Mari Sykes, M. Ed., ANSI, CPES, CPM
Languishing Undone Birth Services
"So, I have to know...how did you even get into doing...this?!"
If I had a nickel for every time I've had a wide-eyed, new father or a curious family member asked me this question...
The truth is, I do this for other moms because it wasn't available for me when I needed it.
In 2008, at the young age of 22, I went to the hospital to have my first baby. I trusted that induction was the right choice because I really wanted my OB to deliver my baby, and he was leaving for vacation that next week. The intervention led to intervention, delivery was anything-but-good, and learning to breastfeed was a nightmare. I couldn't figure out why all of my beautiful, grand plans of a glorious labor, delivery, and postpartum period had crumbled out from under me.
In 2010, I was 34 weeks pregnant, and reading every book known to man on the subject of natural childbirth, breastfeeding, and healthy postpartum care. I was ready to prove to myself that my ignorance would not win out this time around, and I would have the birth I should have had the first time. That night, I woke up while having a severe placental abruption. We rushed to the ER, and they saved both mine and my baby's life with an emergency c-section. I am forever grateful to those that were there that night and knew what to do. I know there isn't a thing in the world I could have done to prevent that, but at the time, I thought I had failed again.
Then in 2013, I was pregnant with my third baby. I had read even more books this time around, practiced birthing hypnosis, hired midwives, had my birth supplies in a box next to my bathtub, learned how to encapsulate my own placenta, and I was determined to have my healing birth. One night (while drinking my "red raspberry leaf tea," like the good, little, crunchy pregnant mama I was - haha!), I began suspecting that something wasn't quite right. My midwife knew how important this birth was to me, but she also knew I needed medical care immediately, so she suggested I go to the hospital. That night, my beautiful 3rd baby was born. I held him to my chest as I asked the doctor to please put my placenta in the Ziploc bags I had inside my cooler. She looked at me like I was insane. The nurses shook their heads incredulously. Finally, one nurse spoke up, "It's illegal for us to let you take it. It's hospital property."
So, I went home with my perfect baby boy, sat on the bathroom floor...and sobbed uncontrollably. I didn't know exactly why I was so upset at the time, because I thought, "He's here! He's perfect! Why in the world am I so upset about not getting the birth I wanted, when I still got the baby I wanted?" But I couldn't shake the feeling that, once again, I had missed out on something important. For several weeks, I cared for and loved my children while under the indescribable weight of a heavy, dark cloud. I went to my 6-week postpartum check-up and told my midwife how I was feeling. She smiled and nodded as if she understood exactly what I was saying, and she gave me this gift:
"Your baby and your baby's birth are two separate things. You can rejoice in one while mourning the other."
I realized right then that she had just given me permission to begin healing. And if I needed to heal, then other moms might also need permission to heal. And this can only happen when a mother is allowed to feel as though she is in control.
Of her birth. Of her breastfeeding journey. Of her postpartum days. Of her right to mourn when things go differently than she expected.
I immediately began my training to become a Certified Placenta Encapsulation Specialist (both APPA and PBi). In my first year, I was honored to work with 37 moms. The next year, I joined up with a group of other Specialists in Texas to fight for a mother's ownership over her own placenta. In June of 2015, HB1670 was passed at the Texas Capitol, and all hospitals and birth centers were to begin setting into practice a plan for releasing placentas to their owners. On January 1, 2016, HB1670 was officially set in place, and all hospitals in Texas were required to abide by it.
I am honored to have played a small part in making sure that the legislation lines up with our rights as mothers, and I am so blessed to get to continue doing what I love.
I believe that the placenta is an incredible organ. It sustains our babies inside of us, and it possesses an amazing ability to help us recover both physically and emotionally during our postpartum days. It is a gift!
I know how important those first few postpartum days and weeks are to a new mom. That's the time when you are bonding with your new babies, recovering from the delivery, and figuring out your new "normal." It can be exhausting! If you'd like a little extra help with energy and hormonal support, placenta encapsulation could be a great option!
***As a Certified Placenta Encapsulation Specialist I strictly follow all OSHA and EPA guidelines while I prepare your placenta. I am also required to carry a Texas Food Handlers Card and follow the same guidelines that are used in food service. I also have training in Blood Borne Pathogens. Many of my supplies are disposable. The supplies that I use that are not disposable are cleaned and sterilized between each client.***
I have a M.S. and am ANSI certified.
Note: By appointment only