Choosing Your Birthing Culture

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

Masha'Allah, this story is a beautiful reminder of our responsibility for making choices about our pregnancy, labor, and birth.  I'm so happy to share this mother's journey to the natural birth she knew was right for her and her baby.

Although not a "Bradley Method®" birth, the story reminds me of a statement in the Bradley Method® Student Workbook, "Educated parents have the responsiblity to make these choices themselves and to hire the personnel who will support their choices.  This takes considerable effort and sometimes requires changing your situation or traveling great distances to seek the safest possible birth."

I hope you enjoy this birth story.  Please let me know if you'd like to share your own.  Now on to the story...Choosing Your Birthing Culture...

Shoulder Dystocia, Baby's Shoulders Stuck During Birth!

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

I teach women to stay off their backs in labor.  But until I watched this video I really didn't realize how laying on our backs can cause a common birth "complication" that often times leads to birth injury.

Have your tissues ready and share this five minute segment with every woman and husband you know!  Now on to the video...Shoulder Dystocia, Baby's Shoulders Stuck During Birth!...

Ecstatic Birth, Nature's Hormonal Blueprint for Labor

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

I was recently contacted by a doctor who had seen my Saudi Life Motherhood column.  She shared her website address and I discoverd she is an author and advocate for natural birth, mahsa'Allah. 

I was really impressed with her philosophies about birth.  I am honored to make her "virtual acquaintance" and want to share her work with my readers. She offers a free e-book which I'll discuss here.

I hope you'll enjoy discovering her work as much as I have.  Now on to the review...Ecstatic Birth, Nature's Hormonal Blueprint for Labor...

Saudi Arabia Birthing Culture

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

Midwifery Today keeps a list of international contacts to act as resource and liason for their respective regions.  I am honored to be the contact for Saudi Arabia.  Today the international edition of their E-News was released with a country report from all of the country contacts. 

My report on the culture of birth in Saudi is copied here.  I hope you enjoy reading it and would love your perspective.  Now on to the report...Saudi Arabia Birthing Culture... 

Infant Health Benefits from Natural Birth and Breastfeeding

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

An informative article about Probiotics (live bacteria which benefits human health) in breast milk appeared in Al Riyadh newspaper on June 4, 2010.  The original article was published in Arabic and can be found at:  البروبيوتك مجموعة من البكتيريا الصديقة تعمل على تعزيز مناعة الرضيع   I found many points in the article to be rather interesting as well as confirming my beliefs in natural birth and breastfeeding, alhamdulelah.


My husband was kind enough to do a quick summary translation for us to read here.  I hope you enjoy the article and welcome your story ideas as well.  Now on to the English version of the story...Infant Health Benefits from Natural Birth and Breastfeeding...



The full title of the Arabic article is Probiotic is a group of friendly bacteria which increases infant immunities.  The article was divided into three parts.

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?)...

Vaginal Birth After TWO Cesareans (VBA2C)...in Saudi!

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

Beautiful Baby Boy

Born Vaginally After Two Cesareans! 

It is a blessing to share this story on my blog.  What makes it amazing is not only the rarity of having vaginal delivery after TWO cesareans, but that she did it in Saudi Arabia, masha'Allah!

Although I wish she had gotten educated sooner, avoided medical interference from the get go, and tried non-medicated natural bith...I am still very proud of this mama!  I'm also thankful to her for sharing the many links she researched when pursuing her VBA2C (listed at the end of the article).  Due to copyright, I cannot post the ACOG (American College of Gynecologists) report that she showed her doctor, but I do have it on file and would be happy to email it to anyone who requests a copy.

I hope you enjoy reading this inspirational birth story.  Please let me know if you'd like to share yours.  Now on to the story...Vaginal Birth After TWO Cesareans (VBA2C)...in Saudi!...



Persevering in Homebirth!

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

 Precious Baby Narmeen!

I loved reading this story.  Masha'Allah, the mother persevered in her decision to birth at home, even though it was a difficult birth.  There are so many instances in reading her story that I realize would have been indicative of intervention in a medical model (beginning with induction and possibly ending with cesarean), even though the mother and baby were never in any real danger.  I really admire her trust in Allah throughout the process.  It's a great reminder that birth is a natural process and our bodies are equipped to do it!  I'm honored and grateful to her for sharing her story here and hope it inspires others to trust the natural process!

I hope you enjoy reading this birth story.  Please let me know if you'd like to share yours. Now on to the story...Persevering in Homebirth!...

The Comfort of Homebirthing

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

This story was originally published in print by Al Jumuah Magazine.  I am pleased to have permission from them to post it here.  It was written several years ago by my dear friend and sister, Professor Aisha Hamdan.  She is a Professor of Physchology with a Bachelor's degree in Islamic Studies, masha'Allah.

I am amazed at how closely Professor Hamdan's views mirror my own, masha'allah.  I hope you enjoy her story and perspective.  As always, I'd be honored to share your story as well.  Now on to the story...The Comfort of Homebirthing...

