Reflections from the Mothers
As you’ve gathered from reading through this website; the whole continuum of birth (preconception —> postpartum) is a sacred time unfolding in a woman’s life.
The words below are shared by mothers who moved through this time with intentional care, nourishment and support from working with Para Bhakti Birth.
Their voices offer a glimpse into what becomes possible when a mother herself is deeply held through these transitions according to her highest needs.
Birth Witness Reflection
I came across Ashley’s post in a Birth Group on Facebook. She was offering postpartum care and I connected with her for her postpartum care, yet intuitively I felt I wanted her at the birth. The baby wanted her there, too.
Ashley’s presence was so meaningful; she did many things intentionally, like spraying rose water in the birthing space. There was a moment during the birth she intuitively massaged my back and it was truly what I needed at that moment.
There is nothing I would change about the support Ashley provided - my birth plan was completely supported & honored. There is something so powerful about being witnessed through a rite of passage - coming out of it validated & empowered.
I feel the whole part of the birth experience was meaningful with Ashley - connecting before the birth & her checking in meant a lot. Her care during my birth experience was exceptional; I couldn’t have asked for more.
I highly recommend Ashley - she is amazing & I love the work she does. She is very intuitive & I like how she reminds us to connect to the baby and she also takes into consideration the father’s role (doesn’t leave the father out).
I totally loved that I was in my body & present.
Thank you for holding that safe space for me.
- Mienal, Mama of 2 ♡
Postpartum Care Reflections
Before receiving postpartum care I had moments of stress due to feeling like my needs were not fully met - luckily I had arranged support from my immediate family during my postpartum phase. Looking back now, I can fully see the importance of the care received from Ashley - I felt secure & the whole experience was magical. She made every session feel special.
The Ayurvedic Abhyanga Massages truly made my body feel amazing after. I do wish I added more massages, they were so supportive to my tight muscles! Ashleys attention to the tight, tense muscles helped me relax deeper into the postpartum rest phase & I felt more at ease as the blood flow & circulation opened up.
The impact on the atmosphere of my home during Ashleys care was tangible; whenever she arrived for sessions I felt nourished & my home, my family and the mood of the household lightened. My eldest daughter loved playing with Ashley & it was very supportive to our newly expanded family.
Ashleys care & service was way above & beyond what was agreed upon - the experience Ashley provided made the whole transition of Postpartum deeply spiritual and magical for me. Our chats, check in messages, herbal tea and surprise snacks & gifts were deeply nourishing and meaningful.
“For any Mothers & Families considering Postpartum care, please know how important & sacred the first 40 days are after birth. You must rest, replenish & be nourished for your families healthy & vitality. For my first child, I did not have the Ayurvedic Abhyanga and I can tell you now: the massages and check ins are crucial for your overall well being”
- Mienal, Mama of 2 ♡
Birth Witness Reflection
Ashley arrived in my life in a way that felt serendipitous. After meeting her, I loved her energy and how present and caring she was.
Having Ashley as my birth witness supported me to birth in a beautiful, peaceful environment where I was nourished and cared for in the best of ways. Ashley held the space and the vision so beautifully that I felt I could totally focus on birthing, knowing everything else was taken care of.
The middle of the night massages were some of the best parts of my labor. I don't know how Moms in labor do it without having friendly people taking care of them in this way! It makes time go by way faster, eases the pain and keeps the oxytocin flowing.
The whole sacred process was meaningful, but especially the arrival of my baby girl earthside; I felt like my birth plan was fully honored and upheld no matter how intense or peaceful it was at any given moment. The care I received was thoughtful, beautiful and nourishing.
After birth, it was wonderful to get settled and enjoy a warm Ayurvedic meal in bed. Before Ashley left, everything was cleaned and you couldn't even tell a birth had happened in the house just a few hours earlier.
What a blessing to be surrounded by such a beautiful soul as Ashley in the most sacred and intimate moment of life. I felt at ease, peaceful and happy in my birth environment, and will forever be grateful.
Everything was delightful, and I would absolutely recommend Ashley. She was such wonderful support and presence.
Five stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Angelique ♡
Postpartum Care Reflections
Before receiving postpartum care, I felt like I was stepping into the unknown and was mostly unprepared. I found Ashley when I didn't have anyone on my birth team yet and didn't know much about postpartum care. But I loved her energy and when she explained her work, I was sure I wanted her by my side for birth and postpartum -and I was right!
Postpartum is not so bad or overwhelming when you have great people taking care of you, your home and your spirit! The bodywork was so needed and amazing to receive in my own bed with babe in arm. It made recovery way better and helped relieve birth tensions in the body.
Mostly, the warm oil massage felt so nourishing and relaxing - the fact that after relaxing and having a nice shower, the house would be magically clean and the laundry done and folded was definitely an awesome bonus on top!
Postpartum care is so important. It brings gratitude, beauty, less stress and a moment of receiving from Mom that doesn't need to come from Dad. It's also nice for him to do his thing and relax for a few hours. It gives us both more energy and time to focus on the most important thing: our new babe!
We didn't include food because we had family help coming soon after birth, a full freezer already and it made more financial sense. But next time, I will have to taste at least some of Ashley's delicious-looking nourishing food! All the little snacks and after-birth food she made were very good and exactly what I needed at that time.
I can't think of anything that could have been improved. Top-notch service!
For any mother considering postpartum support but feeling unsure, I would say it's the most important thing, along with a peaceful birth and a supportive husband, for a happy postpartum and to help keep postpartum depression away.
Thank you, Ashley! Now I know what to give a new mama: some help with the postpartum care they desire, because it makes the biggest difference in energy levels and moods. The best way to be born as a mama. ❤️❤️
I would HIGHLY recommend Ashley's care and postpartum services to other Mamas.