If you are planning to deliver at UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville, placenta encapsulation can be arranged easily as part of your postpartum care plan. I work with families throughout the Gainesville area and provide placenta pickup directly after birth, along with professional preparation and delivery of your completed capsules.
When you arrive at the hospital, simply let your care team know that you plan to keep your placenta. Most hospitals allow families to take their placenta home upon request, although a release form may be required. Bringing two gallon-sized zip-top bags and a small cooler with ice will help ensure proper storage until pickup.
After your baby arrives, a quick text, call, or email is all that is needed to arrange pickup. Placenta retrieval is typically completed within 24 hours, allowing preparation to begin promptly while maintaining proper food safety and sanitation standards.
Many families appreciate the convenience of having someone familiar with the process handle all logistics during the busy postpartum period. My goal is to provide a smooth, supportive experience so that you can focus on bonding with your baby and settling into life as a growing family.
Families delivering at UF Health Shands often choose placenta encapsulation as part of a broader postpartum wellness plan. While every family's experience is unique, many parents report feeling supported, nourished, and better equipped to navigate the early weeks after birth.
Serving Gainesville, Alachua County, and surrounding communities, I am honored to support local families through this meaningful transition.
Placenta encapsulation is a traditional postpartum practice chosen by some families as part of their recovery and nourishment plan after birth.
The postpartum period is a time of deep transition. This service is offered to support rest, grounding, and replenishment during those early days.
Many families report feeling supported in:
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Physical recovery after birth
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Energy and emotional steadiness
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Lactation and milk supply support
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Iron replenishment and nourishment
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A greater sense of grounding in postpartum
Each experience is unique, and this is always a personal choice.
What's Included
Intake & Preparation
Once your booking is confirmed, I’ll guide you through simple steps to prepare for your due date. This includes answering questions, reviewing your plan, and making sure everything is ready for a smooth transition after birth.
Safe Collection
After your baby is born, I will pick up your placenta within 24 hours of notification.
Your placenta is safely transported and handled with care using proper temperature control and sanitary storage practices from the moment of collection.
Preparation & Encapsulation
Your placenta is prepared in my home using strict sanitation practices and dedicated equipment.
You may choose between:
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Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Method
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Raw Method
After preparation, it is dehydrated, ground into powder, and placed into capsules (gelatin or vegetarian upon request).
Return & Support
Your finished capsules are returned to your home within 72–96 hours after pickup.
You will also receive:
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A sealed, labeled container
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Your cord keepsake and placenta print
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Simple guidance for postpartum use and storage
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Direct support if you have any questions during your postpartum period.
A placenta tincture is made by preserving a small portion of the placenta in alcohol and allowing it to slowly infuse over time.
Some families choose this for:
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Long-term postpartum support
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Emotional or hormonal transitions
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Future cycles such as menstruation or menopause
This is a gentle, long-lasting way to preserve the essence of your placenta beyond the immediate postpartum period.
I also offer birth and postpartum support for families who want guidance, presence, and steady care throughout pregnancy, labor, and the early postpartum period.
This may include:
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Birth education and preparation
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Emotional and physical labor support
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Advocacy and reassurance during birth
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Postpartum check-ins and support
If you’re interested in this type of care, please reach out so we can talk about what support would feel best for you.
A Note From Vanessa
"Every birth and postpartum experience is different.
My intention is to offer care that is calm, respectful, and rooted in trust, supporting you in a way that feels aligned with your body, your choices, and your journey."