Placenta encapsulation has become increasingly popular in the United States, but I often notice breastfeeding parents reporting unexpected changes in milk supply. Here’s what research and lactation physiology tell us about placenta capsules and breastfeeding.
Many mothers are told that taking placenta capsules after birth may help with mood, energy levels, recovery, and even milk supply. However, when we look at the physiology of lactation and the available research, there are important reasons breastfeeding parents may want to approach placenta consumption with caution—especially in the early weeks and months after birth.
A Brief History of Placenta Consumption
Many people assume that eating the placenta is an ancient tradition practiced throughout human history. Interestingly, anthropological research suggests that this may not actually be the case.
In the animal world, placenta consumption after birth is extremely common. Most placental mammals instinctively eat the placenta. Researchers believe this behavior may help animals recover nutrients after birth, stimulate maternal behaviors, and remove evidence of birth that could attract predators.
Humans, however, appear to be different.
Anthropologists studying postpartum practices across cultures have found that while the placenta is often treated with deep cultural or spiritual significance, routine consumption by the mother has historically been rare. Many cultures bury the placenta, plant a tree over it, or incorporate it into ceremonial rituals, but written records describing mothers eating their own placenta are surprisingly limited.
Placental tissue has appeared in some traditional medicinal systems. For example, dried human placenta has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries as an ingredient in remedies intended to restore vitality. However, this was typically used as a medicinal preparation rather than a postpartum practice for the mother herself.
The modern trend of mothers consuming their own placenta appears to be relatively recent. Anthropologists trace the rise of placenta ingestion in Western countries to the 1970s, when natural childbirth movements began promoting more “back-to-nature” approaches to birth and postpartum recovery. Over time, placenta encapsulation services emerged, offering to steam, dehydrate, and grind the placenta into capsules for parents to take after birth.
In the past two decades, the practice has gained significant visibility, partly due to social media and celebrity discussions of placenta capsules.
Despite its growing popularity, scientific research has not found clear evidence that placenta consumption provides the health benefits that are often claimed.
Hormones and the Onset of Milk Production
To understand why placenta capsules may influence milk supply, it helps to understand how lactation begins.
During pregnancy, the placenta produces high levels of hormones including progesterone and estrogen. At the same time, the body is already producing prolactin—the hormone responsible for making milk. However, progesterone prevents the breast from producing large volumes of milk during pregnancy.
After birth, the placenta is delivered and progesterone levels drop dramatically. This sudden hormonal shift is one of the key signals that allows lactogenesis II, often called “milk coming in,” to begin. This simply means the milk would be increasing in volume since you already have milk (colostrum) as early as 16 weeks in pregnancy.
When progesterone levels remain elevated after birth, this transition can be disrupted. One well-known example occurs when small fragments of placenta remain in the uterus. In these cases, parents may experience a delayed onset of milk production because progesterone levels do not fall as expected.
Why Placenta Capsules May Affect Milk Supply
Placenta capsules are made from dehydrated placental tissue. Studies analyzing encapsulated placenta have found that large amounts of hormones, including progesterone and estrogen, can still be present after processing.
Because progesterone plays a role in suppressing milk production during pregnancy, ingesting placenta capsules in the early postpartum period may interfere with the hormonal shift that supports milk production.
The first several weeks after birth are particularly important for establishing milk supply. During this time, hormonal signals and frequent milk removal work together to build the long-term capacity of the breast to produce milk. Any factor that interferes with these hormonal signals could potentially influence milk production.
What Research Currently Shows
Research on placenta encapsulation is still limited, and most studies are small. However, the studies that do exist have not found evidence that placenta capsules improve milk production.
Randomized placebo-controlled studies examining mothers who consumed placenta capsules found no increase in prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production. Researchers also did not observe improvements in breastfeeding outcomes such as infant weight gain.
Reviews of the scientific literature have reached similar conclusions: there is currently no strong scientific evidence showing that consuming placenta improves milk supply, mood, energy levels, or postpartum recovery.
Most of the reported benefits come from anecdotal experiences rather than controlled research studies.
Why the First 2–6 Weeks Matter Most
The early postpartum weeks are a critical window for establishing milk supply.
During the first two to six weeks, the body is increasing prolactin receptors in the breast and transitioning from hormonally driven milk production to a system that responds primarily to supply and demand.
If hormonal signals are disrupted during this stage, it may affect how robust milk supply becomes later. This is why I recommend focusing on protecting these early weeks by encouraging frequent feeding, effective milk removal, and minimizing factors that may interfere with your lactation hormones.
Signs Placenta Capsules May Be Affecting Your Milk Supply
While research on placenta encapsulation and breastfeeding is still so limited, some lactation consultants report patterns where milk supply improves after parents stop taking placenta capsules.
Some possible signs include:
Milk supply decreasing after initially being adequate
Delayed increase in milk volume in the first 2 weeks
Baby appearing hungry or unsatisfied after most feedings
Lower milk output when pumping
Milk supply improving after stopping placenta capsules
It is important to remember that many factors can influence milk supply, including latch, feeding frequency, infant oral function, maternal health, and stress levels.
Frequently Asked Questions About Placenta Capsules and Breastfeeding
Do placenta capsules contain hormones?
Yes. The placenta is an endocrine organ that produces several hormones during pregnancy, including progesterone and estrogen. Studies have found that large amounts of these hormones can remain in placenta capsules even after dehydration and processing.
Can placenta capsules decrease milk supply?
Some breastfeeding parents report noticing decreased milk supply while taking placenta capsules. While large clinical studies are limited, there is a biologically plausible explanation because progesterone suppresses milk production during pregnancy.
Are placenta capsules safe while breastfeeding?
There is currently very limited research on the safety and benefits of placenta capsules. Some organizations have also raised concerns about possible contamination or infection if placenta products are not processed safely.
Why do animals eat the placenta but humans usually do not?
Most mammals instinctively consume the placenta after birth, but anthropological research suggests this behavior has not historically been common among humans. The modern practice of placenta encapsulation became more visible in Western countries beginning in the 1970’s with the natural birth movement.
Supporting Breastfeeding in the Early Postpartum Period
The early weeks after birth play a crucial role in establishing milk supply and building confidence in breastfeeding. Understanding how hormones influence milk production can help parents make informed choices during this time.
If you are experiencing concerns with your milk supply, please reach out so I can help you identify possible contributing factors and create a plan that supports your breastfeeding goals.
Every parent and baby pair is unique. With the right guidance and support, many feeding challenges can be addressed so that breastfeeding becomes more comfortable and sustainable for both parent and baby.
References:
Consumption of Maternal Placenta in Humans and Nonhuman Mammals: Beneficial and Adverse Effects
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7765311/