Placenta encapsulation (PE) is a service where the placenta is processed shortly after birth, dried, and placed into consumable capsules. This practice supports the postpartum period. Successfully arranging this process requires careful planning, timely execution, and an understanding of the preparation methods. This guide details the practical steps necessary to complete the encapsulation process.
Planning Ahead: Selecting a Specialist and Establishing Protocols
The first step involves selecting a qualified specialist well before the expected delivery date. Potential providers, such as certified Placenta Encapsulation Specialists, doulas, or midwives, should be vetted for proper training. Confirm that the specialist holds relevant certifications, particularly training in food safety and OSHA bloodborne pathogens, which ensure safe handling standards are met during processing.
Once a specialist is chosen, establish a contract and fee structure, and confirm their availability around the estimated due date. The specialist typically provides guidance on the necessary supplies and procedures for the birth location. This early communication streamlines the process when the birth occurs.
A discussion with the chosen birthing location—whether a hospital, birth center, or home birth team—is also important. Hospitals require advance notice and may have specific paperwork or policies regarding the release of the placenta. Communicating the intent to take the placenta home allows the care team to prepare necessary release forms, preventing delays after delivery.
Immediate Post-Birth Handling and Hospital Logistics
The time immediately following delivery is the most logistically sensitive phase. If birthing in a hospital, a specific release form must be signed, confirming the intent to take the placenta for personal use. Some facilities may have a strict time limit, sometimes as short as two to four hours, for the placenta to be removed.
The most important step is ensuring the placenta is cooled quickly to prevent bacterial growth, treating it similarly to raw meat. It must be placed in a food-grade, leak-proof container and double-bagged, then immediately cooled within a two-to-four-hour window. Bring a cooler packed with ice packs or ice for immediate storage, as many hospitals do not permit the use of their refrigeration units for placentas.
Transport coordination must be arranged in advance, specifying who moves the placenta from the birth location to the specialist’s processing site. The cold chain must be maintained during transport, typically using a cooler with ice, to keep the temperature consistently low. If processing cannot begin within 48 to 72 hours, the placenta should be frozen to ensure its integrity.
The Encapsulation Process: Methods and Sanitation Standards
Once the specialist receives the placenta, preparation begins, adhering to strict hygiene and food safety protocols. The specialist first cleans the placenta, often by rinsing it gently, before proceeding to one of two common preparation methods.
The Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) method involves steaming the placenta, often with warming ingredients like ginger and lemon, before dehydration. This steaming step introduces warmth and is considered by some to be the method with the highest safety standard, as the heat helps eliminate surface bacteria.
The second common approach is the Raw Method, which skips steaming entirely; the placenta is sliced and dehydrated without prior heating. Proponents suggest this process preserves a higher concentration of certain enzymes and hormones. Regardless of the chosen method, the placenta is dehydrated for many hours at specific temperatures, ground into a fine powder, and then placed into capsules.
Throughout the process, strict sanitation standards must be followed to prevent cross-contamination. Specialists utilize sterile, dedicated equipment that is not shared with household food preparation. Surfaces are cleaned and sanitized multiple times, often using a two-step process involving soap and a bleach solution, and specialized bloodborne pathogen protocols are mandatory.
Post-Encapsulation Care and Storage of Capsules
The final product is typically ready within 24 to 72 hours of the specialist receiving the organ. The total quantity of capsules varies depending on the size of the placenta, but a common range is between 125 and 150 capsules. The specialist delivers the capsules in an airtight container, usually along with specific usage instructions.
Guidance for consumption involves starting with a small dosage and adjusting based on the individual’s response. Handle the capsules with clean hands and keep the container closed to minimize exposure to moisture.
For short-term use during the initial postpartum period, store the capsules in a cool, dark, and dry place, such as a medicine or spice cabinet. Long-term storage requires moving any remaining capsules to the freezer after the first six weeks to preserve their quality. To prevent condensation damage, transfer capsules intended for the freezer from the original bottle into a simple, airtight freezer bag. Stored correctly, the capsules maintain their qualities for up to two years.