Breastfeeding Isn’t Always Easy

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

Alhamdulelah, I was blessed with fairly easy breastfeeding experiences with my children.  The first was a bit hard because he was premature, however not too bad.  Fortunately, I didn’t even realize he was difficult until I had the second and experienced how easy she was, subhanAllah.

I recently joined an online breastfeeding support group, La Leche League in the Middle East.  The moderator is also a doula in Ha’il, Saudi Arabia.

I wanted to share a recent post from another member (also a doula in Riyadh) about her experiences with breastfeeding.  She’s has six children but did not find breastfeeding so easy.  I admire her perseverance to keep trying.

Even mothers that find nursing easy, need support.  Think how much more those mothers who experience difficulty need the loving support and resources such as this group in order to succeed.  I hope you’ll benefit from her story and share it with others.  Let me know if you a story you’d like to share.  Now on to the story…Breastfeeding Isn’t Always Easy… 

 

Patient Rights Meeting in Saudi

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

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!

Announcing a New Page to Introduce Other Articles I Write...

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

Me, Aisha (Natural Mom)

Lecturing About Natural Birth

I am pleased to announce that I am now writing a weekly column called Motherhood for Saudi Life.  I have also debuted on Suite 101, alhamdulelah. 

I've created a page (Columns I Write) on my blog to host the links to my other articles.  I hope you enjoy reading them.  As always, I'd love to hear your feedback and story ideas!

Walking Alone...



Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

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

I share this story with honor and love.  I feel so blessed to have been able to play a part with my dear friend at this important time in her life.  I have to warn you, it’s about the loss of a pregnancy.  Loosing a child at any stage is heartbreaking.  It’s difficult on both parents.  We cannot judge how others handle the situation and must understand that everyone deals with emotional stress and grieving in their own way.  May Allah bless their marriage and may they be greeted at the gates of Jennah (Heaven) by their precious son who went before them. I hope you benefit from reading these birth stories.  Please let me know if you'd like to share yours. Now on to the story...Walking Alone...

After Dozens of Deaths, Drop-Side Cribs Outlawed

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

Thanks to my mom for sharing this important consumer information about drop-side cribs.  If you have one, DESTROY IT!  Make sure no one else can use it and save a baby!  Pray for the families of the infant victims of these death beds. 

Click to read the full Fox News Article.

If you see any such recall or article that needs to be shared, please forward it to me and I'll get it posted right away, insha'Allah!

EXTRA, EXTRA, READ ALL ABOUT IT! I'm in the News! :)

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

Me, Aisha (Natural Mom)

Teaching Pregnancy Exercises

This has been an exciting month for me! 

Alhamdulealah, somebody pinch me!  I need to check if I'm dreaming before I post this!  It's not hard to tell that I have a passion for natural birth and it's my goal to spread it throughout the Middle East and Africa, insha'Allah.  But I was totally amazed when I came back to Egypt from a trip to the States this past June. 

I had just finished attending classes to become certified as a childbirth teacher and labor/birth doula.  I was seven months pregnant myself and was waiting until the end of my ninth month to join my husband in Saudi to have our baby there.  I didn't expect to accomplish much in those three months in terms of putting my training to work.

No one could have imagined the opportunites that I found in those three months in Egypt, let alone during the past month in Saudi! 

I hope you enjoy reading about the exciting opportunities in Egypt and Saudi.  I'd love your feedback and comments.  Now on to the story...EXTRA, EXTRA, READ ALL ABOUT IT!  I'm in the News!  :)...  

Absolute faith: A Father’s Perspective!

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

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

In October I posted a touching story (Absolute Faith) about the loss of a pregnancy that brought tears and a smile.  I introduced the story by saying, “…I am so honored that they have shared their story here.  It's one that brings tears and a smile at the same time.  It's tragic, yet beautiful.  I am truly inspired by their absolute faith in Allah…”

Well, last week I had an offline chat message that I had hoped wouldn’t come.  Even so, I’m touched and amazed, once again, at this dear couple and their absolute faith!  I love them dearly and am, again, honored to share their story here.  This time we have the father’s perspective, which I rarely get and always love.  

Make sure you read all the way through the story as I’ve shared some excerpts from our chat message at the end of their story.  I can’t say enough just how inspirational their faith is.  May Allah continue to bless and keep them…AMEEN! 

I hope you enjoy reading these birth stories.  Please let me know if you'd like to share yours. Now on to the story...Absolute faith: A Father’s Perspective!...  

Ask me again why to avoid unnecessary cesareans!

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

I want to share a link to another accident in the delivery room.  I'll keep my comments short, as there's no need to say much, except pray for this poor woman, ya Rab!

Ask me again why to avoid unnecessary cesarean!

If you see something in the news related to labor and birth, please send it to me.  I'm always looking for relevant articles to share.  I wish there were more inspirational and happy ones, of course. 

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?

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!...

Birth Won't Wait!

 Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

A fellow blogger had been reading my blog and commented that, "It can be a nightmare to deliver here in KSA and the Mid East."  She mentioned a few things that I made note to research and write about.  One was a horror story about someone she knew personally who experienced a tragedy while giving birth in Syria.  It's a sad story, but one that I want to feature after I get more details.  She also talked about women giving birth at home or abandoning their babies for fear of being deported or punished for not having current iqamas, or proper marriage documents, or not being married at all.  She mentioned babies being held "hostage" at hospitals when the parents were unable to pay the costs of hospital delivery. 

