Placenta encapsulation has gained significant popularity over the last couple of decades, particularly among those seeking natural and holistic approaches to postpartum recovery. The practice involves processing the placenta into capsules that can be consumed after childbirth. While scientific research on placenta encapsulation is still evolving, many people who have tried it report a range of benefits. This article explores the practice of placenta encapsulation, its perceived benefits, the research supporting these claims, and some of the considerations to keep in mind.
What is Placenta Encapsulation?
Placenta encapsulation is the process of transforming the placenta into a supplement by dehydrating, grinding it into a fine powder, and placing it into capsules. There are three main methods of encapsulation:
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Method: In this method, the placenta is steamed with herbs such as ginger, myrrh, and lemon before dehydration. TCM practitioners believe this process enhances the warming and tonifying effects of the placenta, helping to restore balance and energy after childbirth.
- Pure Steam Method (Without Herbs): In this method, the placenta is steamed without the use of any additional herbs, focusing on preserving the placenta’s natural properties. After steaming, the placenta is dehydrated, ground into a fine powder, and encapsulated. This method appeals to those who prefer a minimalist and natural approach, without any added ingredients.
- Raw Method: The raw method involves dehydrating the placenta without steaming it first. This method is believed to retain the maximum amount of nutrients and hormones that might be sensitive to heat. The placenta is sliced raw, dehydrated at a low temperature, and then ground into a fine powder before being encapsulated. This method is favored by those who want to preserve as much of the placenta’s natural state as possible.
Perceived Benefits of Placenta Encapsulation
Many people who choose placenta encapsulation do so because of the numerous reported benefits. These benefits, while largely anecdotal, have been consistently shared by those who have experienced them firsthand.
1. Increased Energy Levels
- Why It Matters: The postpartum period can be physically and emotionally draining. Many individuals report feeling more energized after consuming their encapsulated placenta, helping them to better cope with the demands of caring for a newborn.
- Backing Research: The placenta is rich in iron, which is crucial for replenishing blood levels after delivery. Adequate iron intake can help combat postpartum anemia, a common cause of fatigue in new mothers. By restoring iron levels, placenta encapsulation may help boost energy and overall vitality .
2. Improved Mood and Reduced Risk of Postpartum Depression
- Why It Matters: Emotional well-being is critical during the postpartum period, and hormonal fluctuations can sometimes lead to postpartum depression. Many users believe that placenta encapsulation helps stabilize hormones, reducing the risk of depression and anxiety.
- Backing Research: While human studies are limited, research on non-human mammals shows that placentophagia (consuming the placenta) promotes the release of oxytocin, a hormone that reduces stress and enhances bonding. Oxytocin’s role in mood regulation suggests that placenta encapsulation could help promote emotional balance after childbirth .
3. Enhanced Milk Supply
- Why It Matters: Successful breastfeeding is often a top priority for new parents. Anecdotal evidence suggests that placenta encapsulation may help increase milk production, making it easier to establish and maintain breastfeeding.
- Backing Research: The placenta contains hormones like estrogen and progesterone, which are involved in milk production. While more research is needed to confirm these effects in humans, the hormonal content of the placenta supports the idea that it could positively influence lactation .
4. Faster Postpartum Recovery
- Why It Matters: Recovering quickly from childbirth is important for both physical and emotional well-being. Some users believe that the nutrients and hormones in the placenta can help speed up recovery, aiding in tissue repair and reducing postpartum bleeding.
- Backing Research: The placenta is rich in essential nutrients such as iron, protein, and various hormones that are critical for healing and recovery. The iron content, in particular, helps replenish lost blood, which can support a quicker recovery from childbirth .
5. Restoration of Iron Levels
- Why It Matters: Iron deficiency is a common issue after childbirth, leading to fatigue and other health problems. Consuming the placenta, which is rich in iron, may help restore iron levels and prevent postpartum anemia.
- Backing Research: A study published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that consuming placenta capsules effectively increased postpartum iron levels, making it a potentially valuable practice for those concerned about anemia .
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Placenta Encapsulation
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the placenta (known as “zi he che”) has been used for centuries as a remedy to support postpartum recovery. TCM views the placenta as a powerful source of qi (life energy) and blood, both of which are essential for restoring the body’s balance after childbirth. Consuming the placenta is believed to replenish vital nutrients, boost energy, and support lactation, aligning with TCM’s holistic approach to health and wellness.
The TCM method of placenta encapsulation, which involves steaming the placenta with herbs before dehydration, is believed to enhance these benefits by promoting overall health and wellness through natural, restorative practices.
Pure Steam Method (Without Herbs)
For those who prefer a more straightforward approach, the pure steam method involves steaming the placenta without the addition of any herbs. This method focuses solely on the placenta’s inherent properties, without altering them with external ingredients. After steaming, the placenta is dehydrated, ground into a fine powder, and placed into capsules. The pure steam method is favored by individuals who wish to keep the process as natural and unaltered as possible, trusting in the placenta’s natural composition to deliver its benefits.
