The Virtues of Dhikr (Remembrance) Whilst in a State of Hardship

Written By: Noor Rahim At AMANI Birth, we encourage expecting mothers to not simply “endure” any pain they may encounter but to accept it head-on with effective coping mechanisms. These habits boost the mother’s confidence and allow pain to no longer be an impending fear that throws her in a state of panic. From these habits is to learn how to engage in tummy (or diaphragmatic) breathing in order to signal calmness to the parasympathetic nervous system and this amazingly decreases the mother’s pain. Another habit that is commonly mentioned, yet not delved as deeply into, is the power and [...]

Sweet Mercy: The Power of Dates in Pregnancy

Written By: Fajr Peter A Superfood from the Qur’an for Strength, Sweetness, and Sacred Support Among the many gifts Allah ﷻ has given us in His creation, dates hold a special place — not just as a food of blessing, but as a source of strength and healing, especially for women during pregnancy and birth. In this installment of the Nourishing the Journey series, we’ll explore why dates are a beloved food of the Qur’an, how they support your body during pregnancy, and simple, creative ways to enjoy them. Dates in the Qur’an: A Gift for Birth One of the [...]

All That Matters Is A Healthy Baby

Written By: Hira Hassan How many times have we heard this from family members and care providers? "What matters is a healthy baby." It really breaks my heart. The shocking part is that even the mother thinks that this is the normal way to analyze her birth experience. What results from this mindset is unaddressed postpartum depression and traumas. We have been trained to be 'good girls' to such an extent that it's considered disrespectful to voice out our opinions and say, "No." From what I've observed, a care provider's definition of a 'good patient' is unfortunately associated with how [...]

A Pregnant Journey

Written By: Fajr Dawn Peters I'm expecting! I am filled with excitement and anticipation of what this new addition could mean. Through all my thoughts and emotions, a fact I know deeply comes to the surface: 'I have to prepare.' Having had six children before, I know that knowledge is power and preparation is key. I must make informed, thoughtful choices because these choices impact outcomes; failing to make a choice is in itself a choice. I've chosen my provider, Aisha al-Hajjar, a wonderful midwife, mashaAllah, that I had been blessed to work with before. The role of the provider [...]

The Power of Movement: How Being Active Prepares You for an Empowering Birth

Written By: Anisah Abdullah Pregnancy is often described as a journey, and like any significant journey, preparation is key. For expectant mothers, staying active and physically preparing the body for birth is one of the best ways to ensure a positive, empowering experience. At AMANI Birth, we emphasize the importance of holistic preparation, which includes both mental, spiritual and physical readiness. Being active during pregnancy has many benefits, not just for the mother but also for the baby too. Physical activity helps improve circulation, maintain a healthy weight, reduce stress, and alleviate common discomforts such as back pain, swelling, and [...]

Food Transforming Your Biology

Written By: Hira Hassan No daily habit has more ability to reshape our biology than the food we consume. These are some questions to ask ourselves before planning a baby: What is my relationship with food? Do I eat mindfully or consume blindly? Am I living to eat or eating to live? Does most of my entertainment today revolve around food? Remember to take care of your biology BEFORE planning a baby, because let me tell you, your food choices can greatly impact your health during pregnancy, including your mental health, the health and development of your baby AND the [...]

The Importance of Islamic Birth Education for Mothers and Babies

Written By: Anisah Abdullah Pregnancy and birth are incredible journeys, especially for Muslim women who see these moments as both spiritual as well as physical. Islamic childbirth education, like the AMANI Birth program, is a powerful way to support mothers by connecting them to their faith and helping them feel confident during this life-changing time. AMANI Birth stands for Assisting Mothers for Active Natural Instinctive Birth and focuses on trusting the body’s natural ability, given by Allah, to carry and birth a child. It helps mothers feel calm and reassured, knowing that Allah has designed their bodies perfectly for this [...]

Nourishing Life: Whole Foods and Active Lifestyle for a Healthy Pregnancy and Natural Birth

Written By: Nabira Safiullah As an expectant mother, you're probably aware of the importance of nutrition and lifestyle during pregnancy. A balanced whole foods diet and regular physical activity can significantly support a healthy pregnancy and natural birth. In this article, we'll explore the essential nutrients and exercises to help you nourish the life growing inside of you. Whole Foods for Pregnancy A well-rounded whole foods diet provides vital nutrients for fetal growth and development. Focus on: Leafy Greens: spinach and kale for folate and iron Berries: blueberries and strawberries for antioxidants Nuts and Seeds: almonds and chia seeds for [...]

Childbirth: Between Myths and Facts

Written By: Tamara Fayez   Childbirth is a profound and sacred experience, often surrounded by cultural beliefs and practices. However, misconceptions can lead to unnecessary fear and anxiety. As we prepare for this incredible journey, it’s crucial to distinguish between what’s real and what’s not. This post will explore common myths about childbirth, and provide evidence-based facts to help expectant parents navigate this transformative experience with confidence and knowledge.   Myth 1: Labor Always Begins with Water Breaking Fact: Contrary to popular belief, only a small percentage of women experience their water breaking before labor starts. Every birth is unique [...]

Testimonial Tuesdays

AMANI Birth Trainee, Laura Daghes, shares her beautiful testimonial regarding the AMANI Birth book, authored by Aisha Al Hajjar: "This book is an extremely useful resource for expecting parents. It teaches parents that childbirth education is of upmost importance when preparing for the birth of their child. It teaches parents about the physiology of pregnancy, labour and birth. Learning about this physiology is extremely beneficial as it will empower women to work with their bodies in order to go through the natural and instinctual experience that is birth. It also preaches that birth can actually be an extremely joyful and [...]

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