Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim
This page is dedicated to my own personal birth stories. I have been fortunate to experience eight natural births using the techniques I learned in natural childbirth classes. I always wanted a home birth, but it wasn't until baby number eight that I finally got it! I hope you enjoy reading these stories. Please let me know if you have a birth story to share!
Baby number one...How it all began...
Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim
(Not a water birth; I just love this photo!)
Khalid's Birth Story
Sacramento, California
November 4, 1995
For those who don't know me, I'm one of those women who love to be pregnant, don't mind birth (after-the-fact), and love having a lot of kids. I feel fortunate to have found the Bradley® Method of Natual Childbirth when I was expecting my first baby. I am so grateful to Dr. Bradley and the founders of the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth® for their life's work in educating women on the importance of natural, NON-MEDICATED childbirth. If the simple techniques they teach for coping with labor and birth didn't work, I'd not have eight children today! I believe so strongly in the Bradley® Method that I am now a teacher myself! When I was expecting my first baby fifteen years ago, I never would have dreamed that I'd end up half way across the world, mother of eight, and teaching women to birth naturally as I have. Allah has a way of guiding and directing us to the places we need to be. Always trust in HIS plan!
I hope you enjoy reading these birth stories. Please let me know if you'd like to share yours. Now on to the story...Baby number one..how it all began...
Baby number two...Wow! The Bradley® Method really works!
Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim
Sarah's Birth Story
Clovis, California
August 21, 1997
I had such a great birth experience the first time that I didn't feel I needed to take childbirth classes again. However, when the time actually came, instinct took over, I tensed up with the pain, and cognizant use of the Bradley® techniques went out the window! Thankfully, my husband was there and prompted me just enough to remember what to do...and OH! what a difference it made!Clovis, California
August 21, 1997
I hope you enjoy reading these birth stories. Please let me know if you'd like to share yours. Now on to the story...Baby number two..Wow! The Bradley® Method really works!...
Baby number three...Pushing could be optional!
Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim
Amina's Birth Story
Mountain View, California
April 7, 1999
I'd have to crown Amina's birth as my favorite for a long time (until baby number seven came along and took her crown). Only because she came without a push! There's just something uncomfortable (embarassing as well) about pushing while doctors, nurses, and who knows who else watches!
I hope you enjoy reading these birth stories. Please let me know if you'd like to share yours. Now on to the story...Baby number three..Pushing could be optional!...
Baby number four..The hardest of all my births!
Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim
Salman's Birth Story
Fresno, California
December 2, 2000
I really hadn't been too worried about this birth. Afterall, the last birth had been so easy! I really expected that this one would be too. But, boy, was I wrong! As it turns out, this would be the hadest of the eight! That just goes to show that each woman and each birth is unique and different.
I hope you enjoy reading these birth stories. Please let me know if you'd like to share yours. Now on to the story...Baby number four..The hardest of all my births!...
Baby number five...Pitocin, never again!
Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim
Rayan's Birth Story
Clovis, California
March 19, 2003
If I knew then what I know now, I would not have consented to Pitocin. Dr. Bradley was quoted as saying, "A good obstetrician has been defined as one equipped with a broad rear end and the good sense to sit calmly on it and let nature take its course." Unfortuately, too many labors are rushed and c-sections performed due to the impatience of doctors. The only good thing is that as a Bradley® teacher, I can talk about Pitocin from personal experience.
I hope you enjoy reading these birth stories. Please let me know if you'd like to share yours. Now on to the story...Baby number five...Pitocin, never again!...
Baby number six...My first baby with my Saudi husband!
Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim
Haider's Birth Story
Alexandria, Egypt
April 2, 2007
Although my exhusband wasn't much of a labor partner, at least he had taken Bradley® classes with me and was present at each of my births. This time woud be different. My Saudi husband wasn't interested in participating in the labor and birth and preferred not to be there. This was heartbreaking to me, but what could I do? I was in another land, half way around the world from "home" and the culture was different. In this place, birth was "women's business" and men simply didn't get involved.
I hope you enjoy reading these birth stories. Please let me know if you'd like to share yours. Now on to the story...Baby number six...My first baby with my Saudi husband!...
Baby number seven..Almost a home birth!
Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim
Faris' Birth Story
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
April 9, 2009
I hope you enjoy reading these birth stories. Please let me know if you'd like to share yours. Now on to the story...Baby number seven...Almost a home birth!...
Baby number eight...Baba's birth story!
Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim
Amani's Birth Story
Born at Home
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
September 21, 2010
This time I was really excited about the upcoming birth of my baby. My Saudi husband had really taken the time to study about pregnancy and birth and was ready to support me in my long-time dream of having a home birth! We worked hard together during this pregnancy and became teachers of The Bradley® Method of natural childbirth. I witenessed a transformation in my husband and I can't even begin to explain just how much closer we have become! This story is special because it's from his perspective.
I hope you enjoy reading these birth stories. Please let me know if you'd like to share yours. Now on to the story...Baby number eight..Baba's birth story!...
I hope you enjoy reading these birth stories. Please let me know if you'd like to share yours. Now on to the story...Baby number eight..Baba's birth story!...
