One of the most frequently asked questions I get from clients is, “Which encapsulation method should I choose?” To someone who’s never taken placenta pills before, this can feel like a big decision.
Let me break it down for you; but first, let’s look at the options.
At Tyo Placenta we offer two different methods of encapsulation. The first is called the Traditional Method and the second is called the Raw Method.
Each Encapsulation Method Explained
The Traditional Method is loosely based on TCM, or, Traditional Chinese Medicine. I am not a TCM practitioner and I do not claim that this method is fully aligned with TCM (here’s a great one if you’re looking!). But, I can tell you some of the ideology behind this method. In TCM, birth is seen as a cooling event for the body because of the blood loss that happens during birth. Ingesting the placenta after birth is seen as a way to warm the body. Part of the way that heat is put into the body is through steaming the placenta. So, in the Traditional Method of encapsulation the placenta is steamed before dehydration.
For a different perspective, we know that steaming the placenta according to APPA safety protocols kills off GBS bacteria. (GBS and placenta encapsulation is another issue that I get asked about often, and you can read more about it here.) So, for clients that have tested positive for GBS during pregnancy, I recommend the Traditional Method to take care of any possible lingering bacteria.
The Raw Method of encapsulation skips the steaming step. The placenta is rinsed and then thinly sliced and placed into the dehydrator. Lest you think this is a wild way to live on the edge, we do suspect that the dehydration process kills off the same bacteria that is killed off through steaming protocols; we just don’t have the data to prove it (yet — growth mindset!).
Pros of each encapsulation method
Historically, the majority of my clients have chosen the Traditional Method. With the added security that the steaming step provides, it tends to settle any nervousness new parents feel about placenta encapsulation. And, I strongly recommend that clients that have tested GBS+ during pregnancy (usually done around the 36 week visit) choose this method. In addition to this, the steaming process tends to mellow out the stimulating effects of the placenta in a way that can be soothing to easily disregulated nervous systems (note that this is obervational and annecdotal and not a scientific statement).
That said, my personally preferred method, and the method I went with for two of my three pregnancies, is the Raw Method. Let me tell you why:
I like the extra vigor that seems to come with the Raw Method. While the mellowing out I mention above is great for many, some people prefer a little extra zing. (I am “some people.”) Additionally, the Raw Method yields more capsules, for two reasons:
First, mass is lost during the steaming process so there’s less matter to encapsulate
Second, the dehydrated matter is less dense once it’s pulverized so it fills more capsules
Is there … a conclusion?
Of course! I mean, I think so.
At the end of the day, unless you are GBS+, go with your gut. After I explain the differences to clients they usually have an inkling that one method is ‘the one’ for them. We quantify so much about birth and … everything, really. As you get ready for a lifetime of parenting, leaning into your gut is a great way to practice one of the greatest parenting tools that will serve you throughout your life.
(And hey! Who knew we could put a deep spin on methods of encapsulation?)
Ready to book your encapsulation? Go here to fill out your registration.
Not quite sure? Go here to find out more about encapsulation with Tyo Placenta.
