“Imagine what might happen if women emerged from their labor beds with a renewed sense of the strength and power of their bodies, and of their capacity for ecstasy through giving birth.”
— Christiane Northrup
Bodhi Birth and Wellness is committed to supporting you in emotional and physical wellness, through pregnancy, birth and beyond, and in whatever way you choose. There are so many possibilities and options to wade through when delving into the medical world, and it is important that we educate ourselves and find proper support as we make these important decisions and move through transitions that will affect our entire lives. It is my passion to offer up-to-date, evidence-based information while supporting you through the beautiful labyrinth that is birth.
About Bodhi Birth and Wellness
I’M ASHLEY MAKAN, THE FOUNDER OF BODHI BIRTH AND WELLNESS…
Bodhi (bōdē pronounced “boh-dee”) is the Sanskrit word for “awaken” or “enlighten.” It is said that the Buddha meditated beneath the bodhi tree as he attained enlightenment. My belief is that as we move through birth and postpartum, we awaken into a new consciousness — that of motherhood. Creating life is one of the most beautiful and difficult things we do. Our brains actually change during childbirth, and continues to change for the first several years of postpartum. Birth becomes a hinge moment in our lives, connecting who we are now to who we will become. With proper preparation, support and care, this can lead to a magnificent and empowering transformation. Birth is beautiful in all settings, and evidence shows that no matter the circumstances, when we are appropriately supported during labor we have a more positive remembrance of our experience. My hope is that I can help you orchestrate your hinge moment and that I can serve you in your journey of surrender, in whichever way you choose.
More About Ashley…
I’m very selective about my education, and my goal is to use ALL that I learn to personalize support for every one of my clients and help you prepare holistically for your birth and early parenting experiences. I will forever be a life-long learner! I’ve included a growing list of my education below, and I try to keep it regularly updated.
- DONA Trained Birth & Postpartum Doula
- APPPAH Certified Pre-/Perinatal Educator (Birth Psychology Specialization)
- I am a member of the Board of Directors at the Association for Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology and Health (APPPAH)
- Certified Body Ready Method Pro
- Stillbirthday Trained Birth/Bereavement Doula (difficult diagnosis & decision)
- Meditation & Mindfulness Teacher Training (Positive Psychology focus)
- Reiki Master (current, I’ll never stop learning)
- Acupressure for Birth Certification Training
- Wim Hoff Method Trainer Certification (current)
- I am currently studying to sit for my Board Certified Patient Advocate credentials
What is a Doula?
What is a doula? I remember the first time I brought up the concept of doula to my husband, he responded by asking me if it was more of that weird hippie stuff I’m into. This is something that we laugh about now as we look back on our daughter’s birth and remember how he and my mother would have gladly welcomed two extra helping hands that night. It takes a village.
The term “doula” is derived from the Greek word, “δούλα”, meaning “a woman who serves.” According to DONA International, a birth doula is “a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to a [birthing parent] before, during and shortly after childbirth to help them achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible.” DONA certifying or certified birth doulas work with [birthing parents] and their loved ones to support their needs and desires during this important time.
Below are some specific examples of what doulas do:
- Support for the partner and family — If the partner or other family members have any questions or concerns during the prenatal period, the doula can educate and offer materials that will help the partner feel more prepared to support the birthing parent. It truly takes a village to bring a baby into this world. The doula’s goal is to work together with the partner and any attending family as a team to support the birthing parent in labor.
- Physical and emotional support — this can include physical comfort measures, such as use of ice or hot packs, using counter pressure and massage or acupressure techniques to help you relax your body, helping you focus on your breath and stay calm with guided meditation, keeping your playlist going to maintain the mood as well as any other small details.
- Aiding in areas your care provider may be unable — your care provider’s primary focus is on your physical health and safety (as it should be). A doula’s role in the birthing room is to help you and your attending family with any emotional or physical needs that your care provider may not be able to offer you during this important time.
It is also important to understand what doulas do not do:
- Doulas do not perform clinical tasks (cervical exams, blood pressure monitoring, fetal heart monitoring, etc…).
- Doulas do not make decisions for you. I can assist you in gathering evidence-based information so you can make an informed decision that best supports your personal birth preferences.
- Doulas do not speak on your behalf. I will fully support and advocate for your right to informed consent and bodily autonomy. My job is to help you find and use your voice.
In 2012, the University of Toronto published a paper in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. That report, which analyzed over 15,000 births, found that birthing parents with continuous labor support:
Have a decreased chance of a negative experience by 34% and higher satisfaction rates.
Have partners who participate in their births with higher confidence and levels of support.
Have a shorter length of labor by 25%.
Have a 31% decrease in the use of synthetic oxytocin.
Show a decrease in the request for medicated pain relief by 9%.
Show a decrease in the overall cesarean rate by 28%.
Show a decrease in the use of forceps by 40%.
Have increased success during the postpartum period (probably due to preparation and education in breastfeeding, healing measures, and recognizing the signs and symptoms of postpartum mood disorders).
Hodnett, E. D., Gates, S, Hofmeyr, G. J., & Sakala, C. (2013). Continuous Support for Women During Childbirth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Issue 7. Art. No: CD003766. Pub 5.
Marshall Klaus M.D.; Phyllis Klaus, M. Ed; and John Kennell, M.D., The Doula Book and Other Studies.
The Doula Effect Documentary
For Care Providers
“It takes a village.”
— African Proverb
Bodhi Birth and Wellness was founded with the African proverb, “It takes a village,” as the golden rule of service. I believe that doula support is just one small part of the care environment and that community and teamwork are integral parts of what we do. Working in harmony with all providers is not only my hope but an imperative part of making positive change and integrating client-centered support into our local medical community. Through respectful dialogue and community engagement, Bodhi Birth and Wellness is committed to establishing relationships and improving maternity care in the Upstate, which ultimately supports the initial commitment of serving women and families in our community.
To receive more information about how to make Bodhi Birth and Wellness’ services available for your patients: