Birth Story - Rahma

rain's romantic pour #316 by ashley rose


This birth story comes to us from a lovely mother of two. This is the story of her first home birth.

How did I subconsciously soak in the meaning of her name ever since she rested in my womb? Rahma. My whole pregnancy was spent in the type of inner turmoil that comes only with self discovery. She taught me to finally have some true compassion for myself. Rahma. She continued to teach me to overcome my fears, to reclaim myself, to strive for my dreams and to stand strong for what I truly believed in. Rahma.

I had no idea that in the last trimester of my pregnancy, she would teach me that a beautiful birth means an empowered mother. That the only way she wanted to enter this world was if I felt ‘at home’ enough to submit myself to one of the greatest tests of perseverance, birth. And that in return, I would experience spiritual ecstasy. Ahmad, my husband, realized the value of my personal choice and despite his doubt and fears, supportively agreed to have a home birth. Soon, I even heard him convincing family members of its success rate!

We hooked up with ‘Birth Awakenings’, the midwifery group that a couple of friends swore by. Dana, Deborah and Julie became a part of our lives when we most needed them. The cold, stark, specimen-like ‘pre-natal appointment’ as I had known with my first daughter’s pregnancy became an afternoon cup of tea at home. They carried out the heart beat and urine checks, discussed my fears, played with my oldest daughter and let her listen to the baby’s heart beat with their Doppler. Their prescriptions were nettle tea and protein shakes. They helped me to realize that the weight of inner turmoil might tip the scales against the success of a home birth; they urged me to establish harmony within prior to the birth.

Ramadan came and shone forth with its beauty as we sighted the moon with a few families. I fasted. In the evenings we took turns with our oldest while praying taraweeh.Then the surprise came that Ammi and Abba were flying in. Yet again, I was forced to stand strong yet maintain gentleness. I really wanted to have the baby before they arrived as we weren’t sure if they were comfortable with our plans to birth at home. I prayed and prayed to have the baby prior to their arrival date and took castor oil in the hopes of stimulating my labor - despite the caution of my midwives. We were a week away from their arrival and two days from the due date. I woke up every midnight interrupted by the stormy rain and whistling wind outside coupled with the false contractions within. As much as I hoped tonight would be the night, the contractions were as calm as the bright sunny day the next morning.

Now two days from my due date, we found ourselves greeting Ammi and Abba at the door. It was not as I expected. All that tension which I had dreaded was replaced with easy, light hearted warmth, and time spent together at home. There was almost no discussion regarding the birth except a motherly concern about whether the check lists were implemented and support for the big day. How Merciful is Allah? I slept that night and woke up as usual around midnight, but this time the contractions were slightly stronger and then the instinct that this was it. I woke Ahmad up to give him a warning and he reminded me that Dana, our midwife, had said to go back to sleep to conserve energy for when the real thing begins. I bore the slightly uncomfortable intermittent pain as he hugged me snug. Before I knew it I had fallen asleep. A few hours later I woke up again and told him that they’re getting stronger. He got busy getting the pool ready. The sound of the gushing water reminded me about the contractions coming full force now. He lit our favorite incense to welcome the angels as they awaited the coming of our baby. He timed the contractions and realized that they were getting close so I called the midwife.

Dana told me to hang in there and that she would be there shortly. I went to stand under the hot shower since that had really helped me with my first birth. Ahmad played my labor cd and went to inform Ammi. As I quietly sought some strength from listening about my Prophet (peace be upon him), my mother entered the room. She hadn’t been there at this stage with Aisha’s birth and I realized for the first time how much it meant to have a line of support from her. She said in a broken voice “Be patient, it’ll all come together soon”. It meant so much to have my mother’s duas and to know that she had just finished reading Surah Baqarah prior to coming in to meet me.

My labor cd continued as I sat on the chair making dua for everyone that I could think of. Dana sat at eye level with me as the intensity of the contractions peaked and then Ahmad brought in Aisha. My gaze fell upon her and I wept. There she was, my big girl, who I had nourished in my womb just yesterday. I recalled the gratitude I had felt at her birth. And here I was welcoming another. Of course you can do this, I thought. Don’t you remember what it felt like when Aisha made her way out? It helped me move along and soon I was close enough to pushing. Dana signaled for me to gain some relief from soaking in the pool. The relieving power of water, what an immense blessing! Ahmad pulled out the Wird al-Latif and sat at eye level in front of me as our lips moved together in the chanting of those empowering duas, interrupted every now and then by the intensity of the contractions - a reminder about the need for intense submission to my Lord. After hardship surely comes ease! Indeed, hardship is surely followed by ease! I reminded myself about these ayahs which a friend had recommended to read during the labor.