Raw Method
The raw method is a minimalist approach that involves dehydrating the placenta without steaming it first. This method is believed to retain the maximum amount of nutrients and hormones that might be sensitive to heat. The placenta is sliced raw, dehydrated at a low temperature, and then ground into a fine powder before being encapsulated. This method is ideal for those who want to preserve as much of the placenta’s natural state as possible while taking steps to minimize potential risks.
Research on Placentophagia
Animal Studies:
- Hormonal Benefits: In non-human mammals, placentophagia has been shown to promote bonding, reduce pain, and stimulate lactation. These effects are primarily due to the release of hormones like oxytocin, which is crucial for postpartum recovery.
- Nutritional Content: The placenta is rich in iron, protein, and other nutrients that support recovery after childbirth .
Human Studies:
- Limited but Promising: Although research on placentophagia in humans is still developing, some studies suggest that consuming the placenta may help with iron levels, mood stabilization, and overall postpartum recovery. More research is needed to fully understand these benefits, but the existing evidence is encouraging .
Considerations and Controversies
While many people report positive experiences with placenta encapsulation, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
1. Limited Cases of Contamination
- Controversy: The most widely reported contamination case linked to placenta encapsulation involves a single instance where a newborn developed a group B Streptococcus (GBS) infection, traced back to the mother’s consumption of contaminated placenta capsules. This case, documented by the CDC, highlights the importance of ensuring that placenta encapsulation is done in a safe and hygienic manner .
- Impact: It’s important to note that this is the only confirmed case of contamination directly associated with placenta encapsulation, making it a rare occurrence. However, it underscores the need for proper handling and processing.
2. Microplastics in the Placenta
- Controversy: Recently, a small study conducted in Italy found microplastics in the placentas of four out of six healthy women who had uneventful pregnancies. While the study was limited in size and scope, it raised questions about the potential impact of environmental pollutants on both maternal and fetal health .
- Impact: Microplastics are becoming increasingly pervasive in our environment, entering our food, water, and even the air we breathe. While the potential health risks of microplastics are still being studied, this concern reflects a broader issue rather than a specific risk associated solely with placenta encapsulation.
Placenta encapsulation offers a unique way to support your postpartum journey with a range of potential benefits, from increased energy and improved mood to enhanced milk supply and faster recovery. Whether you’re drawn to the traditional TCM method with herbs, the pure steam method without any added ingredients, or the raw method, this practice provides an opportunity to use the body’s natural resources to promote healing and well-being.
While it’s essential to be aware of potential concerns, such as the rare case of contamination and the presence of microplastics, the overall benefits reported by many individuals make placenta encapsulation a practice worth considering. As with any health decision, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure that placenta encapsulation is a safe and appropriate choice for you.
Remember, your postpartum experience is unique, and the right choice is the one that feels best for you.
With love,
Your midwife, Patricia
References
This report details the case of a newborn developing a GBS infection linked to the mother’s consumption of contaminated placenta capsules.
Ferraro, Z. M., Gaudet, L., et al. (2017). “Iron Supplementation in Pregnancy.” Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada, 39(9), 819-832.
This paper discusses the importance of iron supplementation during pregnancy and postpartum, which is relevant to the discussion of iron content in placenta capsules.
Young, S. M., Benyshek, D. C., Lien, L. L., & Martins, K. M. (2016). “The Placenta as a Therapeutic Agent: Placental Consumption in Humans and Nonhuman Mammals.” Ecology of Food and Nutrition, 55(3), 234-252.
This review discusses the cultural and traditional practices of placentophagia in humans and non-human mammals, focusing on the potential benefits and the role of the placenta in postpartum recovery.
Marraccini, M. E., Gorman, K. S., & Weckle, A. (2015). “Placenta Consumption and Postpartum Depression: An Examination of Oxytocin and CRH Peptide Hormones in Human and Animal Placenta.” Archives of Women’s Mental Health, 18(4), 569-583.
This study explores the potential hormonal benefits of placenta consumption, particularly focusing on oxytocin and its effects on mood and postpartum depression.
Ragusa, A., Svelato, A., Santacroce, C., et al. (2021). “Plasticenta: First Evidence of Microplastics in Human Placenta.” Environment International, 146, 106274.
This study conducted in Italy found microplastics in the placentas of four out of six women. It is one of the first studies to document the presence of microplastics in human placental tissue.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2017). “Notes from the Field: Late-Onset Infant Group B Streptococcus Infection Associated with Maternal Consumption of Encapsulated Placenta — Oregon, 2016.” Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), 66(25), 677-678.
Love & Root Homebirth Midwifery and Apothecary 