Why Maternal Health Is An Economic Issue

Written By: Ayisha Chandni Maternal health is often viewed through a clinical or emotional lens—but for birth workers and doulas, it’s equally important to understand it as an economic issue. This perspective not only strengthens advocacy but also elevates the value of the care we provide. Every pregnancy outcome has a financial ripple effect. When a mother experiences complications—such as preterm birth, emergency interventions, or postpartum depression—the costs extend far beyond hospital bills. Families may face loss of income, increased caregiving demands, and long-term healthcare expenses. On a larger scale, countries lose billions in productivity due to maternal morbidity and [...]

بریسٹ فیڈنگ، آرام اور ماں بچے کا تعلق: پہلے تین ماہ

Written By: Syeda Fakiha Zaidi  نئی نویلی ماوں کے میسیجز آتے ہیں یا مختلف گروپس میں پوسٹنگ ہوتی ہے کہ بریسٹ فیڈنگ کے ساتھ گھریلو کام کاج کیسے کریں؟ بچہ چپکا رہتا ہے۔ فیڈ ہی کرتا رہتا ہے۔ کیا کروں؟ بات کریں تو پتا چلتا ہے کہ بچے کی عمر دس دن سے لیکر تین ماہ کے درمیان ہے۔ مجھے ماوؤں پر بہت پیار آتا ہے۔ انہیں ٹائم مینیجمنٹ کی ترکیبیں اور دو منٹ میں کام ختم کرنے کے ٹوٹکوں  سے زیادہ سننے اور سمجھنے کا احساس چاہیے۔ پھر ان کی بجائے ان کے اردگرد موجود افراد سے بات کرنے [...]

Why Journaling Is Emotional First Aid During Pregnancy and Postpartum

Written By: Ayisha Chandni Pregnancy and postpartum are not just physical transitions. They are neurological and emotional recalibration. Hormones shift rapidly. Sleep is disrupted. Identity evolves. And in the middle of all this, a woman is expected to “adjust” often without structured emotional support. This is where something as simple as journaling becomes powerful. Not as a routine. But as emotional first aid. Research in expressive writing (notably by psychologist James W. Pennebaker) shows that writing about thoughts and emotions can reduce stress, improve mood, and support cognitive processing. It helps the brain organize overwhelming experiences into coherent narratives which [...]

Be There for Her: The Importance of Social Support during Pregnancy

Written By: Lalithambigai Sekar A mother remembers the one cared during pregnancy and the one did not help in motherhood. Good or bad, she will never forget. Pregnancy is the most vulnerable period in a woman’s life, where it shapes lifelong impact on mind and body due to physical and mental stress happens during pregnancy, followed by childbirth and postpartum. The experiences during the first nine months shape mother’s view of parenting, her parenting skills, her self-esteem and her relationship with her partner followed by the family cycle for lifetime. Therefore, having an understanding and supportive hands during pregnancy offer [...]

October is….

Written By: Zaakirah Idrissu In the United States the month of October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness. Miscarriage is defined in the U.S. as a loss happening before 20 weeks gestation while a stillbirth is a loss occurring after 20 weeks gestation. According to the March of Dimes, between 10-20% of pregnancies result in a miscarriage while 1 in 175 result in a stillbirth. Yet the topic of such loss in various families and communities can be seen as taboo. As a result many families carry the pain of this loss alone. This loss from medical lens is experienced [...]

Power of Water: How Hydrotherapy Enhances Labor and Birth Experiences

Written By: Alfiya Khadeer Labor and birth are profound, life-changing events, and every expectant mother deserves a birth experience that feels empowering, supportive, and as comfortable as possible. One of the most effective, natural comfort measures is water—whether through a warm shower, soaking in a tub, or even laboring in a birthing pool. Water provides a soothing, versatile option that not only helps manage pain but also supports the body’s natural processes during labor and delivery. How Water Eases Labor Pain The benefits of water during labor stem from its ability to reduce pain, increase relaxation, and promote better progress [...]

Nurturing Life: Unlocking the Blessings of Breastfeeding

Written By: Nabira Safiullah "And the mothers shall give suck to their children for two whole years, for those who desire to complete the term of suckling..." (Quran 2:233) Breastfeeding is a divine gift, providing countless benefits for mother and child. As we explore the wonders of breastfeeding, let's delve into its advantages and discuss some valuable tips for new mothers. Benefits of Breastfeeding 1. Optimal Nutrition: Breast milk contains essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. 2. Boosts Immune System: Breast milk's antibodies protect against infections. 3. Brain Development: Breastfeeding enhances cognitive development. 4. Emotional Bonding: Skin-to-skin contact fosters love and [...]

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 [...]

Postpartum Synchronicity Part 1/2

Knowledge of what a baby needs in its first few months of life, and proper management of expectations on the part of the mother and her support team, are essential in meeting the needs of the newborn while also alleviating the stress of the mother. Would you prefer to start motherhood by sabotaging yourself, being exhausted, slowing your own healing and not meeting the baby’s needs?  Or, would you rather set yourself and your baby up for success and look back on this time with joy?  Postpartum has never been an easy period for new mothers.  But, in today’s society [...]

Implications of Environmental Stressors on Birth Physiology

Pregnant women across the globe practice in their own way of preparing for their births. with their hearts set on the best outcome for their babies. Such is the pure, dedicated heart of a mother that she easily forgets about her own needs, and often fails to appreciate the fact that taking care of her needs, in reality, helps to create the positive and safe birth that she rightfully desires. Although two separate individuals, a mother and baby are linked as one (also referred to as mother-baby dyad), therefore any stressful event affecting the laboring mother directly influences the baby [...]

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