Nurture Support Educate
Nurturing a Righteous Ummah through Islamic, Evidence-Based, Family – Centred & Trauma-Informed Childbirth Education
Download my FREE Guide to a Calm Birth!
MEET YOUR TEACHER
assalaamu alaykum,
I’m Zaahida
I obtained a Diploma in Arabic & Islamic Studies from Madrasatus Saalihaat Arabic Girls College, Port Elizabeth in 2009 and taught there for over 10 years. I specialised in teaching Nahw, Sarf, Quran Tarjama and the Fiqh of Nikaah.
I love simplifying complicated concepts and using technology and the internet to make learning fun and interactive for adults and I acknowledge 1 learning style may not be suitable for all.
Since my first pregnancy, I have been researching and writing about Islam, wellness, homebirth, labour, birth, parenting tips and advice over the past 8 years.
Along the journey, I got married and had 3 babies who all had their chance to attend classes with me.
After having my 3rd baby at home I fell in love with birth even more and trained as a birth doula. From there onwards I just became more deeply involved with birth work.
I can truly say that I know the far-reaching effects of the lack of availability of resources and a supportive network of like-minded mothers.
I have taken my learnings from my births, my teaching experience, Islamic Studies, birth and bereavement training and various forms of personal development and alternative medicine therapies to fill this gap and to support Muslim women in experiencing an informed and spiritual birth & raising thriving and happy families.
As Featured In
Are you ready to reclaim your birth experience?
Did you know:
1 IN 6 WOMEN IN 1ST WORLD COUNTRIES REPORTED BEING MISTREATED WHILE IN LABOUR.
This included ‘’loss of autonomy, being shouted at, scolded, or threatened, and being ignored, refused, or receiving no response to requests for help”.
This was more common among women of colour, lower socioeconomic status, and women under 30. What do you think the statistics will look like in 3rd world countries?
The only way there will be change is to start educating ourselves about the rights of a birthing woman and her family and taking a stand for it.
In saying this, I don’t necessarily mean litigations and kicking up a fuss, but rather knowing your preferences and communicating them respectfully beforehand.
IN A RECENT STUDY 1 IN 7 WOMEN SUFFERED FROM POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION
And did you know that up to 1 in 10 fathers suffer from Postpartum Depression?
This has nothing to do with the physiology of a male or his hormones, but rather the stress of having a baby.
This rate can increase to 1 in 2 for the fathers when the mother suffers from Postpartum Depression.
This doesn’t have to be you and your family
When couples take time to learn about childbirth early, this can prevent trauma & depression, and build a healthy marriage & strong family.
Childbirth educators understand that birth is a normal life event that deserves a family–centred circle of care for the birthing woman and her family.
We focus on wellness, health promotion, knowledge of informed consent, evidence-based care, and the use of nonmedical and self-care techniques to encourage a normal physiologic pregnancy, labour, and birth.
Consulting with a childbirth educator doesn’t in any way replace consultation with your primary healthcare provider.
Rather we work as part of a team which includes the birthing mother, family, healthcare providers including midwives and doulas, and community resources.
The key person in this circle, being the birthing mother.
Types of Online Education & Support we offer
1
Pregnancy
Contact me for a support consult or learn everything you need to know either with a customised live class or pre – recorded course
2
Birth
Contact us for education on your options and support in planning your birth. Attend a class or course to prep yourself, or debrief with me.
3
Breastfeeding
Attend a customised live class to prepare yourself antenatally for breastfeeding, or contact me for support and troubleshooting after birth.
4
Postpartum
Contact me antenatally for a personalised class to help you prepare for your best postpartum experience. Or antenatally for support.
5
Bereavement
Let’s chat if you are dealing with any grief perinatally or if you are dealing with unexpected birth outcomes or traumatic experiences.
6
Perinatal Mental Health
If you are struggling with your mental health during your pregnancy or postpartum. Contact me for a screening.
She is compassionate towards her clients and passionate about her profession
I have had the honour of working with Ms Joel and can recommend her to any birthing centre as an excellent doula. She is compassionate towards her clients and passionate about her profession.
Sulitha Dyason
Advanced midwife, West End mou
Our Vision
...so knowledgeable and always seeking to learn even more
You are such a sensitive, wise woman. I am always so impressed with your dedication to your studies and work. You are so knowledgeable and always seeking to learn even more. You are a loving and caring woman, your caring nature always comes across strongly. The world needs midwives like you! With Love and Blessings always,
Nicola Thomson, Doula at Doula Care Paris
Her teaching gives families the kind of healthy beginning that has a positive influence on the rest of their lives
To be effective in this field, it is necessary to have both accurate information and compassion. Zaahida excels in both. Her teaching gives families the kind of healthy beginning that has a positive influence on the rest of their lives.
Bonita Katz
BA, RN, ICCE, ICBD, IAT, Former President, ICEA (International Childbirth Education Association)
Blog
new on the blog
Maternal Mental Health
Maternal Mental refers to a mother’s emotional wellness and ability to enjoy life. Traditionally, mental health education for mothers was related to Postpartum Depression exclusively. We are now aware that Depression is just one of many mood and anxiety disorders which have recently been collectively termed Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMAD).
Frequently – Asked Questions about Doulas
“Doula” is a Greek word which means “a female slave in the service of women”. A doula or Childbirth Companion is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional & educational support to a mother before, during and after birth to help her achieve the most satisfying and healthy birth experience possible.
I’m pleased and proud that with all the information, support and help Zaahida offered, I had my healing birth
Working with Zaahida has given me ease of mind before labour and plenty of reassurance to trust myself and my body’s capabilities to birth my baby. Before, I was unsure and nervous about the unknown and birthing alone previously was nerve-wracking“
“…now I’m pleased and proud that with all the information, support and help Zaahida offered, I had my healing birth
Anke van Wyk
Zaahida has perfected the art of conveying her extensive knowledge & skills as a birth worker
Zaahida has perfected the art of conveying her extensive knowledge & skills as a birth worker in a way that is admirable & inspiring to those who work alongside her. Her dedication & commitment to empowering families, is the driving force for her passion towards her work and she is often found going the extra mile for her clients. She is reliable & resourceful as a colleague and is always keen to educate & lend an ear to a doula in need of a good debrief session. I have learned many constructive tools from working with her and I regard her as a mentor of both theory & experience.
Naa’ilah Lawrence, Doula
She gave me information about what to expect in labour that I never heard of before
What a wonderful person she was…Zaahida was so supportive. She gave me information about what to expect in labour that I never heard of before…she made me feel relaxed and calm even though I was stressed
Ameena De Jager
...always learning, sharing, caring and supporting the birthing community around you
I am in awe of your groundedness in your faith, of always learning, sharing, caring and supporting the birthing community around you. Paving the way into birthing institutions in your area by your humble example and work ethic. I know you through many channels and was so happy to share this Silent Midwifery course with you. I love interacting with you on all these platforms and our long distance friendship is of great value to me. I can’t wait to meet you face to face one day
Cathie Bruno, Doula at Birth Space
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