Recharged a bit by the relief in the water, I was now up-right on the birthing stool requesting help from gravity. I never remembered feeling the urge to push with Aisha’s birth so this was all new to me. The contractions were peaking without any breaks now and I just wanted to get this baby out. But the midwives kept insisting to push when the body signals for it, not when I wanted to. And I’m thinking, what?! What’s the difference? Then Deborah, the other midwife, said, “Lubna, just submit to the will of Allah! Listen hard, work with your body! We don’t want you to tear.” That’s all it took. I realized that I had to stop focusing on the pain of the contractions, but rather just completely give up my body to its natural course as designated by Allah. I understood, that I had to know my limits, and with perseverance, to go beyond them. Feeling completely overwhelmed by the intensity, I kept telling myself to focus on the baby that wants to make its way out. Tempted to push even when it wasn’t the right time, Dana knew right away and said, “Just a little big longer, honey”.

Then I heard it, the rain outside. “Open the windows!” I declared in my weakened voice. They opened the one right in front of me. I became teary and bathed in the tranquility that the sound of the rain evoked. This rain that has just been with Allah, brings with it such mercy as it brings to life the earth.

Just like my Rahma. “Ok, the head is out, pussshhhhhhh!!” Dana announced. I grunted with all my strength, and gave one hard push that sent a sharp burning sensation through me. And then that same relief I had felt with the coming of Aisha, followed. After hardship surely comes ease! Indeed, hardship is surely followed by ease! “Ya Allah, protect my baby from shaytan,” I begged. Then she made a slight whimper as they announced, “A beautiful girl with a full head of hair!” I wept and declared, “My baby! My baby! My Rahma!” Ahmad, my companion in life, shared the joy, teary eyed.

Soon I realized that Ammi and Aisha had come in and were leaning over the baby. “Daikha Aisha tumharee chohtee behan!” Ammi cried and told her, “Baby Rahma’s hair is wet, Ammu!” Aisha smiled in amazement and approval. Then Abba ran in weeping and hugged me tight and gave me a bunch of kisses out of relief saying, “Shukr hay, sub kuch teekh ho gaya!!” Then it was just time to sit back as I nursed and enjoyed all the immense blessings that stood right before me. Aisha Aapi, Babajaan Baju, Ammi, Abba and now, my Rahma. How Merciful can Allah be?

Second Trimester - The Budding

Ija's Maternity Sideshot by SHOfrE3zE

"...then We made the drop a clot, then We made the clot a lump of flesh, then We made the flesh bones, then We clothed the bones with flesh, and then We produced another creature from it. So blessed is God, the best of creators."
Qur'an (23:14)



The glories of the second trimester! The foundation for your baby's rapidly growing body has been laid, and now as Allah miraculously details above, it is time for building upon that structure. Bones begin to ossify, fat forms, rapid eye movements begin, and the baby grows in length. As for mom, the nausea has for the most part passed, and you can feel the fluttering affirmations of life within. Your energy has likely returned. That little bump is starting to grow and you are starting to glow! Your appetite is increasing in proportion to your baby's needs. Blood volume is continuing to expand now and you may notice some of its signs; swelling, distended veins, shortness of breath. The increasing weight of the baby may also begin to show up in backaches. After taking a back seat in the first trimester nutrition and exercise, now reappear. Each subject deserves its own post, but I'd like to briefly discuss each below.



As the blood volume is expanding nutrition plays an increasingly important role. The quantity and quality of our dietary intake now can help to keep the placenta perfused for the entire pregnancy, allowing baby optimal nutrient intake and preventing complications of pregnancy down the line such as pre-eclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction. I would like to just offer a few basic principles, more on the quality of food rather than the quantity. Divvying up the food into vitamins and minerals is important, but that is too detailed of a subject for this post.

• Nutrient dense foods such as whole grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables, offer the maximum benefit per bite. Say you have the choice between a donut, or even four saltine crackers, and an apple or a cup of carrot slices. The donut and crackers probably have more calories, but the nutrient dense choice would be the apple or carrot. The latter choices also have more fiber and will be more filling. Fiber is important in pregnancy to keep you from becoming constipated or acquiring hemorrhoids.
  
