We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Meriah Davis. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Meriah below.
Meriah, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
Placentas are not typically something a lot of people want to chat about. Putting myself out there as a woman who works with other women’s placentas is socially risky, lol. Especially in today’s propaganda-drenched atmosphere of shunning or demonizing those of us who value nature’s medicine, the freedom to choose what we put in our body, and finding alternative solutions to medications. We are often referred to as “quacks” or “crazy hippies” and honestly I sometimes think I would be burned at the stake if that were still a thing. But throughout my life, I’ve found many natural remedies that have healed me when modern medicine could not. This inspired me to help others. The thing is, it’s not for everyone and I can accept that. I’m not here for everyone or to convince or change anyone. I’ve decided to stand tall and be here for those open to learning and receiving my support. I’ve realized there are actually many others like me who are looking for ways to support and heal their body naturally. I am proud to be here for them. It is an honor to serve and support my clients in their postpartum healing.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
Prior to my first pregnancy, a book on natural remedies fell into my lap and magically set me on a new path. I began researching, studying, and experimenting with natural solutions and wellness protocols. I was guided to a Naturopathic Doctor who helped cure me of numerous ailments, while also empowering me to change my lifestyle and uplevel my health. She helped me get my body super healthy and ready for pregnancy too. After loving the support of a Birth Doula with my first baby, I became a Birth Doula myself. I was in love with motherhood and the concept of “women supporting women”. Loving the mother came naturally to me and that’s when “Mama Love” was born. It was all so beautiful and amazing to me- being a natural mama while supporting and empowering other moms as well. My 2nd baby was born peacefully at home and I know it was because she knew her mama was a pro and totally had this whole birth thing down. With both of my babies, I consumed my placenta capsules and felt wonderful in my postpartum days. I will never know what I would have felt like if I did not have them but I always tell my clients they are better off having their capsules and not “need” them than to have a hard time postpartum and wish they had encapsulated their placenta when they had the chance. Our bodies are all different but women report having more energy, less pain after birth, quicker healing, healthy lactation, and feeling more balanced when they have consumed their placenta capsules. It’s extremely important to me that my clients know I process their placenta in a sterile workspace in my kitchen. I have taken OSHA’s Blood Borne Pathogen training as well as Food Handling training. I want to keep everyone safe- my family and my clients! I love my clients and truly care about their well-being. My dream is to see the world with more women supporting women and for a change in society that allows and encourages mothers to feel good resting, healing, bonding, and enjoying their postpartum period- a sometimes challenging but very sacred time.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
After the birth of my first baby, I became a certified Birth Doula. I was extremely passionate about supporting and empowering birthing women because it’s such a vulnerable time and they need someone by their side. Data shows that women have better birth outcomes when they feel safe and supported. Doula work is not the most lucrative, especially when you factor in being on call and the possibility of many hours of labor. But it was very fulfilling for me. Unfortunately, I went through a divorce and had majority custody of my children. This made it difficult to be on call. It seemed like the perfect time to switch to Placenta Encapsulation because it is not as demanding yet I am still able to support birthing women, especially in their postpartum healing. I love and respect placentas for sustaining life for the baby and offering healing capabilities for the mother. I do still offer support to my clients prior to their birth by helping them find referrals, work on a birth plan, and send them helpful resources. In the future, when my children are older, I see myself returning to doula work to support single moms and military moms. Possibly pro-bono or on a sliding scale. But for now, I am focussed on Placenta Encapsulation.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been to love them. It may sound cringy but I strive to do all things with love. I am not just here to knock out encapsulations. It is important for me to connect with my clients and let them know I care even though I’m not with them intimately like when I was a birth doula. On my website, in written texts, and in emails, I try to show my loving and caring vibe. I am open to talking with them on the phone too- I really enjoy chatting with the mamas. I want them to feel comfortable. It took a little time but I have built a good reputation for myself which has led to referrals, as well as multiple Yelp and Google reviews. Being authentic is key. In addition to all of that, I have found someone to help me with the technical side of marketing via Yelp and Google. It is an added business expense but worth it as I have indeed grown my clientele.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.MamaLovePlacentaEncapsulation.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MamaLovePlacentaEncapsulation
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mama-love-placenta-encapsulation-encinitas
- Other: Google: https://mamaloveplacentaencapsulation.business.site/?m=true