Another not so Perfect Labor

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

One in three-hundred!

This is probably the most important story I’ve ever shared on this blog.  I am very grateful to the brave mother who submitted it.  There are many important topics, from postpartum depression to VBAC to homebirth and more.  I don’t want to give the story away, so I won’t say more, except take the time to read this one!

Now on to the story, Another Not so Perfect Labor...

Knowledge Heals Birth

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

It has been quite a while since I’ve posted a new birth story.  This post is actually three birth stories from one special mama.  She is an AMANI Birth trainee and her experiences really speak to the importance of childbirth education.  She will be a fabulous childbirth educator and doula and will work hard with her mamas to keep them informed and aware of what is happening during the most amazing times of their lives, insha’Allah.  

Her personal experience with grief and trauma will server her to be able to relate and assist to the few mothers who have such experiences themselves.  It’s no doubt that her journey will serve the Ummah well, insha’Allah.

It’s really an honor and a privilege to welcome her to the AMANI family and to share her stories with the Saudi Birth Story readers.  I truly love her for the sake of Allah.  Now on to the story...Knowledge Heals Birth...  

Just Say No to Interventions!

 Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

I always enjoy reading birth stories and am especially pleased when I know the family personally.  This particular story comes from such a dear and sweet sister whom I am particularly fond of, masha'Allah.

While reading through her story, the thing that kept festering inside me was the medical staff's repeated push for interventions.  I am proud of this mama and baba for sticking to Allah's design for birth as best they could and achieving an unmedicated, natural birth, masha'Allah!

I'd love to read your story too!  Please contact me if you'd like to share.  Now on to the story...Just Say No to Interventions!...

Natural Born Breech!

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

 

All too often women are whisked off to surgery because their baby is in breech position (bum first rather than head first).  It's true that some breech babies are in need of surgical rescue, but more often than not, they can still be born naturally, or at least through the birth canal rather than abdominal surgery.  

Unfortunately, many doctors are not confident in the body's ability to birth a breech baby.  They would prefer to take control by turning to Cesarean surgery right off.  As one senior obstetrician once told me, "The skill of breech birth is being forever lost to the skill of the knife."

This is a refreshing story, told by a doula in Dubai.  It's so promising to read of birth attendants who value the doula's role and who encourage the mother to birth her breech baby without much intervention!  I wish they all were as trusting in the woman's ability to birth her baby.

I hope you enjoy this story and will share yours too!  Now on to the story...Natural Born Breech!...

The Joy of Waterbirth!

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Mary, Two Days Old!

This heartwarming story is a joy to share.  It comes from a dear, sweet friend who is also a doula.  What a blessing that she choose to share her story here, masha'Allah.

Just for the record, waterbirth is next on my "to do" list too, insha'Allah!

I hope you enjoy the story and will consider sharing yours.  Now on to the story...The Joy of Waterbirth!...

من هي الدولا؟ (What is a Doula?)

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

I am pleased to post this article in Arabic.  It originally appeared on January 9, 2011 in English on the Motherhood section of Saudi Life.  It can be read in English here: What is a Doula?  

I am grateful to my husband for translating it.  Please share it with others who would benefit from this educational article in Arabic.  Now on to the story...من هي الدولا؟  (What is a Doula?)...

Patient Rights Meeting in Saudi

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Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

According to recent news articles, there was a meeting in Riyadh this week regarding patients' rights.  I would have loved to attend, but didn't hear of it until after it was over.  I'm impressed that this issue is being discussed in Saudi.

I wanted to make a few quick comments about what I dream of in regards to the laboring woman and her patient rights.  I'd also like to invite readers to comment and share their ideas as well.

I hope you enjoy reading this article.  As always, I'd love to hear your feedback and story ideas!

Not So Perfect Labor

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

 Hafsa

Although this mother didn't get the birth she had hoped for, she did a great job coping with her labor, masha'Allah.  To my knowledge, she hadn't had any childbirth preparation classes but she had the determination and courage to "go natural!" 

I hope you enjoy reading how her "almost perfect labor" turned around in a split second.  Please let me know if you have a story idea or would like to share your birth story. Now on to the article...Not So Perfect Labor...

Who's to blame?

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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?...

Birthing Takes Common Sense!

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 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!...

Do doctors have a different interpretaion of "natural birth?"

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

Having good communication with your birth attendant is imperative to ensuring you enjoy the birth experience of your dreams.  In childbirth classes I teach we discuss the importance of preparing a written birth plan.  Preparing a birth plan serves two purposes.  First, it gets you and your partner thinking about your options and discussing what you want for your birth.  Second, it provides a written request for your doctor and others on your birth team to ensure that your wishes are known.  The following story is a perfect example of why this is so important...

I hope that what happened in this next story never happens to you.  Let me know if you have a birth plan you'd like to share.  Now on to the story...Do doctors have a different interpretation of "natural birth?"...