Placenta Encapsulation: How It Works + Placenta Benefits

TL;DR: Placenta encapsulation involves processing the placenta into pills post-birth, believed by some to offer postpartum benefits. However, scientific support is limited, and the CDC warns of potential risks.

• What it is: Transforming the placenta into consumable pills.
• How it’s done: By steaming, dehydrating, and capsulizing the placenta.
• Reported benefits: Mood improvement, reduced PPD symptoms, enhanced lactation.
• Safety concerns: Risk of contamination and lack of standardization in the process.
• Alternatives: Other ways to honor the placenta, like adding it to breastmilk jewelry.

As a new or expecting mom, there are lots of decisions to be made. Birth plans, baby showers, names…the list goes on and on. And that’s all before baby even arrives!

Among the myriad decisions you face, one intriguing option you might have heard about through the grapevine—or seen buzzing on social media—is placenta encapsulation.

You’re not alone if this concept sparks both curiosity and caution. You might be wondering, what is placenta encapsulation anyway? Why are more women opting for it? And what benefits could it possibly offer?

Whether you’re looking to enhance your postpartum recovery or simply exploring all your options, you’re in the right place to learn about this fascinating aspect of postnatal care.

What is Placenta Encapsulation?

As the experts at What to Expect explain, placenta encapsulation is a fancy way to describe the process of transforming a whole placenta into pills that can be taken postpartum.

But let’s take things back a step. Your placenta is a temporary organ that forms in your uterus during pregnancy. It’s attached to your baby by the umbilical cord, providing your little one with all the oxygen and nutrients they need to develop in the womb.

The placenta is delivered during what is commonly called afterbirth. Or, in the case of a C-section, is removed by your doctor.

It’s well known that the placenta is rich in nutrients and reproductive hormones, so some people believe eating it offers health benefits. There are a few different ways to accomplish this, but placenta pills remain one of the most convenient and popular methods.

How is Placenta Encapsulation Done?

You might be surprised how straightforward is it to encapsulate a placenta. It’s essentially accomplished by steaming and dehydrating the placenta. Then, it is ground into a powder and put into capsules – similar to other vitamins you might take!

Nowadays you can find companies or experienced individuals to do this for you. There are also ways to do it yourself at home, but you might want to leave this process to the experts. After all, your placenta is an organ that needs to be handled properly.

Benefits of Placenta Encapsulation

Since the placenta is such a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals, it seems like sound logic that it would be good for you. However, the benefits of placenta pills are still largely unknown.

In 2017, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a study warning against taking placenta pills. They cited potential risks to mothers and babies and concluded there was no clinical evidence placenta encapsulation offered any health benefits.

However, there are still many people that believe the benefits of encapsulation of the placenta include:

• Improvement in Mood and Energy Levels: Some mothers who choose placenta encapsulation report improvements in their overall mood and energy levels. That’s because the placenta is rich in iron, which can help combat postpartum fatigue.
• Reduction in Postpartum Depression (PPD) Symptoms: Similarly, some anecdotal evidence suggests placenta consumption can alleviate some of the feelings of sadness and anxiety that happen postpartum. Scientific research is limited, so it’s important that if you are experiencing PPD you also reach out to a healthcare professional for help.
• Enhanced Lactation: Another commonly cited benefit of placenta encapsulation is enhanced lactation. The placenta is thought to contain prolactin, a hormone involved in milk production. Some mothers report an increase in their milk supply after taking placenta capsules. Again, this should not replace help from a lactation consultant if you are having trouble with milk supply or breastfeeding in general.

The benefits of placenta pills are widely from word of mouth. Unfortunately, there’s not much research to support these claims. Some new moms will swear by placental encapsulation, while others may feel no different.

Some people chalk this up to the placebo effect – if you expect to feel good after taking a placenta pill, you might end up feeling that way.

How and Where to Get Placenta Encapsulation Done

If you’re curious about placenta encapsulation, it’s important to find a safe provider. The CDC has warned that there is no standard for the placenta encapsulation process. This is inherently risky since the placenta is still an organ that must be handled and prepared safely.

If the placenta isn’t prepared correctly, it could become contaminated. This puts both moms and babies at risk for certain infectious pathogens.

It’s important to talk to your doctor if you’re thinking about consuming your placenta – regardless if you’re encapsulating it or going a different route. They can help you weigh the risks and potential benefits to make the best choice.

From there, it’s time to make a plan. Find a specialist who is certified in placenta encapsulation and also follows all food safety requirements. Often, doulas and midwives are connected with or know of reputable placenta encapsulation specialists. You also need to consider how your placenta will be stored and prepared so it remains safe to consume.

Make sure you’re comfortable with their methods and that all your questions are answered. Remember, while placenta encapsulation is a personal choice, safety is always a priority.

Other Ways to Celebrate and Honor Your Placenta

Placenta pills are a convenient and appealing option for many moms seeking a health boost postpartum. However, there are also other ways to celebrate this new chapter in your life and honor this connection between you and your baby.

Did you know you can add your placenta to your breastmilk jewelry? Customize any piece to add placenta, baby hair, baby name and so much more! Order your breastmilk jewelry today at KeepsakeMom.