• I really like broths. They are easy to make and so nourishing. For busy moms on the go, broth is a life saver! Just heat up a cup at a time and you have a cup full of protein, vitamins and minerals! Here are some easy ways to prepare broth.
• Getting lots of good fats in pregnancy is essential to your baby's brain growth and development. You also need fats to help you absorb the fat soluble Vitamins A, K, E, and D. It is also important to avoid trans fats and maintain a good balance of Omega 3's 6's and 9's. I like this fish oil, it is cheap, pure and tasteless! Salmon is another great way to get in Omega 3's, just limit your consumption to once a week.
  
• Iron deficiency, or anemia, can occur in pregnancy. The blood volume expansion that occurs, occurs mostly in the plasma part of the blood. This essentially 'waters down' the red blood cells. Some women can tolerate this better than others. For all women it is a good idea to add a little extra iron into the diet. Good iron sources are lamb, beef, greens, dried fruits, and oysters. If you find yourself anemic, Floridex is an easy to digest iron supplement. Iron is always better absorbed when taken with Vitamin C and should not be taken with Calcium.

Exercise has many benefits in pregnancy...contrary to what your aunties may tell you! It has been proven to make for a more comfortable pregnancy, shorten labor and reduce interventions in labor It can also make for a quicker postpartum recovery. In pregnancy our bodies undergo vast physical changes in order to accommodate the baby; muscles stretch, ligaments soften, and joints loosen. In order to keep up with those changes and to recover from these changes, exercise is necessary. Here are some recommendations for moving your budding body!

• Get your heart rate up at least three times a week for half an hour. Stationary bikes, swimming, and hiking are good ways to do this. Walking is good exercise, but your heart rate has to be accelerated while walking.
  
• Yoga is a fine exercise and feels good while pregnant. Attend a pre-natal yoga class or find a good DVD to follow at home. It's best if you have some experience with yoga before becoming pregnant in order to safely practice whilst pregnant.
  
• Avoid laying in the supine position, raising your temperature above 102F, and any contact sports. It's best not to begin new exercises while pregnant, but continue with what you have done in the past. Be sure to hydrate well and to add 150-300 extra calories on the days you work out.
  
• Kegel exercises should be done throughout the pregnancy. They prevent urinary incontinence, can help avoid tears, can speed recovery postpartum, and maintain sexual function.
• Dancing is a joyous expression and quite suited to pregnancy. Turning on some music and moving your body to it for half an hour is an easy and satisfying way to get some exercise in. Belly dancing is particularly suited to pregnancy and a great tool in labor. Please check this website for more details and stay tuned for an upcoming interview with the founder.
  

The second trimester is a joyous time for most women. It can be an intense time full of fruitful dreams and creativity. Relish in it. It's also a time where the realities of becoming parents, whether for the first time or fifth, can lead to some tension between husband and wife. Keep the lines of communication open and be honest about any fears or expectations you have. It is a time for immense closeness between partners as well. Many blessings on your growth and your baby's!

Poem - Woman to Child

Young Mother by Charles Fred

Woman to Child

You who were darkness warmed my flesh
where out of darkness rose the seed.
Then all a world I made in me;
all the world you hear and see
hung upon my dreaming blood.

There moved the multitudinous stars,
and colored birds and fishes moved.
There swarm the sliding continents.
All time lay rolled in me, and sense,
and love that knew not its beloved.

O node and focus of the world;
I hold you deep within that well
you shall escape and not escape -
that mirrors your still sleeping shape;
that nurtures still your crescent cell.

I wither and you break from me;
yet though you dance in living light
I am the earth, I am the root,
I am the stem that fed the fruit,
the link that joins you to the night.

- Judith Wright (1915-2000)

I love how this poem illustrates the beginning of the lifelong mother - child bond. It does start with the mystery of conception and pregnancy doesn't it?


Here are a couple of audio links for your listening pleasure:

• A new book on the history of childbirth has just come out entitled,"Get Me Out: A History of Childbirth from the Garden of Eden to the Sperm Bank" by Randi Hunter Epstein MD. You can listen to an interview with the author here. Many of the callers have had home births. The author presents compelling historical evidence for change in maternity care brought about through women themselves. Something to ponder!

• And to illustrate the above author's point, we have an interview from a Portland, Oregon radio station KBOO with two birth advocates from South Dakota. South Dakota is in the midst of a grassroots movement to legalize midwifery care and home birth in their state. They discuss midwifery and the politics of birth. The issue is framed and presented as a reproductive choice, similar to the abortion debate. It's fascinating!
  