Just today she sent me two stories that were published in the Saudi Gazette newspaper.  The heading of her email to me was "See what I mean!"  She commented in her email, "This is an outrage!" and she's right!  Both stories feature women who were turned away by hospitals in Saudi Arabia and forced to deliver their babies without assistance within arms length of medical facilities and staff.  I've copied both stories here for you to read.

Although the stories are "an outrage," I hope you enjoy reading this blog.  I'd love to hear your story ideas and share your birth stories.  If there's a relevant news link please forward it to me and I'll share it on the blog.  Now on to the stories...Birth Won't Wait!...

An Obstetrician Learns a Valuable Lesson While Giving Birth!

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

 Dr. Hana Abo Kassem, OB

I am really excited to post this story!  This comes from Dr. Hana Abo Kassem, an obstetrician.  I know her personally and love her dearly!  She assisted me when I was teaching childbirth classes in Alexandria, Egypt at the Suzanne Mubark Centre for Women's Health and Development.  Since working with me, she has learned a lot about the natural childbirth methods I teach and has began to implement them in her private medical practice.

This post isn't about her practice though.  It's about her personal experience giving birth to her own two children.  At that time all she knew was what she was taught in medical school and what she experienced as an obstetrician.  Having her own births, however, taught her something that influenced the way she treats her own patients.  

I hope you enjoy reading these birth stories.  Please let me know if you'd like to share yours. Now on to the story...An Obstetrician Learns a Valuable Lesson While Giving Birth!...

My birth story...I mean when I was born!

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

 This is my birth announcement!

I'm so pleased to post this story because it's from my very own Ummi!  It's my mom's account of my sister's and my births (I'm the younger sister...read all the way to the second birth, that's ME!).  Again, here's a story that demonstrates that birth is such a major event in a woman's life that she can retell the details over forty years later, masha'allah!  

I'm touched at the end that she marveled over the alertness of my own daughter just moments after she was born.  I always tell women, try to learn how to cope with your labor, it really does make a difference in yours and the baby's ability to immediately bond.  Her comment about not even believing that my sister was her baby really saddens me.  Decline the drugs, stay awake and stay alert, Ladies!

I hope you enjoy reading these birth stories.  Please let me know if you'd like to share yours. Now on to the story...My birth story...I mean when I was born!...

Absolute faith!

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

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

This story comes from a very dear and sweet couple.  I know them personally and love them so much!  I am so honored that they have shared their story here.  It's one that brings tears and a smile at the same time.  It's tragic, yet beautiful.  I am truly inspired by their absolute faith in Allah and I pray that their story reaches other families as a comfort and guidance in times of loss. 

May Allah bless them and provide for a healthy pregnancy, birth, mother, and baby soon.  May their baby grow to be a pious Muslim, pleasing to Allah (SWT) and his/her parents!  AMEEN!

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

Could it have been natural?

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

Although this story takes place over twenty-five years ago, you can tell the details are still fresh in the mother's mind.  Birth is such a major life event that it tends to stick with us forever.  What happened in her case isn't much different than what happens today.  One thing I feel from her story is that it seems this mother feels she was "robbed" of the chance to have her baby naturally.  Even decades later, you can feel the sense of loss for the natural birth she had hoped for.  In the end, though, she went home with a precious, healthy baby girl, and that's what matters most!

Special thanks to my dearest friend, Nesime, for submitting this story.  I love her dearly and am so honored that she chose to share her story here!

I hope you enjoy reading these birth stories.  Please let me know if you'd like to share yours. Now on to the story...Could it have been natural?...
 

To Have or Not to Have an Ultrasound...(and a link to an amazing twin home birth)

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

Having an ultrasound has become common place during pregnancy.  In the States I found it routine to be given a vaginal ultrasound at the first obstetric visit and an abdominal ultrasound around 20 weeks, when the gender can be determined.  In Egypt I found it routine to be given an ultrasound at EVERY obstetric visit.  I didn't have much prenatal care in Saudi, but from what I can gather, it's more like Egypt.

I've read a lot of literature that suggests that ultrasound has some mutating effect on cells.  Most conservatives feel that more research has to be done to determine if routine ultrasound exposure is having unknown adverse effects on our babies.  In fact, a visit to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration website reveals that, "...the long-term effects of tissue...by high-intensity sound waves [ultrasound]...are not known."

I hope that you enjoy this article.  Let me know if you have a story you'd like to share.  Now on to the story...To Have or Not to Have an Ultrasound...(and a link to an amazing twin home birth)...

Speed bumps...a sign of labor!

 Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

Having Braxton-Hicks contractions during the final weeks of pregnancy can make it difficult to tell when "it's the real thing."  Not sure if it's real labor?  How about a drive over a few speed bumps to find out! 

Of course the only way to know if contractions are "real" or not is to wait it out and see if ends with birth.  I hope that you enjoy this article.  Let me know if you have a story you'd like to share.  Now on to the story...Speed bumps...a sign of labor!...