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 [...]

Written By: Nisreen Nemer   Throughout history, the power of knowledge has been a crucial driving force for community growth and stability in every nation. The wisest and most knowledgeable men were often key resources for kings and leaders in decision-making. The ultimate emphasis on knowledge, however, comes from a higher source: the very first word revealed from the Holy Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) was "Iqra’" (meaning, "Read"). This is a clear message from Allah (SWT) that we need to be well-educated and continuously seek knowledge in every aspect of our lives. Being well-educated in any [...]

Written By: Izyan Liyana Helmy A lot of mums get nervous about bringing a birth plan to the hospital. “What if my doctor doesn’t like it?” “What if they think I’m one of those patients?” Let’s clear this up once and for all; your birth plan is not a list of demands. It’s just a way to tell your doctor and nurses what matters to you. It helps them understand your hopes for the birth, while giving them a chance to share what’s safe or possible. It’s teamwork, not a tug-of-war. Why a Birth Plan Actually Helps Picture this; you’re [...]

Written By: Dr. Ummay Kulsoom Spotting is when you notice a few drops of blood (red, pink or dark brown) on your undergarments or tissue paper while bleeding refers to flowing blood and it requires you to wear a pad. About 15-25% of all pregnant mothers experience bleeding or spotting in first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Some causes include Implantation bleed: when fertilized egg implants into the uterine wall Hormonal changes: normal during pregnancy Changes in cervix: cervix becomes soft and congested and hence more sensitive to minor trauma leading to spotting Subchorionic hematoma: usually self resolving These are benign [...]

Written By: Zaakirah Idrissu There has been a lot of social media coverage about doula support and its positive impact on the overall wellbeing of the new family. Perhaps it’s for this very reason that the family sought out doula support in preparation for the arrival of their new baby. Unfortunately parents may ask doulas questions that are more appropriate to ask of their medical provider such as what rate of their clients had an unplanned epidural for example. Many parents may have concerns regarding inductions, epidurals, cesareans, etc. It’s their responsibility to communicate these concerns with their medical team [...]

Written By: Fakiha Zaidi For generations, women gave birth in upright positions standing, squatting, or kneeling using gravity and movement to help their babies descend with ease. Modern hospital births often changed this natural pattern, but research now reminds us that upright positions offer many advantages for both mother and baby. As Muslims, we also find a beautiful example of this in the Qur’an. When Maryam (Mary), peace be upon her, went into labor, the Qur’an describes her leaning on the trunk of a palm tree, an upright supported position. This story reflects the natural design of birth. It reminds [...]