ, so proper handling, storage, and preparation matter. A certified professional should be able to explain their process and answer all your questions with full confidence.

Most “professionals” who encapsulate placentas will most likely pick your placenta up from the hospital and transport it to their own environment, which is most likely their home. Who even knows what that’s like. I’ll be honest. I have three snotty kids, a golden retriever, and a black cat. I promise you this, you DO NOT want me handing your placenta in my kitchen.

Bottom line: Be aware of where your placenta is being encapsulated. At Uptown Doula, we only encapsulate placentas in our client’s home. First, processing your placenta in your home ensures that the placenta being encapsulated is indeed yours and not accidently swapped.

Also, it allows you to participate in what we are doing (if you want anyway. No judgment). You’re able to be a part of the process. By all means, touch your placenta (we bring extra gloves), learn about your placenta, hell….snuggle it if you want. Either way, an in-home encapsulator can make this more than just a service but more of an experience.

Training and Experience

Truth be told, placenta encapsulation is not a regulated industry, so training and experience is crucial. Keep in mind, you are hiring someone to take your bodily organ that you worked so hard to create and turn it into capsules for ingestion. With that said, don’t hesitate to ask this person for their training and qualifications.  

Group Beta Strep (GBS)

This is one consideration I’ve learned to navigate over the years. Generally placentas can not be ingested if the following occur:

• Active uterine infection during labor
• Improper handling
• Not refrigerated within 4 hours
• Not put on ice within in 4 hours of being refrigerated
• Not frozen after 4 days on ice or in the refrigerator
• Active Herpes outbreak
• Birthing person has tested positive for HIV or AIDS
• Placenta is sent to pathology for further testing
• Lotus birth

A positive Group Beta Strep (GPS) test result does not fall into this category and when processed safely, placenta encapsulation is indeed safe.

Thing is, not everyone (nurses and doctors included) are up to speed on the placenta encapsulation process so they only know what they know: bodily organ. Bacteria. Sick patient. Hospitalization. Liability.

Please know that I absolutely love and respect surgeons and labor and delivery nurses. They are awesome and I’ve learned a shit-ton from them. Also, I don’t fault them for being cautious and if this is something that causes concern for you, please trust yourself and consult with your healthcare provider.

If you do test positive for Group Beta Step, please don’t worry yourself and of course, talk to your medical team before making the final decision. Let them know how your placenta is being processed.

Placentas need to reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees to kill off bacteria. Lower temperatures can produce the risk of added bacteria, which is not a good thing.

Timing and Preparation

Placenta encapsulation requires prompt attention and preparation after birth. The earlier you book this service, the better. Clear communication ahead of time can help things feel smooth and stress free.

At Uptown Doula, placenta encapsulation in Charlotte, NC is offered exclusively in the comfort of your own home, allowing for complete transparency, safety, and peace of mind during your postpartum recovery. Serving families throughout Charlotte, NC, I bring all supplies to you and ensure your placenta never leaves your possession. My approach is rooted in education, respect, and individualized care because postpartum support should feel just as intentional as your birth experience. If you’re considering placenta encapsulation and want to work with a trusted local professional who honors your space and your season of recovery, we would love to support you. You can learn more or reach out to schedule your service through Uptown Doula.