The First State's First Muslim Midwife

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

We are excited to announce that Aisha Al Hajjar is now a licensed home birth midwife in the State of Delaware! Delaware just recently legalized midwifery and she is proud to be amongst the first to receive her license. Even more exciting is that she is the first Muslim home birth midwife in the state! 

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...

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!...

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!...

Research Pays Off in a Lotus Birth!

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

 Newborn baby, Badr!

I'm really impressed with this young mother's determination and research into birth.  She really took time to educate herself and knew what she wanted, masha'Allah.  However, I'm a little surprised at her doula's active role, as usually a doula only supports the mother emotionally during the birth and doesn't perform any physical examinations. 

I hope you enjoy this birth story and would love if you share yours!  Now on to the story...Research Pays Off in a Lotus Birth!...

A Midwife's UBA2C (Unassiasted Birth After Two Cesareans)

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

 Art by:  Amy Swagman
http://themandalajourney.com/

I'm honored to post this unassisted, home, water birth story.  What makes it even more special is that she is an awesome midwife!  It's rare to get a glimpse into the birth of birth attendants.   Her knowledge and trust in Allah come shining through in her own birth story.

I hope you'll enjoy her story.  Please let me know if you would like to share yours.  Now on to the story...A Midwife's UBA2C (Unassiasted Birth After Two Cesareans)...

Unplanned Home Birth in Malaysia!

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim



I love the peace this mom felt with her birth, masha'Allah.  Those first few moments after birth are so precious.  I'm not against hospital births, but I wish medical teams would slow down and savor that sacred time (assuming no complications).

I have to say that my unassisted home birth was also my favorite.  However, there are risks associated with going it alone.  Then again, there are risks to going to the hospital too! 

No birth is without risk.  In fact life is not without risk.  But I want to make it clear that I do not teach/train/nor encourage women to birth without someone skilled in birth to assist her.  But for those that do so successfully, most would never go back to hospital birthing again.

I hope you enjoy this story.  Please let me know if you'd like to share yours.  Now on to the story...Unplanned Home Birth in Malaysia!...

"My water broke!"...Guess what...it's NOT an Emergency!

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim



Art by:  Amy Swagman
http://themandalajourney.com/

Important amendment to this article:  I inadvertantly left off some very good points which were made in the comments section by a reader.  Please take the time to read the entire article AND comments to get a more complete view of this topic.

I recently had two separate occasions to work with women that had amniotic leaks prior to the onset of labor.  Both wanted natural birth without medical induction, augmentation, or cesarean surgery.  But both were worried if they didn't rush to the hospital that their babies would be in jeapordy.

Fortunately, I was able to provide them information that gave them the confidence to allow nature to take its course.  I pray that sharing this here will help others in the same circumstance. 

Please contact me if you would like to share a topic idea.  Now on to the article..."My water broke!"...Guess what...it's NOT an Emergency!

The Joy of Waterbirth!

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

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!...

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!...

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...

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!...  

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...

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!...

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!...  

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)...

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!...