How Many Placenta Pills Will I Get?
If you’re thinking about placenta encapsulation, chances are one of the first things on your mind is: How many pills will I get? The answer depends on a few factors, but no matter the number, you’ll have enough capsules to carry you through the most critical postpartum period.
Placenta Size = Capsule Count
The number of capsules you’ll receive comes down to the size of your placenta, which usually correlates to the size of your baby. A bigger than average baby will come with a bigger-than-average placenta. Smaller baby—smaller placenta.
On average:
Moms with average-sized babies (6–8 lbs) receive about 140 capsules.
Moms with larger babies (think 9+ lbs) can sometimes get 200+ capsules.
Moms with preemies or smaller babies may end up with closer to 80–100 capsules.
How Long Do the Capsules Last?
Your body experiences a massive hormonal shift after birth. When the placenta detaches from the uterine wall, your hormone supply basically gets cut off. and you “quit, cold turkey.” Your hypothalamus is responsible for hormone regulation in our non-pregnant bodies and it doesn’t get the message to get back to work for a good 3-4 weeks postpartum.
Your placenta capsules help you wean yourself off the hormones naturally, instead of going cold turkey, which can help you avoid that hormonal crash that occurs after giving birth.
Here’s the standard dosage recommendation:
Week 1: 2 capsules, 3 times a day.
Week 2: 2 capsules, 2 times a day.
Week 3 (and beyond): 2 capsules once daily until they’re gone.
If you want to save some for later, you can freeze your remaining capsules after the initial postpartum period. But don’t stress—if you choose me to encapsulate your placenta, your package includes a placenta tincture that lasts forever. You’ll have access to the benefits of your placenta hormones for years— even into menopause.
Why Is the Placenta So Special?
Your placenta is an incredible organ. It’s your body’s only temporary organ, created to support your baby and you during pregnancy. This “tree of life” is the ultimate multitasker, as it delivers nutrients and oxygen to your baby while filtering out waste and producing critical pregnancy hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and hCG.
After birth, encapsulated placenta pills provide nutrients like iron and protein to support your recovery. Moms who encapsulate often report:
More energy.
A more stable mood during the “baby blues” phase.
A faster recovery.
Increased milk supply.
Reduced postpartum hair loss.
And so much more!
The science is still catching up, but the benefits so many moms experience make placenta encapsulation worth considering.
What Happens If You Don’t Encapsulate?
If you don’t encapsulate, your placenta will typically be treated as medical waste. After examining it to make sure it’s intact, hospitals usually dispose of it along with other biological materials.
That said, some parents choose alternative options:
Pathological examination if there were complications during pregnancy or birth.
Donation for medical research or therapeutic use.
Cultural or personal rituals like burying the placenta under a tree as a symbol of life and growth.
If you want to keep your placenta, be sure to let your care provider know in advance.
Placenta Encapsulation: Bridging the Gap
Think of placenta encapsulation as a bridge. It helps you transition from pregnancy, when your body produces a flood of hormones, to postpartum, when your body needs time to regulate itself again.
Without that bridge, some moms experience mood swings, exhaustion, and other challenges that come with a sudden hormonal drop. Placenta capsules provide a gradual, supportive way to adjust—making the postpartum period just a little bit easier.
Let’s Talk About Postpartum Anxiety (PPA)
Postpartum anxiety (PPA) affects up to 20% of moms, yet it’s rarely talked about. Many moms assume they’re just stressed or sleep-deprived, but PPA is its own beast.
Some signs of PPA include:
Racing thoughts or constant worry.
Trouble sleeping, even when your baby is peacefully snoozing.
Intense feelings of anger or rage, often out of nowhere.
Physical symptoms like nausea or a rapid heartbeat.
Certain factors increase your risk for PPA, including:
A history of anxiety or mental health struggles.
Traumatic birth experiences or pregnancy loss.
Lack of sleep or physical recovery support.
Neurodivergence (e.g., ADHD or autism).
The good news is that PPA is manageable with the right tools, support, and preparation. Curious about your risk? Take my free risk assessment here.
Placenta Encapsulation in South Jersey and Beyond
If you’re in South Jersey, Central Jersey, Philadelphia, or Delaware, I’ve got you covered. I’ve been providing safe, professional placenta encapsulation services since 2012 and have processed over 1,500 placentas. My workspace is dedicated specifically to placenta encapsulation and I’m triple certified to ensure the highest standards of care.
Placenta encapsulation can help you feel supported, energized, and ready to take on postpartum like the incredible human you are.
Ready to learn more or book your service? Contact me here!
