Written By: Dr Ummay Kulsoom Led by International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN), the month of April emphasizes the importance of evidence based care, informed consent, and empowering women to make the best decisions for their health and their babies. The purpose is to raise awareness about childbirth options, risk of Cesarean sections and to provide support for Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC). It aims at educating not only parents, but also healthcare providers about the risk and benefits of Cesarean as well as the importance of reducing unnecessary C-sections. It advocate for support for those who have experienced a C-section whether planned or [...]

Written By: Dr Umm Maryam Pregnancy is a natural and important journey, yet many women experience fear during this time. Fear of pain, fear of complications, or fear of doing something wrong - which can affect how mothers feel and the choices they make. While being careful is good, too much fear can create hidden costs; emotionally, physically, and financially. Many fears come from misinformation, negative stories, or not knowing what is normal in pregnancy. When mothers do not understand the changes happening in their bodies, small things can feel worrying. This uncertainty may lead mothers to choose extra tests [...]

Written By: Ibazainab Zeni The day a mom completes 40 weeks, why does everyone pretend as if she is a ticking time bomb? American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology (2019) and NHS UK (2022) say that only ~5% of women give birth on their due date. According to American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists ACOG, most first-time moms deliver between 40 and 41+5 weeks. If these are the statistics, then why is there so much rush once the mother hits 40 weeks? Inductions start being scheduled and the mother is constantly reminded of risks such as the placenta “aging and calcifying”, [...]

Written By: Lalithambigai Satish Kumar Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS is a condition of hormonal imbalance that changes how a female reproductive system or ovaries work. PCOS may start during the early teenage years, leading to missed or irregular menstrual cycles, obesity, extra hair on body and face, and acne on face. When a woman with PCOS undergoes a pelvic ultrasound, small sacs with liquid can be identified as cysts on her ovaries. Hence, the name polycystic -- which literally means having many cysts. If there is a question raised, “Does having PCOS affect my fertility?” The answer is yes [...]

Written By: Dr. Ummay Kulsoom You have your doctors appointment and you are rushing through to get all your stuff arranged, finish your household chores and make arrangements for your kids. You get into your car full of fear and anxiety that you might be getting late to meet your doctor who has a busy schedule ahead and might not be available if you get late. Anyhow, you make it to the clinic just in time, running towards the help desk and confirming your arrival for the routine checkup. The receptionist guides you towards the nurses' room where you quickly [...]

Written By: Mariam Anjum & Ayivi Guillota   Most mothers go into their pregnancy and labor unprepared and come out of it traumatized by the pain, the way they were treated, and the fact that no one told them what would happen. One major intervention that happens to expectant mothers in hospitals is pelvic or vaginal examinations. If you’ve ever wondered whether you can say no to a vaginal examination during pregnancy or labor, you’re not alone. And the answer is straightforward: yes. You can say no to any medical procedure. Legally—and ethically—a woman can accept or refuse any procedure, [...]

Written By: Romina Cani & Dr. Ummay Kulsoom Many mothers are surprised to learn that the World Health Organization has clearly recommended against the use of fundal pressure, also known as the Kristeller maneuver. This is the technique where a provider applies strong external pressure using hands, fists and sometimes elbows, on a mother’s upper abdomen during the pushing stage in an attempt to “help” the baby descend. Some common indications cited by care providers are suspected fetal compromise, prolonged labor and poor maternal pushing efforts due to exhaustion. Though poorly reported due to fear of litigation, fundal pressure has [...]

Written By: Amina Muse & Dea Revania Birth is one of the most significant and sacred transitions in a family’s life. Within Islamic tradition, compassion and mercy are central virtues—“My mercy encompasses all things” (Qur’an 7:156). The work of obstetricians, midwives, and nurses reflects these values as you guide mothers and infants through moments of profound vulnerability and strength. Alongside your essential clinical expertise, many women choose the added support of a doula. The doula’s role is often misunderstood, yet at its core, it is profoundly supportive of the medical model and of the skilled care you provide. A doula [...]

Written By: Amina Muse Most people assume the birth journey begins when a woman sees a positive pregnancy test. In reality, it begins long before conception. It starts with choosing the right husband — a man who will be your support person in labor, your partner in parenting, and the father who will shape your children’s emotional, spiritual, and social world. Pregnancy, birth, and postpartum are some of the most vulnerable stages of a woman’s life. The level of support a woman receives from her husband directly affects her physical, emotional, and mental well-being. A strong, present, and emotionally mature [...]