Encapsulation is the practice of preparing the placenta for consumption. There are many reasons one might choose to get their placenta encapsulated. Some choose it because of the reports that it helps with the hormonal crash during the postpartum period. Others choose it for the reports of it helping to recover depleted vitamins and nutrients. Some will choose it as a way to honor thier sacred organ.

The placenta has a long history of being honored for its life giving properties in many different tradtions around the world. 

Encapsulation dates back centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a method to nurture and heal the birthing person's body. Thought to aid in the balancing of Qi within the body, restoring the postpartum body to its pre-pregnancy state. As I am not a TCM practioner, nor am I Chinese, I impliment an interpretation of the traditional practice and honor the original methods. 

When I encapsulate, I include a beautiful ink pressed print of your placenta as a keep sake. Then dehydrate and encapsulize your placenta along with warming, nurishing herbs to aid in the postpartum recovery process. I also give the option to prepare a tincture that you can use and keep for years to come. 

The Raw Method:

In this method the raw placents is cut up and directly placed into the dehydrator for about 18-24 hours or until fully dehydrated. From there it is immediately powdered and placed into capsules for consumption. 

These placentas tend to be more potent and can cause side effects in some people, such as jitters, anxiety and an inablility to sit still. I don not recommend this method if you have already been diagnosed with depression, anxiety or other mental health struggles, or if you have experienced postpartum mood disorders before. 

The Steam Methhod (Traditional Chinese Method):

The steam (TCM) method involves combining lemon, cayenne and ginger to the placenta and steaming before dehydrating and encapsulating.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine:

• Lemon is used to uplift the spirit, support liver detoxification, activate digestion, and aids in immunity.
• Ginger is used to warm the body, target the spleen, lungs and stomach, restore circulation and stimulate digestion. It is also said to be a messenger herb helping transport other herbs to their destinations.
• Cayenne is used to stimulate blood flow, dispel cold, and promote the flow of Qi through the body.

This method is great for anyone choosing encapsulation but especially those who are prone to anxiety. 

Research found that placentas contain 14 minerals and elements.

Hormones/Vitamins:

• B6, B12, E, A, C, D
• Progesterone
• Prolactin
• Estrogen
• Iron
• Stem Cells
• Allopregnanolone
• Oxytocin
• Human Placental Lactogen (hPL)
• Corticotropin- Releasing Hormone
• Seretonin
• Thyroid- releasing hormone
• Thyroxine
• Placenta Opioid- Enhancing Factor (POEF)

Of these, the heavy metals (such as arsenic, lead and mercury) were below the toxic thresholds and the beneficial elements were at levels significant enough to provide a modest microdose.

One of the most significant finds was that of Allopregnanolone: The only FDA approved active ingredient for treatment of Postpartum depression at levels significant enough to cross the blood-brain barrier and have a psychological effect. This is huge. When clients report placenta encapsulation warded off baby blues for them- this is likely the hormone behind that.

Thanks to the UNLV studies and Jena University, they were able to identify that placentophagy contains nutrients that can aid the postpartum body recovering from birth events. 

Anecdotally, which is where most research comes from, postpartum people report benefits such as increased milk production, improved bleeding and stronger maternal bonds.

All of this to say:

While the research is minimal, it does provide evidence that placenta encapsulation does more than placebo! The placenta includes vitamins and minerals that could aid in postpartum recovery. For many, encapsulation helps to prevent the hormone crash that happens within the first few days postpartum and can improve energy levels, milk production, postpartum healing and promote stronger maternal bonds. 

You can check out one of the research here:

Human placenta processed for encapsulation contains modest concentrations of 14 trace minerals and elements - PubMed

A Placenta Art Print with colors of your choosing!

Umbilical Cord Keepsake

Placenta Capsules (between 80-200 capsules depends on size of placenta but the average is around 150 capsules)

Placenta Tincture and Salve

Cost: $60

This can be added onto my birth doula services or offered as a solo service if you don't plan to encapsulate. In these cases I would bring all the supplies needed to the hospital and do the art prints in front of you. This includes up to 3 prints, using colors of your choosing, using dyes and pressed onto watercolor paper so you have a beautiful print of your placenta to keep forever!

I will be offering free placenta prints to those who book doula services with me before the end of 2026!