Sayyida Fatima az-Zahra

The following is an inspiring and rare account of the birth of Sayyida Fatima az-Zahra (May Allah be pleased with her). I'm not sure of it's authenticity, but still, from it there are a couple of wisdoms which can be distilled. You can read the entire account here.

When the time of the delivery of Sayyidah Khadijah (Radhi Allahu Ta’ala ‘Anha) was near at hand, she sent for several of her relatives to aid her on that occasion; but as she incurred their displeasure by marrying the Holy Nabi (Sall Allahu alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallim), they would not comply with her request, so that she was much distressed. Nevertheless, four women, resembling those of the tribe of Bani Hashim, suddenly made their appearance, and Khadijah was afraid of them. One of them, however said: "Fear not, for Allah the Most High has sent us to you. We are your visitors. I am Sarah; this is Maryam, the daughter of Imran; the third is Kalthum, the sister of Musa; and the fourth is Asiyah, the wife of Pharaoh. They will be your companions in Paradise" Then one of these women sat down on the right and another on the left of Sayyidah Khadijah (Radhi Allahu Ta’ala ‘Anha), the third in her front, and the fourth in her rear until Sayyidatina Fatimah (Radhi Allahu Ta’ala ‘Anha) was born. When this took place a light shone from that infant of laudable end, which encircled the houses of Makkah from the east and west, so that there was no spot in any house which was not illuminated by that light.

It's striking how Khadija (May Allah be content with her), in this story, had the desire to have companions during her birth. A natural, human instinct, and perhaps one we have lost. In parts of the Muslim world, birth is still a female, communal event. Women come together to read sacred poetry and Qur'an for the laboring mother and her child. They support her with their hearts and their physical presence. I wonder what kind of community we would have here in the West, if we were to draw near to one another and our Creator in that spirit? Women here largely birth alone, with just their husbands, and often with strangers. It would be nice to see Muslims bring back humanity to the birthing process.

Similar to how we might imagine that the contraction is a wave we are riding, or a mountain climbed, I think that the image in this story, of being surrounded by righteous women can also be a powerful visualization for labor. Imagine their purity, righteousness and faith surrounding you as you labor, not leaving your side until the baby is born. When the contractions begins to crest, imagine yourself surrounded by the strength of Sarah, Maryam, Kulthum, and Assiya (May Allah's mercy be upon them all). What serenity there is in that image. May it bring you serenity!

Vitamin D in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Heavenly Sunshine by mammamia

"And have we not built over you the seven firmaments, and placed therein a Light of Splendour?"
(Qur'an 78:12-13)


Besides the warmth, light, and joy that the sun provides, researchers are now discovering even more benefits to sunshine. Vitamin D. Once thought of as a vitamin in the traditional sense, is now beginning to be thought of as much more than that. It is believed that Vitamin D is actually a group of fat soluble prohormones, really pre-cursors to hormones. These hormones are influential in many of the body's functions, building bones, regulating mood, quelling inflammation and more. Recently, Vitamin D has been touted as a prevention and possible cure, to everything from schizophrenia to the swine flu. Vitamin D can be consumed in our diet, and obtained from the sun. In the past it was believed that we only needed a little for bone health and to prevent rickets, but now it is being looked at in a new light, so to speak.


Vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy has some surprising results. Dr. Anne Merewood discovered that women with low Vitamin D levels were four times as likely to have a cesarean section. Pre-eclampsia, a metabolic disorder of pregnancy characterized by protein in the urine and high blood pressure, is also affected by Vitamin D levels. It can lead to problems in utero for the fetus and life threatening seizures in the mother. Dr Lisa Boden found that in women with low levels of Vitamin D, their risk for developing this disorder was five times higher than women with normal levels of Vitamin D. Gestational diabetes, a form of diabetes specific to pregnancy, can also be prevented by adequate amounts of Vitamin D. One researcher found that inadequate amounts of Vitamin D in early pregnancy resulted in three times the risk of developing gestational diabetes.


And if that's not enough to have you running for the sun, there's more. Women who are low in Vitamin D deliver babies who are as low or lower in their own stores of Vitamin D. This can have a wide and dizzying range of effects on the baby. It can cause or contribute to low birth weight, an increased incidence of asthma, small for gestation age babies, weak bones, autoimmune disease and may even contribute to schizophrenia. Unfortunately, Vitamin D is not transferred through breast milk very well. The American Academy of Pediatrics and others now recommend supplementing exclusively breastfed infants with 400 IU of Vitamin D per day. Generally, however, babies exposed to a little sun each day should have sufficient Vitamin D levels. If a woman's intake during pregnancy was less than ideal, she should consider supplementing both for herself and her baby while exclusively breastfeeding.



