Who's to blame?

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

Me, Aisha (Natural Mom) with

one of my "Doula Babies"

shortly after birth

I write a lot about the benefits of having a natural, non-medicated birth.  I tell you that I respect doctors while also seeming to "blame" them for the many "unnecessary" medical interventions that often take over the birth process.  Well it's time to put things into perspective and look at the bigger picture.  

Please note that this article is totally based on my opinion, which there is no doubt weighs heavy on the side of natural birth. 

I hope you enjoy reading this commentary.  Please let me know if you have a story idea or would like to share your birth story. Now on to the article...Who's to blame?...

Saudi Cesarean Sections

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

I've been blogging for a couple of months now, but not much of what I've written has been based on Saudi Arabia.  Since the blog title is "Saudi" Birth Story I figured I'd better find out a little more about the birth statistics in Saudi Arabia.

What I found during my research astounded me.  What I concluded, however, gives me hope.  Now if I can only make my voice heard far enough to make a difference.  Please pass this on to others you know.  With Allah's help it may just reach the people who have the power to effect change!

I hope you enjoy reading this article.  Please let me know if you have a story idea or would like to share your birth story. Now on to the article...Saudi Cesarean Sections...

A Doctor Who Agrees, "Natural Birth is Best!"

 Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

 Haider, One Year

This is my second repost of a Dr. Mercola article.  I really like this guy!  In this article he confirms what I keep saying, "Natural birth is best!"  By natural we are referring to not just "vaginal" but non-medicated and non-medical intervened.

I am happy to repost his article here and have highlighted some of the comments that particularly interested or impressed me.

I hope you enjoy reading this article.  Please let me know if you have a story idea or would like to share your birth story. Now on to the article...A Doctor Who Agrees, "Natural Birth is Best!"...

Repost about the safety of homebirth...

 Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

I was so impressed by an article I found by a doctor who actually supports natural birth and even goes so far as to say that home birth may actually be safer than hospital birth!  The article was written Dr. Mercola.  First of all, I want to site what he says about himself: 

"Have always been interested in health...went to med school to further my knowledge base and started professional life as a family doctor in 1985. However was completely brainwashed by the system and actually was a paid lecturer by the drug companies in the 80's.  Eventually I saw the light in the early 90s and refined my understanding of health truths."

I am happy to repost his article here and have highlighted some of the comments that particularly interested or impressed me.

I hope you enjoy reading this article.  Please let me know if you have a story idea or would like to share your birth story. Now on to the article...Repost about the safety of homebirth...

Birthing Takes Common Sense!

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

 Haider, 9 Months

A friend of mine who blogs sent me a link to a story written by "Sarah C," another birth-blogger located in California.  I asked "Sarah C's" permission to copy her story here.  You can check out her blog directly at http://mamabirth.blogspot.com/, however I've added some of my own comments throughout her article in red italics.

I hope you enjoy reading this article.  Please let me know if you have a story idea or would like to share your birth story. Now on to the article...Birthing Takes Common Sense!...

Why do we labor?

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

Faris, A few hours old.

Everyone knows that labor precedes birth.  But why must we have it?  For first-time mothers, it's a journey into the unknown.  There are so many mysteries and horror stories around it that some just skip the whole thing and opt for a drugged c-section! Opting for major abdominal surgery (and accepting all the risks that come with it) is astounding to me!

So what is this thing called "labor" and is really that bad?  Is it something so dreadful that we should schedule surgery just to avoid it?

I hope you enjoy reading this article.  Please let me know if you have a story idea or would like to share your birth story. Now on to the article...Why do we labor?... 

My top ten advices for labor and birth...

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

I recently received a message from an expectant mother in London.  She said she was due in a week and stated, "I am starting to panic as I don't know much about birth, recomended dua's during birth, if there is anything in Sunna that tells us about woman in labour, the best positions and pain relief, and how to 'welcome' the newborn."

I thought it may be helpful to post my answer to her here so that others could benefit as well.  There are of course many more things I teach women about preparing for their birth, but this mother only has one week until her due date and is located far from my childbirth classroom. 

I hope you enjoy reading this advice.  Please let me know if have any questions or concerns. Now on to the advice...My top ten advices for labor and birth... 

Hoping for a VBAC!

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

Khadijah, New Born

Many mothers who end up with a cesaraen are left with the question, "Can I attempt a vaginal birth next time?"  This mother is no exception.  I really enjoyed reading her story and am happy to post it here.

The good news is that over 80% of women who attempt vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) are successful at doing so.  At the end of her story, I have added my advice about preparing for VBAC next time.

I hope you enjoy reading these birth stories.  Please let me know if you'd like to share yours. Now on to the story...Hoping for a VBAC!...

Birth is not without pain!

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

Most pregnancies start off with excitement and joy at the realization that there is a new life growing inside.  As the months progress, the tummy expands and baby's kicks and movements become noticeable.  Excitement and wonder build along with the growth and movements.  Fantasy fills the heart as dreams about "how our child will be" and "how our life will change" consume our thoughts.  We're full of questions:  "Is it a boy or a girl?"  " What will he/she look like?" Etc.

Then comes the looming questions:  "What will the birth be like?"  "Will I be able to handle the pain?"  "Is it really all that bad?"  "What can I do to get through it?"  

I hope you enjoy reading this article.  Please let me know if have an idea for an article. Now on to the article...Birth is not without pain!...

I am NOT against hosptial births!

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

Amani at home,

just minutes after birth!

Today I posted a comment on my Face Book page that started a debate.  It became obvious to me that many people assume that because I had an unassisted-home birth that this is what my blog is all about.  Let me clarify, I am NOT against hospital births.  I am, however, against unnecessary medical intervention.  I believe women need to be good consumers, informed, and not just complacent to hospital and doctor protocols. 

I've posted the Face Book thread here and hope you enjoy reading it.  Please let me know if you have a story idea or birth story to share.  Now on to the thread...I am NOT against hospital births!...