# 101: The Forgotten Vitamin: Exploring the Benefits of Placenta Encapsulation - with Adwapa Asenso

Clara O'Rourke
1 day ago
5 min read

We’re exploring a topic that often sparks curiosity (and sometimes a little skepticism): placenta encapsulation. Our guest, Adwapa Asensio—doula, mother, and founder of DouDouKare—joins Clara to unpack the science, culture, and spirit behind this centuries-old practice. Adwapa describes birth as both sacred and messy, and her journey into placenta encapsulation grew from a deep desire to honor the body’s innate wisdom.

Together, we discuss:

What placenta encapsulation actually is (and how it’s done)
Reported benefits like mood balance, energy support, and milk production
The cultural and historical roots of placenta use around the world
Safety considerations, hygiene standards, and when encapsulation isn’t recommended
How to find a reputable encapsulation specialist and what questions to ask

Listen to the episode now:

In this episode of the Mindful Womb Podcast, we explored a fascinating and often misunderstood topic: placenta encapsulation. While it may sound unusual at first, this practice has deep cultural roots and growing interest among parents.

Our guest for this conversation was Adwapa Asenso, a doula, mother, owner of DouDouKare, and passionate birth advocate who describes birth as both sacred and messy at the same time. After her own experiences with pregnancy and loss, Adwapa felt called to support families not only in the delivery room but especially in the often-overlooked postpartum period. Her journey into placenta encapsulation grew from a deep curiosity about how our bodies are naturally designed to care for us before, during, and after birth.

Together, we unpacked what placenta encapsulation is, the potential benefits, safety considerations, and why this practice continues to resonate with families across cultures.

What Is Placenta Encapsulation?

Placenta encapsulation is the process of preparing the placenta after birth so that it can be ingested later, most commonly in capsule form. The steps, completed by a trained professional, typically include:

Cleaning the placenta thoroughly.
Steaming or dehydrating it (some specialists skip steaming, while others include herbs).
Grinding the dried placenta into a fine powder.
Encapsulating the powder into easy-to-take capsules.

For families who prefer other methods, the placenta can also be blended into smoothies, added into broths, or made into tinctures for long-term use.

Instead of being discarded as hospital waste, the placenta is transformed into a personal supplement—what some birth workers call a “forgotten vitamin.”

Why Do People Ingest Their Placenta?

Families choose placenta encapsulation for a variety of reasons, often based on traditional wisdom, anecdotal reports, and lived experience. The most commonly shared benefits include:

Increased energy during the early postpartum weeks.
Mood support and more emotional stability.
Improved milk supply for some birthing parents.
Iron replenishment potentially reduces fatigue.
Support in reducing postpartum bleeding, a benefit rooted in cultural traditions where raw placenta is consumed immediately after birth to prevent hemorrhage.

Evidence Based Birth® has a helpful article that gives an overview of the research on the topic. It’s worth noting that while scientific research is limited, thousands of birthing parents report positive experiences. Much like other traditional practices, lived experience has often preceded scientific validation.

Cultural and Historical Context

Placenta use is not new—it has been practiced for centuries across cultures. In rural villages in Asia and Africa, small pieces of placenta are sometimes consumed right after birth to help control bleeding. Many mammals instinctively eat their placentas after giving birth, pointing to possible evolutionary benefits.

In fact, some families continue traditions quietly across generations. One guest shared that her elderly aunt in Guyana had kept her placenta preserved in alcohol tincture for decades, using it for support well into her 80s.

Safety Considerations

As with any practice involving food or medicine, safety is key. Important points to know:

Storage matters: Treat the placenta like raw meat—refrigerate or put it on ice right away after birth. Leaving it at room temperature risks bacterial growth.
Not always recommended: If there was an infection during labor or certain medical complications, encapsulation may not be safe.
Professional handling: Always work with a trained specialist who follows strict sanitation guidelines and has a designated, sterile workspace.
Processing methods: Some encapsulators steam the placenta with herbs, while others prefer a pure preparation. Ask what method your provider uses.

Choosing a Placenta Encapsulation Specialist

If you’re considering encapsulation, here are a few things to look for:

Clean, designated workspace – No pets, children, or food preparation nearby.
Proper training – Ask about their certification and safety protocols.
Clear communication – They should explain how they transport, store, and process your placenta.
Transparency about methods – Whether they use herbs, steaming, or pure dehydration.

Costs typically range between $250–$500 (sometimes up to $600) depending on the provider and location. Most families receive their capsules within a few days, sometimes as quickly as 24 hours.

Common Misconceptions

Like many birth-related practices, placenta encapsulation is surrounded by myths:

“It’s gross or weird.” Truthfully, it may feel unusual at first, but so can eating raw meat or sushi until you understand its purpose. Capsules look and feel like vitamins—not like raw organ tissue.
“Only crunchy moms do it.” Clients come from all walks of life—lawyers, doctors, executives, teenagers, and artists. The practice appeals broadly.
“Nutrients are destroyed in processing.” While steaming and dehydrating may reduce some nutrients, a percentage still remains—“something is better than nothing.”

Do You Have to Decide Right Away?

Not at all. The placenta can be stored in the freezer for months, allowing time to make an informed decision. Some families consume capsules right after birth, while others save them for later challenges, such as weaning, menstrual changes, or even menopause. Tinctures, in particular, can last a lifetime.

Placenta encapsulation may not be for everyone, but for many, it provides both physical support and a profound sense of connection to the body’s wisdom. As with all postpartum practices, the key is informed choice—understanding the benefits, risks, and methods so you can decide what feels right for you.

Whether you choose to encapsulate, create placenta art, or honor your placenta in another cultural or spiritual way, the important thing is recognizing that this incredible organ deserves respect and thoughtful care.

✨ What do you think? Would you consider placenta encapsulation for your postpartum recovery? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your perspective!

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