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!...

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?"...

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 childbirth classes 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 their childbirth classes 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 techniques taught in childbirth classes really work!

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 techniques taught in my childbirth classes 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!

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 techniques taught in childbirth classes really work!...

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 hardest 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 (a medication administered intravenously to induce or speed labor).  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."  Unfortunately, too many labors are rushed and c-sections performed due to the impatience of doctors.  The only good thing is that as a childbirth class 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 ex-husband wasn't much of a labor partner, at least he had taken childbirth classes with me and was present at each of my births. This time would 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

Had I realized that I was going to have the baby that morning, I wouldn't have gone to meet the doctor.  I really wanted a home birth this time.  Not only didn't I get it, but my husband missed the birth (again) as he was busy filling out hospital forms.

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  natural childbirth classes.  I witnessed 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!...

Ask me again why I am so passionate about NON-MEDICATED birth!

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

As I start my first Saudi Birth Story blog entry, I came across a horrifying article about an epidural gone horribly wrong.  I feel absolutely devastated for the poor women who is suffering due to a "hospital error."  I'll let you read the article for yourself, then ask me why I'm so passionate about natural, NON-MEDICATED childbirth.