Muslim women who cover and women of dark skin are at more at risk of deficient Vitamin D levels. They require longer periods of sunlight exposure and often due to either modern lifestyles, which limit outdoor time, or to cultural considerations, or both, they are not likely to get it. Researchers in Australia found that 80% of veiled or dark skinned women had clinically low levels of Vitamin D. It is difficult to say how much sun exposure is adequate to raise Vitamin D levels as there are many factors, cloud cover, smog, season, that affect how much actually gets absorbed into our skin. Under ideal conditions it has been recommended that just 5-30 minutes of sun exposure on back, face, hands, legs during 10a.m. - 3 p.m. twice a week would be sufficient.



Here are my recommendations for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers:

• Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers supplement with 1000-2000 IU of Vitamin D.
  
• I recommend Biotics Research Bio-D-Mulsion.
  
• Eat salmon, other oily fish, eggs, fortified milk, mushrooms
  
• Sun exposure for babies of 20 min per day, this is with clothes on. With just a diaper, five minutes per day is enough.
  
• You could supplement breastfed babies as the AAP recommends with the same supplement mentioned above, but in the 400 IU dosage
• Cod liver oil contains an immense amount of Vitamin D, one teaspoon a day per 50 pounds of body weight is the recommendation. So, for an infant that weighs 20 pounds that is half a teaspoon. This is a great supplement for breastfeeding mothers.
  
• Daily sunlight exposure for adults.
• Supplementation should be looked at in balance with the day's total sun exposure. On sunny days where you and your family were outside for awhile , or you ate salmon for dinner, think of skipping the supplement, or diminishing the dosage.

Visit these links to learn more about Vitamin D and Muslim women, or Vitamin D in general. Vitamin D levels can be tested. The above links will give you information on this and much more.

Birth Story - Baby Khadija

Birth Night by Onur YILDIRUM

The following is a birth story from a mother who had had two previous hospital births, this was her first home birth. Sara is a new mother with a full home schooling schedule,which doesn't leave her much time to write out her story! Therefore, we have decided to collaborate on this birth story, which is written from my perspective with encouragement and permission from Sara. Sara’s impressions about the differences between her hospital birth and her home birth are below in italics.

Having a home birth was such a beautiful experience for me. Before my home birth I had two hospital births. Having a home birth for me was relaxing. I didn’t have to deal with all the needle poking that you do in a hospital. I was able to have everything natural, no drug interferences. Being at home I can be free to do what I want, to be comfortable. In labor, I was able to get into any position that was comfortable for me. There is a special bond that you feel with your baby when you have it at home. This bond I didn’t feel with my other two. I feel this extreme attachment to my baby. My husband experienced the same feeling as well. I felt secure in my house, not having any disturbances, being able to eat my own food and to have my family with me.

On Thursday night Sara called. She said her contractions were every 15 minutes continually throughout the day. This was her third baby, first home birth. And of course, this labor was shaping up to be completely unlike the first two.

“Take a nice, warm bath. Relax, unwind, and then try to get some rest,” I told her. “You could have your baby on jummah” I said, “or on Sunday. It’s best to just ignore these types of contractions. They often happen the more babies a woman has. They could go on for days, or you could have your baby tonight. We never know, but it’s wise to conserve your energy for whenever the hard labor arises.” Sara sounded reassured and so we hung up. I slept a full eight hours. In the morning I called Sara to check in.

“I had the best nights’ sleep I’ve had in months!” she exclaimed. I asked her if it was the shower. Sara explained that after her shower she laid down on the bed, not expecting to sleep. Her husband was reading the burda and she lay quietly, turning inward, and listening. Soon, it’s notes and cadences lulled her into a blissful, uninterrupted sleep. She didn’t even wake to readjust her pillows, something she had been doing for months! What baraka our Prophet (peace be upon him) has!

A sunny Friday came and went, and that night I called to check back in with Sara. She sounded discouraged, not like her normal cheerful presence. When I enquired about her state, she said she was frustrated and had had the same on again off again contractions all day. She just didn’t know what this was, it was so different than her other labors. We talked at length about never being in control of the process of labor, and that each labor is different just like each child is different. Although I think that the most reassuring advice to Sara was that, all of this was not for naught. That something was happening with every contraction or cramp she was feeling. It was maybe not measurable progress, but a sign that her hormones and their receptors were working just fine and that her uterus certainly knew how to contract, a sure reminder of the perfection of the process.

