Birth Stories: “It’s the Big Day”

It was four days past my estimated due date. I was relaxed and calmed as I had already known and learned from my AMANI training to trust Allah's design for birth and equip myself with  knowledge. I'd had signs of early labor about two weeks prior where mild surges would come and go. I did intense exercises every morning, including squats and belly dance and a lot of juicing. That day was another routine day of labor preparation and I did not expect any signs until I saw bloody show on my undergarment. It was after Zuhr prayer around 2pm [...]

During Pregnancy Protein is Key

By Umm Layth When pregnant, it doesn’t take long to realize that our world no longer revolves around us. It’s the tiny being inside of us who calls the shots now, especially in terms of our nutrition. Foods we used to have passion for become abhorred, while those we never even thought of eating become regular cravings. On top of it all, our doctors, friends, and family are presenting us with whole lists of ingredients we can’t even go near, for the health of our baby of course. And while going through this experience may be unsettling at times, we [...]

Birth Stories: From Induction to Birthing My Way

This mom shares her three quite different childbirth stories and how she labored on her own terms to achieve the birth she wanted.  Thank you for allowing us to share your birth story. My first birth was an induction at thirty-nine weeks due to the baby having intrauterine growth restriction.  My baby was measuring at about 5 lbs. 12 oz. for a week.  My doctor was concerned that if she stayed inside until my due date, she might lose weight.  It did not make complete sense to me, but I believed my doctor. I was administered Cytotec vaginally on a [...]

Baby number eight…Baba’s birth story!

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. Amani is an Arabic word which means “wishes.” It’s the name we chose for our [...]

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