🌸 Placenta Encapsulation, Tinctures & Salves: My Journey as a Retired Military Spouse
When I gave birth to my daughter at Walter Reed, I knew I wanted to explore holistic postpartum support. As a retired military spouse, I’ve learned to research every option thoroughly—especially when it comes to healing after a high-risk cesarean. This time, I chose to try placenta encapsulation, along with a tincture and salve. Here’s what I learned and what I’d recommend to other families navigating similar choices.
💼 What’s Included in the Package?
We paid $475 for the encapsulation service, which included:
🚗 Transportation of the placenta from the hospital to the encapsulation facility.
💊 Encapsulation of the placenta into capsules for postpartum use.
The placenta must be transferred within two hours after birth, stored in a cooler. We brought both a personal cooler and a disposable one, and our doula handled the transport, which made the process seamless and kept the ecosystem tight—fewer hands, more trust.
➕ Add-Ons We Considered
🌿 Placenta Tincture: $30
Typically used later in life, such as during menopause, with 1–2 drops recommended per use.🧴 Placenta Salve: $45
Mixed with coconut oil or shea butter, this salve is meant to help with stretch marks and C-section scars.
✅ What Worked (and What Didn’t)
Initially, I didn’t think I’d need the tincture or salve. But after having a vertical C-section—which differs from the more common horizontal incision—I realized my healing process would be more complex than expected.
Ultimately, we decided the salve wasn’t a fit for us and returned to using pure shea butter for scar care. It was simple, effective, and familiar.
🔍 What I’d Recommend
📚 Research all types of encapsulation: There are different methods (raw, steamed, etc.), and not all are created equal.
🤝 Ask your doula: If they can handle the transport and coordination, it simplifies everything.
🧠 Know your body and birth plan: I didn’t expect a vertical incision, and it changed my postpartum needs significantly.
🌀 Be flexible: What you plan for might not be what you need. And that’s okay.
🪖 TRICARE-Covered Doula Services
Did you know TRICARE now covers certified labor doulas as part of maternity care? This includes support during labor and delivery, and in some cases, postpartum services. If you're a military family, this can be a game-changer.
👉 Learn more about TRICARE-covered doula services
💬 Final Thoughts
Placenta encapsulation isn’t for everyone, but it can be a powerful tool in your postpartum toolkit. As a military family, we often face unique challenges—high-risk births, relocations, and limited local support. Exploring holistic options like this can offer comfort and healing in unexpected ways.
If you’re considering encapsulation, tinctures, or salves, I encourage you to talk to your doula, ask questions, and trust your instincts. Your journey is your own—and every choice you make is valid.