Research Pays Off in a Lotus Birth!

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

 Newborn baby, Badr!

I'm really impressed with this young mother's determination and research into birth.  She really took time to educate herself and knew what she wanted, masha'Allah.  However, I'm a little surprised at her doula's active role, as usually a doula only supports the mother emotionally during the birth and doesn't perform any physical examinations. 

I hope you enjoy this birth story and would love if you share yours!  Now on to the story...Research Pays Off in a Lotus Birth!...

Improving Birth Practices in Saudi

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

 Photo Credit:  Umm Layth of

Wold of Umm Blog

This is a repost from a new blog designed to help build a feasibility study for birth centers in Saudi.  Saudi Birth Surveys

The birth experience has lifelong health and emotional affects on women, babies, and families; and thus communities at large. As a responsible member of Saudi society, you have a right and an obligation to ensure that each baby, mother, and family have the best possible start in life, insha'Allah.

The over-medicalised culture of birth in Saudi Arabia is troubling.  Thankfully, there are a lot of efforts being made within the concerned governmental agencies, public and private medical communities, and the community at large to find ways to protect women, babies, and families during this vulnerable time.

I hope you'll get involved by providing your important opinions for these surveys...now on to the request...Improving Birth Practices in Saudi...

A Midwife's UBA2C (Unassiasted Birth After Two Cesareans)

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

 Art by:  Amy Swagman
http://themandalajourney.com/

I'm honored to post this unassisted, home, water birth story.  What makes it even more special is that she is an awesome midwife!  It's rare to get a glimpse into the birth of birth attendants.   Her knowledge and trust in Allah come shining through in her own birth story.

I hope you'll enjoy her story.  Please let me know if you would like to share yours.  Now on to the story...A Midwife's UBA2C (Unassiasted Birth After Two Cesareans)...

The Power of Our Inner Strength

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

Photo by:   Christy Mountford
Brisbane, Australia

I want to really thank the mama in this story.  I appreciate her sharing her journey with us here.  I find three things to learn while reading this birth story.  

The first was just how much we really long for the love and emotional support of our partners during birth.  Sadly, when that piece is missing, although we can (must) still get through it, we can be left flat and often times depressed at a time that should be joyous and monumental.

Secondly is just how much birth is really all our own.  Whether or not we have the emotional support we desperately long for is truly irrelevant.  Regardless, we have a journey to travel and it will happen with or without the support we want.  Frankly, this is true of the entire journey through life.  We long so much to share it, but the reality is it is truly our own.  The one and only truly with us is Allah (SWT) and the more we can learn to depend on HIM the easier everything becomes, subhanAllah!

Third is that our bodies are amazingly created to carry and birth our babies!  Trusting in the natural process and perfect design will get us through without the aid of man-made drugs and interventions!  Way to go, Mama, ya Rab!

I hope you enjoy this story.  Please let me know if you'd like to share yours.  Now on to the story...The Power of Our Inner Strength...

A Plea for Natural Birth

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

I am pleased to share this thought provoking article by Zuzana Nadova, a trained midwife and dear friend.  She shares her research about some very important points concerning the risks and effects of the all-too-common practice of interfering with laboring women's natural patterns of hormonal secretions for birth.

Most mothers who agree to drug induced labor induction, augmentation (speeding labor), and non-emergency Cesarean are unaware of the interference in the natural hormonal symphony that is designed to take place in our bodies during labor for a reason, subhan'Allah.  These important points are brushed over by the medical community, usually without a single mention to the mother who usually puts her unquestioning trust in her doctor.

 I hope this article raises the awareness of many mothers and will cause them to think twice before allowing their birth team to interfere with the natural hormonal plan provided to us by our Creator..  I welcome such thought provoking articles and would love to share others...now on to the article...A Plea for Natural Birth... 

No More Epidurals!

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

I love this mother's journey and dedication to natural, non-medicated birth, masha'Allah!  I pray that all sisters can learn from her experiences and find the dedication and courage necessary to birth naturally.

The thing that stands out for me is, sadly, the mother, her husband, and her mother would have benefited so much from childbirth education classes.  I feel for her husband and mother as unprepared labor companions often feel at a loss for what to do.

I hope you enjoy the story and will consider contributing your own!  Thanks to this sister for sharing!  Now on to the story...No More Epidurals!...

The Stylish Blogger Award!

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

 

I received this blog award from Princess Laylah at the "The Blue Abaya" blog! Thank you, Laylah and congratulations on the recent birth of Princess Lamia and the five kittens!!  I'm hoping to post Lamia's birth story soon, insha'Allah.

With this award you have to do the following:

1. Thank and link back to the person who gave you the award
2. Share seven things about yourself
3. Award 15 recently discovered great bloggers
4. Contact these bloggers to tell them about their awards

 I hope you'll agree with my nominees.  Now on to the details...The Stylish Blogger Award!...