What is Placenta Encapsulation?
Placenta encapsulation is a time-honored postpartum practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, used for centuries to support hormonal balance, mental wellness, lactation, and recovery after birth.
Placenta encapsulation is the practice of processing a birthing parent's placenta after childbirth and transforming it into capsules for consumption. Rooted in traditional medicine practices across many cultures, this age-old ritual is based on the belief that the placenta contains a rich concentration of hormones, vitamins, and minerals — including iron and progesterone — that support the body's recovery after birth.
At The Womb Room, our experienced specialists offer placenta encapsulation services at your home or at your hospital — bringing knowledgeable, compassionate care to you wherever you are. For placenta encapsulation in Maryland and DC, you're in expert hands.
Benefits may include:
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Iron Replenishment
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Hormonal Support
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Milk Production
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Improved Mood
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Overall Wellbeing
While formal scientific research is still emerging, placenta encapsulation has been practiced for centuries across cultures worldwide, and many postpartum parents report meaningful benefits.
The Process
Our encapsulation process takes approximately four hours over two days. The placenta is gently steamed, dried, powdered, and placed into 80–140 capsules — depending on placenta size — in vegetarian gel caps.
Hospital birth? You'll work with your birth team to ensure your placenta is placed on ice, stored safely, and transferred to your home refrigerator as soon as possible after delivery.
Home birth? Your placenta never leaves your home. In either case, your encapsulation specialist comes to you — bringing all necessary equipment, thoroughly sanitizing the workspace, and leaving your kitchen exactly as they found it.
You'll receive detailed instructions on dosage and storage, and your specialist will follow up with you one week after delivery.
What's Included — $399
Full-service placenta encapsulation includes everything you need for a seamless, supported experience:
Placenta Capsules — 80–140 capsules in vegetarian gel caps, ready to use
Placenta Guide — printed dosage and storage instructions to take the guesswork out of your routine
Placenta Prints — two stunning 11" x 14" prints created using the placenta, umbilical cord, and blood — a truly one-of-a-kind keepsake
Umbilical Keepsake — your baby's umbilical cord, dried and presented in a keepsake bag
Postpartum Broth — the nutrient-rich broth from the steaming process, offering benefits similar to the capsules themselves
Service Area & Booking
We offer placenta encapsulation in Maryland and DC, serving Baltimore and surrounding areas including Silver Spring and Rockville. A $25 travel fee applies for the first 30 miles from zip code 21030, plus $1 per additional mile.
To ensure we can be there for you, we ask that bookings be made at least two weeks before your due date.
Book your service or contact us with any questions — we'd love to support you!
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Book Placenta Encapsulation:
Placenta Prints
Included with every Placenta Encapsulation Service!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Placenta Encapsulation?
Placenta Encapsulation (known as human maternal placentophagy) involves processing the placenta, a vital organ shared by mother and baby during pregnancy, into consumable capsules.
This practice, rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, is said to help balance postpartum hormonal imbalances, support mental health, alleviate fatigue, and aid lactation issues after giving birth, all through stem cells.
How is the Placenta Encapsulation Process Performed?
The process spans two days and approximately four hours total. Following birth, the placenta is steamed, dried, powdered, and encapsulated, resulting in 80-140 capsules based on the placenta's size.
For hospital births, a Certified Placenta Encapsulator works with the hospital to safely retrieve and process your placenta tissue. For home births, your placenta never leaves your residence.
How Much Does Placenta Encapsulation Cost?
$399 is the full cost of the service. A $25 driving fee is added for 30 miles of driving, from zip code 21030, + $1 for each mile thereafter.
How soon after birth will the process take place?
Once the service is reserved, it is crucial that you contact your Encapsulation Specialist as soon as possible once you're in labor and again after the birth of your baby. This provides us with adequate time to prepare. The placenta must be put on ice, and encapsulated within 72 hours (or put in the freezer to extend that time).
What Happens if my Placenta is unable to be encapsulated?
There are situations when it is not recommended for a placenta to be consumed - like in the case of an infection. If for any reason you cancel your encapsulation service, you are eligible for a 85% refund (15% is retained for admin fees).
Where does encapsulation take place?
It is up to you and your partner or support team to put your placenta on ice and transport to your home, where our Encapsulator will schedule to arrive to begin the encapsulation process. Unfortunately we do not perform these services in the hospital or at our studio.
How Do I Schedule Placenta Encapsulation Services?
To book Placenta Encapsulation services, you can scroll back up to the section for scheduling support!
How Do I Contact The Womb Room for Questions About Placenta Encapsulation?
For inquiries related to Placenta Encapsulation, you can email The Womb Room at Education@WombRoom.Mom.
Remember, The Womb Room in Maryland is eager to support you during your postpartum journey with professional and compassionate care.