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...  

Homebirth After TWO Cesareans!

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

Baby Fatima
 8 lbs. 5oz., born 9/11/11

Masha’Allah, I absolutely love this story.  This is dedicated to all the mamas who have had a cesarean (or two) and dream of having a natural birth next time.  May Allah bless you with naturally born, healthy children who are pleasing to HIM and their parents.

I really enjoy sharing birth stories and would love to share yours, insha’allah.  Now on to the story...Homebirth After TWO Cesareans!...

Birth Domination, Kuwaiti Style

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

No matter how many birth stories I read, I am still shocked at the way laboring women are sometimes treated in the hospital.  I can't say enough for the value of childbirth education and knowing what to expect during labor and birth.


Stories like this one touch my heart as I feel for this first-time mother.  Birth should be the most empowering experience of a woman's life, yet often times is full of confusion and dominance.


I truly appreciate this mother sharing her first birth story with me.  She has several other birth stories to tell, so watch coming posts for more, insha'Allah.  Now on to the story...Birth Domination, Kuwaiti Style...

Repeat Cesareans

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

As I read a sister’s blog I came across a sweet post listing the top ten reasons she loves her husband.  It was number ten that struck me most:

10. He gets sad when he thinks about children whose mothers work, are not breastfed, do not co-sleep, are left to cry it out, and who go to kafir schools.

Masha’Allah, he sounds like a really caring man.  I began to wonder about her birth experiences.  Of course I expected to find gushing stories about the compassion of her husband during her labors.  But what I read was fitting for a different topic.

Instead of finding a story about the husband’s role in her birth, I found one of pregnancy complications and repeat Cesareans. 

I am always honored to share birth stories from around the globe.  Please let me know if you’d like to share yours.  Now on to the story…Repeat Cesareans…

Unassisted, Unplanned, Surprise Water Birth!

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

 

Photo Credit:  Dr. Fernando Molina, Venezuela

What a blessing and and honor to share this story.  Not only is it an unassisted, unplanned, home water birth, but it's a story of the love and intuition of a husband at birth.  May Allah bless this family.


Note:  The photo is not related to this particular story, it comes from a new friend, Dr. Fernando Molina in Venezuela.  He is a male midwife who attends home water births with his wife as doula.  I find their story inspiring and intriguing.  I hope to find out more about them and share their story soon, insha'Allah.  Now on to the post...Unassisted, Unplanned, Surprise Water 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!...

The Shock and Lessons of Losing a Child

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

 Photo Credit: Ben Earwicker www.garrisonphoto.org/sxc

My last post, Seek Allah in Pregnancy Loss touched many readers who have experienced the loss of their unborn child  May Allah grant them ease and provide peace and may their children who have gone before them meet them at the gates of Jannah.  

I am honored to share this story from one such mother who also shared some excellent reminders on my Saudi Life Motherhood column this week, The Blessings of a Lost Child.

It's a blessing to remember the mercy of Allah and the divinity of HIS plan.  May we all be as strong in our remembrance during times of emotional and physical pain and loss...Ammen.

Please contact me if you'd like to share your story...may you find peace and blessings in the words below...The Shock and Lessons of Losing a Child... 

Seek Allah in Pregnancy Loss

 Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

 

Photo Credit: Ben Earwicker www.garrisonphoto.org/sxc

In recent months I have featured stories of pregnancy loss.  This topic is emotional for everyone involved.  Such stories even go beyond the families and affect anyone who reads or hears of them. 

I have found the sharing of these stories to be a blessing.  That is they bring us back to the reality that Allah (SWT) is all powerful and in command of all things.  As we rush around in our busy, we lives we become forgetful and guilty of being caught up in the things of this life, dunya.  The loss of a life not yet lived is a solid reminder of the uncertainty of our tomorrows on Earth.

I find it an honor to share stories of birth, whether the start of life or story of loss.  I pray you find peace from this post and invite you to share your own stories here.  Now on to the article...Seek Allah in Pregnancy Loss...

No Place for Naivety in Birth

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

 Baby Charlie

Too often we take for granted that our doctor or birth attendant will take care of everything.  We sometimes go into labor blindly and find that being "taken care of" may not be what we had wanted.

The story here is an excellent example of the importance of quality childbirth education, coupled with mother's own involvement in her preparations, labor, and birth.  Thanks so much to this mama for sharing her story!  

I'm always looking for new birth stories to post.  Please consider sharing yours.  Now on to the story...  No Place for Naivety in Birth...