Written By: Zeinab Uddin The story of forceps is one many have never heard, yet it changed birth forever. In the 16th century, a family of male barber-surgeons - the Chamberlens - invented the obstetric forceps. They guarded their tool in secrecy for over a hundred years, arriving at births with it hidden in a box, blindfolding laboring women and their attendants so no one could see what they used. When the secret was finally revealed, the invention was praised as a "medical breakthrough" and quickly spread across Europe. In the early 20th century, the introduction of forceps was celebrated [...]

Written By: Dea Revania I’ve always felt at home in the water. Even when I was pregnant, swimming was my escape. This gentle exercise offers incredible benefits for mothers and babies. I loved it so much that I became an aquanatal trainer. This journey began during my seventh pregnancy. My later-in-life pregnancy in my 40s was tough. Severe morning sickness forced me to rest for 20 weeks. I couldn't exercise for nearly half the time. Aquanatal was the perfect solution to start moving again. The water finally allowed me to prepare my body for labor. Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, [...]

Written By: Izyan Liyana Helmy Let’s be honest, most of us grew up believing doctors know best. We were taught that pain means danger, that hospitals are the safest place for everything, and that birth is something to be “managed.” So when labor begins, our first instinct is often fear, not trust. But here’s the truth that many of us have forgotten: your body was designed to give birth. It’s not broken. It doesn’t need to be “fixed” or “helped along” by machines or strangers, unless truly necessary. When did we stop listening to ourselves? In the midwifery model of [...]

Written By: Ibazainab Zeni You might notice a leak when coughing, laughing, or lifting objects. It feels shameful, you overlook it and consider it a pregnancy or an age-related issue. This muscle group is also called the Kegels or pubococcygeus muscle group, which supports the pelvic organs and controls functions like urination and bowel movements. They also support the baby during pregnancy, and strong pelvic floor muscles can help mold the baby’s head along with the birthing process itself.  It is extremely sad to say that 32% of women will have at least one pelvic floor disorder at one time [...]

Written By: Zaakirah Idrissu Many expecting couples took great care in choosing both their wedding venue and their marital home. Intuitively the very idea of choosing somewhere insufficient would not be deemed appropriate nor accepted. It is that same level of discernment that should be exhibited when choosing a medical provider and the associated birth location whether that is a hospital or freestanding birth center. Wherever the birth is planned to take place needs to practice evidence based practices and informed decision making for a trauma free experience. The future parents should tour multiple birth locations and be comfortable having [...]

Written By: Saadia Saeed Midwifery care is so much more than just medical support during pregnancy and birth—it’s about kindness, understanding, and genuine connection. Midwives play a huge role in helping women feel safe, supported, and confident during one of the most emotional and life-changing experiences they’ll ever go through. They don’t just focus on the physical side of giving birth, but also on the emotional and mental well-being of the mother. What makes midwifery care so special is the personal touch. Unlike many doctors, who often have to rush from one patient to another, midwives take the time to [...]

Written By: Ayisha Chandni, Childbirth Educator, Doula, Lactation Professional Birth is one of life’s most profound experiences: a physiological process that has evolved as part of our biological design by our creator. Yet too often, modern birth practices interrupt the body’s innate wisdom rather than supporting it. Respecting the physiology of birth and protecting women’s rights are inseparable principles that lead to healthier, more empowering birth experiences. When left to unfold naturally, birth follows a remarkable choreography orchestrated by hormones. Oxytocin drives contractions, endorphins provide natural pain relief, and the carefully timed release of catecholamines gives both mother and baby [...]

Written By: Zaakirah Idrissu Did you know that the longest documented pregnancy in the U.S was 375 days long resulting in the birth of a healthy baby girl in 1945? That’s about one year and 10 days pregnant which is 95 days beyond the norm! Many families have probably heard that pregnancy is about 40 weeks long based off of Naegele’s Rule invented in the 19th century. This rule is based off the 28 day cycle as the baseline for the calculation. It’s important to note that different variables are not equally considered which also impact a baby’s due date. [...]