How Much Does Placenta Encapsulation Cost?

Last Updated on March 23, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Placenta encapsulation involves processing the placenta after you give birth, into pill form for the new mother to take. This practice has grown in popularity recently, with advocates citing the benefits of placenta like increased energy, improved lactation, and balancing of postpartum hormones. However, placenta encapsulation does come at a cost. Here is an overview of the placenta encapsulation cost.

How Much Does Placenta Encapsulation Cost?

The cost of placenta encapsulation is anywhere between $130 and $400 or more depending on the type of placenta encapsulation you’re going for, where you’re getting the capsules made, the supplemental options you get, and so on.

Basic Encapsulation – $130-$200

This budget package usually includes the encapsulation itself using your choice of raw or steamed processing. It also incorporates a keepsake like print art or jewelry, plus written dosage guidance. Pick-up and drop-off coordination is not included in the basic price.

Premier Encapsulation – $225-$240

A premier package offers all the basics –encapsulation, keepsake, instructions– plus handy extras like at-home placenta retrieval and a storage cooler where you keep the placenta pills you encapsulate. Some facilities let you supply your own cooler for a small discount. Larger geographical service regions may charge slightly more as well.

Financial Assistance Packages – $150-$170

Reputable placenta encapsulators realize this option doesn’t comfortably fit all budgets. Upon approval, lowered rates help offset costs for new mothers facing financial difficulties. Transportation accommodations can be added on an as-needed basis too.

Pricing the supplemental options separately instead of bundled packages also provides flexibility:

• Encapsulation Only: $130-$150
• Smoothie Cubes Only: $175
• At-Home Pick-Up/Delivery: $20-$60

Placenta encapsulation price summary

Breakdown of Common Placenta Encapsulation Packages and Costs

For example, The Womb Room offers placenta encapsulation for $399, with an additional $25 driving fee for travel required over 30 miles from the zip code 21030, plus $1 for every mile over 30 miles. The package includes Includes in-home preparation and encapsulation of the placenta, a storage container for capsules, written instructions for storage and handling + guidelines for taking your capsules placenta print with color, and postpartum broth and keepsake.

Midwest Placenta Encapsulation offers a basic encapsulation service for $350, an umbilical cord keepsake for $35, a placenta tree of life print for $35, and a placenta tincture for $35 for the first tincture and $20 for each additional tincture.

Hill Country Placentas offers encapsulation services ranging from $130 to $240, depending on the package chosen. The Premier Encapsulation Package is priced at $240, while the Financial Hardship Encapsulation Package is offered at $150.

Stafford Placenta provides a pampered postpartum encapsulation package for $325, which includes a cooler kit, placenta encapsulation, choice of preparation method, and pickup/delivery.

The Womb Wellness Center offers a basic placenta encapsulation package for $225, which includes placenta capsules, umbilical cord keepsake, and postpartum support and resources during recovery. They also offer a premium package for $275, which includes everything in the basic package plus a 2oz. placenta tincture.

What is Placenta Encapsulation

Placenta encapsulation involves converting the placenta postpartum into pill form that is ingested daily. After being cleaned, the specialist prepares the organ through either a raw or steamed technique. It is then dehydrated, ground to a powder, and placed into capsules.

Some also offer smoothie cubes or keepsakes using small portions. Encapsulators provide instructions once the preparation and packaging is complete.

There are two main preparation methods:

Steamed Method:

• The placenta is steamed as part of the cleaning
• The heating process follows traditional Chinese medicine
• Destroys bacteria

Raw Method:

• No steam or heating process
• Some prefer to preserve nutrients
• It can be too strong for some

In addition to pills, some offer placenta smoothie cubes or keepsakes. Once completed, the encapsulation specialist provides instructions on how to take the pills.

Important Note on Placenta Pill Safety

When considering placenta encapsulation, thoroughly vet any provider on proper certification, equipment sterilization, and experience. This is not an area to cut costs.

Factors Affecting Placenta Encapsulation Costs

Like most customized services, several key factors contribute to pricing:

• Encapsulator’s Experience Level: More training may increase fees
• Geographic Service Region: Travel costs affect rural pricing
• Processing Method Chosen: Raw preparation takes more meticulous care
• Individual Facility Expenses: Equipment, operating costs play a role

While enticing deals pop up now and then, caution is warranted when costs seem questionably low. Properly handled placenta encapsulation relies on sterile conditions and specialized training. Confirm certifications and protocol before committing.

Additional Costs Related to Placenta Encapsulation Services

While the encapsulation itself makes up the bulk of total fees, supporting services can also add expenses. Consider the following when budgeting your decision:

Shipping Fees

For at-home births or distant hospitals, overnight transport of the placenta comes with extra costs for special handling. These shipping rates vary significantly but often range from $50-$150 based on factors like weight.

You might also like our articles about cord blood banking and placenta costs.

Supplemental Capsules

Depending on the timing of conception, new mothers sometimes opt to pay for additional capsules beyond their first encapsulation. Standard rates apply to these supplemental requests. Some facilities do offer tiered loyalty pricing.

Bloodwork

Certain practitioners may recommend getting bloodwork during the postpartum period to assess hormone levels before and while dosing placenta capsules. These typical lab fees can reach up to $100 or more without insurance.

Is Placenta Encapsulation Covered By Insurance?

One of the most common pricing questions new moms have is whether any portion of placenta encapsulation is covered by health insurance.

Unfortunately, standard policies usually classify this as an elective and non-medically necessary procedure. Much like alternative therapies, encapsulation currently falls predominantly into the self-pay category.

However, a few scenarios may allow partial reimbursement:

• Certain flexible spending accounts (FSAs) or health savings accounts (HSAs) let users designate funds for alternative postpartum treatments. You can contribute pre-tax dollars this way.
• In rare cases, arguing a clinical need for hormone regulation results in insurance covering encapsulation. However extensive appeals are often required against rejections for coverage.
• If a doctor or midwife formally recommends placenta encapsulation to treat a diagnosed condition like perinatal mood disorder, form letters could assist in making that case to insurance companies.

Ways to Reduce Placenta Encapsulation Costs

While rarely classified as a budget-friendly service due to the complex preparation, some tactics could potentially decrease total encapsulation costs:

• Explore group discount programs your hospital, doula group, or new mom message boards arrange with partner encapsulators
• Ask about loyalty pricing after referring other moms or for repeat customers
• Use financial assistance programs or scholarships offered by many placenta specialists
• Get quotes from several providers to compare rates in your metro area

Does Placenta Encapsulation Fit Your Postpartum Care Plans?

Like any major healthcare choice, assess your specific needs and comfort level before pursuing placenta encapsulation. Have open conversations with providers on safety procedures. Compare pricing packages at a few facilities. And integrate this complementary remedy into a wider self-care regimen tailored your postpartum journey.