Now, I had the best night’s sleep! The trilling of my phone did not punctuate my sleep! I was sure it would because I had something I really wanted to do the following day. We had planned a nice hike for the day. Alhamdulillah we were able to go and it was beautiful, long, and muddy.

At 7:56 Saturday night, my phone rang. Before I picked it up I knew that this was it. “Shannon, my water just broke!” Sara said. We celebrated over the phone. Now this was like her other labors, she was on seemingly familiar territory. Eat, sleep, and be happy I advised. Call when you need me or when something changes.

3:45 a.m. Sunday morning Sarah calls to tell me her contractions are now 4-5 minutes apart and that she is calling her doula over. She doesn’t need me yet she says. I listen through a contraction or two, she sounds like a professional, no tension or anxiety, just pure acceptance. It sounds like it’s on the early side of labor as well, so I stumble back to bed, proud, and reassured by Sara’s new calmness.

5:00 a.m. Sarah’s doula phones me. She sounds excited and explains that Sara’s contractions are now 2-3 minutes apart lasting for a minute! That was so fast. I throw on my birth clothes and jump in the car. It’s beginning to drizzle and Sara lives 20 miles down the highway from me. I don’t want to speed, but her labor has already flown through it’s ‘stages’, and the calls keep coming.

“She’s singing through her contractions now.”

“She’s feeling pushy at the peak”

“Drive careful, but are you almost here?”

It’s always better not to speed, to arrive in one piece, but it’s so hard when the adrenaline is rushing and you really, really don’t want to miss the birth. I had already phoned the midwife who is assisting me and told her to leave as soon as possible. I am making urgent du’a that it all goes well, and that I’m present for the birth. Sara’s exit had never looked so good to me.

I had her husband come and meet me. I brought up one bag which has an emergency delivery kit, just the basics you need to deliver a baby, which in reality, is not that much. What a contrast Sara’s birthing space was. It was an oasis of calm to my rushed frenetic pace. I took a deep breath and exhaled to attune myself to her birthing energy. I said hello, gave her a hug, and asked if she felt like pushing. She said that she did and so I told her to go for it… after I got my gloves on and listened to the baby's heart rate!

Alas, there was no need for the rush after all. The night became day. We opened the blinds, snacked on bagels and dates from Medina, and drank Zam Zam. Meanwhile, Sara went through second stage, all two and a half hours of it. For all of that pushing, not once did Sara utter a complaint, not once did she ask when it would be over, not once did she grumble even. She took each contraction as it came, she took our suggestions with grace and compliance, and when the miraculous moment of birth came, she was fully present to receive her little bundle. All of those days of contractions did make a difference after all, maybe not in the length or speed of the labor (or maybe so!), but in Sara’s willingness and preparation to take each contraction as it came, and not to anticipate anything. By the time the hard part of labor found her, she was ready.

It was a joyous birth, still and hopeful. Sara’s older daughters were milling about downstairs. And the rain was just beginning to pick up. Little Khadija had arrived and brought with her the rains. Which was just fine with her family, because all they wanted to do was stay indoors and adore her anyhow. Welcome little Khadija!!

Touch

One way to describe the difference between hospital birth and out of hospital birth is high tech vs high touch. Working with my hands is one of the greatest joys of being a midwife. It's shocking to me to witness birth occur in situations where the one who delivers your precious baby, has little to no physical interaction with the mother other than to deliver the child. Sometimes all it takes is a light touch on the points of tension, shoulders, brow, fist, for a mother to realize where she is holding the tension with her contractions. From here she can work internally to dispel the tension and flow with her labor more fully. At other times a mother needs two strong hands applying counter-pressure to her sacrum with each contraction. This is hard, but essential work for her birth attendants. Mostly, laboring women just need to feel loved, supported, and understood and often the most effective way to communicate that is through touch. Naoli Vinaver is a Mexican midwife who has recently written an article in Midwifery Today about touch and midwifery care. Her description of the significance of touch in labor is poignant, "This is why touch and massage for pregnancy and birth can be especially important, as women in labor need to move a lot of energy through themselves, give themselves into a lot of energy, and allow a great many changes in their souls and bodies in order to open up to give birth." An excerpt of her article can be read here.