Placenta encapsulation is the process of drying the placenta out before it is ground into a fine powder and sifted in capsules.  It is reported to provide many benefits post birth, including;

• Helping to balance your hormones
• Replenishing depleted iron levels
• Assists the uterus to return to its pre-pregnancy state
• Reduced postnatal bleeding
• Increased milk production
• Increased energy levels
• Makes for a happier, more enjoyable postnatal period

There are 2 forms of placenta encapsulation- the Raw Method and the Traditional Chinese Method.

Raw Method
The placenta is thoroughly cleaned before being dehydrated and ground into powder.  It is then added to vegetarian gelatin capsules (about the same size as paracetamol capsules). This process takes approximately 36-48 hours from collection of placenta to the capsules being ready for consumption.  An average yield of capsules for this method is between 160 to 200 for an average size placenta.

Traditional Chinese Method
The placenta is thoroughly cleaned before being steamed with a blend of chilli, lemon and ginger.  It is then dehydrated and ground into powder before being added to vegetarian gelatin capsules (about the same size as normal paracetamol capsules).  This process takes approximately 3 to 4 days from collection of the placenta to the capsules being ready for consumption. An average yield for this method is between 150-180 for an average placenta.

There is no evidence to suggest one form of encapsulation is more beneficial than the other.  It is purely the mothers preference.