The Power of Placenta Encapsulation: What You Need to Know
If you’ve heard people refer to their placenta pills as “postpartum magic,” you’re not alone. Placenta encapsulation—the process of turning the placenta into easy-to-take capsules after birth—has become increasingly popular among new parents. Many report feeling more energized, emotionally balanced, and supported during the early postpartum period.
But what exactly is placenta encapsulation, and what does the science say about its benefits? Let’s explore.
What Is Placenta Encapsulation?
After your baby is born, your placenta is gently cleaned, steamed or dehydrated, ground into powder, and placed into capsules. These are taken over the course of the postpartum period, typically in the first 6 to 12 weeks.
There are two main preparation methods:
Steamed (Traditional Chinese Medicine approach): The placenta is lightly steamed with warming herbs before dehydration.
Raw method: The placenta is dehydrated at a low temperature without steaming.
Both approaches are used widely and often chosen based on personal preference and your encapsulator’s training.
Why Do Families Choose Placenta Encapsulation?
People are drawn to placenta encapsulation for many reasons—some rooted in cultural traditions, others in the desire for natural support during recovery. While every body is different, many families report:
💛 More Energy
Many parents say placenta capsules help ease fatigue and give a gentle boost during the demanding first weeks of parenthood.
🌼 Emotional Balance
Anecdotally, people report feeling more emotionally stable and supported while taking their capsules. Some say it helps soften “the baby blues” or minimize postpartum mood swings.
💪 Iron Support
The placenta contains small amounts of iron, which can be helpful for people who experience blood loss during birth or who are prone to low iron levels.
🤱 Support for Milk Production
Some families notice an increase in milk supply after taking placenta capsules. While the research here is still developing, many lactating parents find the support helpful.
🌸 A Ritual of Wholeness
Beyond the physiological, taking placenta capsules can feel empowering. It can be a way to honor the placenta’s work, stay connected to your birth experience, and embrace your postpartum journey with intention.
What Does the Research Say?
So far, research is limited but growing. Here’s what we know:
The placenta contains hormones like oxytocin and progesterone, as well as trace minerals and iron that survive the dehydration process.
One small study showed no significant difference in mood or iron levels between placenta and placebo groups—but those taking placenta capsules still reported subjective benefits, including feeling more emotionally stable and less fatigued.
Another study found that oxytocin and estrogen were present in placenta capsules, though at modest levels. Researchers continue to study how these might influence recovery.
So while we don’t have large-scale clinical evidence yet, thousands of people report positive experiences—and your personal story matters.
What Should You Know About Safety?
As with any supplement, it’s important to choose your encapsulator carefully. Ask about:
Food-safe prep environments
Proper temperature and sanitation protocols
Bloodborne pathogen certifications
How they handle the placenta if there were complications during birth
Placenta encapsulation may not be recommended if you had an infection during birth (like GBS or chorioamnionitis), or if the placenta wasn’t stored properly.
Always talk to your midwife, OB, or doula about whether encapsulation is safe for your specific situation.
🌟 Final Thoughts
Your placenta supported your baby through their entire time in the womb. For many families, encapsulating it becomes a way to honor that work—and to receive continued nourishment during the beautiful, demanding early days of postpartum.
While science is still catching up, many parents swear by the emotional steadiness, milk supply support, and sense of groundedness that placenta encapsulation brings.
It’s not for everyone—but if it speaks to you, and you work with a trained, safety-conscious provider, it can be a meaningful and empowering part of your postpartum care.
References
Young, S.L., et al. (2017). Analysis of hormones in human placenta powder: Implications for placenta consumption. Journal of Midwifery & Women’s Health, 62(6), 726–735. https://doi.org/10.1111/jmwh.12611
Coyle, C., et al. (2015). Placenta encapsulation: A review of practice, benefits, and risks. Women and Birth, 28(2), e40–e44. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wombi.2014.11.002
CDC (2017). CDC health advisory on placenta encapsulation safety concerns. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/han00403.asp
Barker, E.A., et al. (2018). Nutritional content and hormone analysis of encapsulated placenta. Maternal and Child Nutrition, 14(4), e12568.
