How to Properly and Safely Store Your Placenta After Birth
If you’ve decided to honor your postpartum journey with placenta encapsulation or another form of placenta preservation, one of the most important steps is proper storage and handling. The way your placenta is cared for immediately after birth can impact the safety and quality of the final product — and your overall postpartum experience.
As a doula and placenta specialist, I ensure this process is simple, safe, and stress-free for every family. Here’s what you need to know about storing your placenta properly until it’s ready for encapsulation or pickup.
🕊️ Why Safe Placenta Storage Matters
Your placenta is an incredible organ — rich in nutrients, hormones, and life-giving energy. But like any fresh biological tissue, it must be handled carefully to prevent bacterial growth and maintain its integrity.
Proper storage helps:
Preserve the placenta’s natural nutrients and properties
Prevent contamination or spoilage
Ensure the safest encapsulation process possible
When handled correctly from the start, your placenta can be transformed into capsules, tinctures, or keepsakes that truly support your postpartum healing.
🧊 Step-by-Step Guide: How to Store Your Placenta Safely
1. Let your birth team know ahead of time
Before your baby’s arrival, tell your doula, nurse, or midwife that you plan to keep your placenta. This ensures everyone knows to handle it respectfully and avoid disposal.
You can include this note in your birth plan:
“Please save my placenta after birth for encapsulation. Place it in a clean container or double-bag it, label it clearly, and store it on ice or in a refrigerator until pickup.”
2. Use the right container
Ask your doula or hospital staff to place your placenta in a clean, leakproof, food-grade container or a double ziplock bag. Make sure it’s clearly labeled with your name and the date.
Avoid open containers or anything not meant for food storage — safety and sanitation are key.
3. Keep it cool
If your placenta cannot be processed immediately, keep it cold as soon as possible.
Within 1 hour of birth: Place it in a cooler with ice packs or refrigerate it.
If pickup is within 24 hours: Keep it refrigerated (not frozen).
If it will be longer than 24 hours: Freeze it solid in a deep freezer.
Tip: Avoid direct contact between the placenta and ice — keep it sealed in bags or a container to prevent water contamination.
4. Plan for pickup or transport
If I’m your doula or encapsulation specialist, I’ll provide detailed instructions and arrange timely pickup (usually within 24 hours of birth).
For hospital births, let staff know I’ll be collecting it so they can store it appropriately until I arrive. For home or birth center births, we’ll plan the best time and place to safely transfer it.
5. Handle it with care
Always use clean hands when handling the placenta or container. Avoid opening the bag or tampering with it before your specialist arrives — this helps maintain the sterile environment needed for safe processing.
💗 A Simple Reminder
Even though placenta storage may sound clinical, it’s really about honoring your body and your birth. The care you give to your placenta reflects the care you’re giving yourself during this sacred transition into parenthood.
My goal as a doula is to make every part of this process — from birth to encapsulation — smooth, safe, and deeply respectful of your experience.
✨ Ready to Book Placenta Encapsulation or Learn More?
If you’re curious about placenta encapsulation or want personalized guidance on placenta storage, I’m here to help.
🌸 Contact me today to learn more about my placenta services and how I can help you honor your postpartum recovery safely and naturally.
