Work with me
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Is this you?
Do you regret not being informed and not being given more choices during your labour and birth?
Are you concerned about too many interventions being imposed on you after encountering that very experience in your previous birth(s)
Were you deprived of choice, was nothing explained to you and you simply “had to comply” with hospital protocol
Would you like to
Be educated and informed about all your options, – and alternatives in case things don’t go as expected -, well before the time so that you could plan your ideal birth.
What if you had an in-depth understanding of the physiology of birth and a simple fact and evidence-based approach to birth options so that you can stand your ground and have confidence
Imagine you and your husband knew all your rights as a birthing family so that you are not bullied, and your husband can support and advocate for your choices
When couples take time to learn about childbirth early, this can prevent trauma & depression, and build a healthy marriage & strong family.
Ready to work together?
1
Complimentary Clarity Call
How can I help you? Do you have some questions? Let’s see if I can help you, if we are a good fit, and if we are, which services would suit you.
2
Live Childbirth Education Classes
Online 1 – on – 1, full class series over 6 weeks. We cover Pregnancy: Childbirth, Breastfeeding, Postpartum and Newborn Care
3
Pre-Recorded Childbirth Courses
Our exclusive signature courses especially for Muslim Moms and Dads to earn everything you need to know without leaving your home.
4
Birth Planning
Let’s Discuss pros & cons of different providers, pain relief options etc and together we will plan your ideal birth & draft your birth plan
5
Postpartum Planning
Let’s plan your ideal 4th Trimester. We’ll plan how to prioritise your postpartum self-care, nutrition, rest, mental health and your baby
6
Breastfeeding Support
Online information and support for you to achieve your breastfeeding goals. Assistance with latching, challenges etc
7
Perinatal Mental Health Screening
This is not a diagnosis, but to see if you may benefit from follow-up care and referrals. Initial Perinatal mental health screening is FREE
8
Birth Debriefing
Holding space for you to express yourself openly and honestly about your birth experience. Share your story in a safe space. No Judgement.
9
Miscarriage / Bereavement Support
Information, support, education and referral and of course a warm shoulder to lean on. You are not alone. Let’s chat about your options.
Are you ready to reclaim your birth experience?
...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
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
MEET YOUR EXPERT
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.
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
...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)
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
Simply giving the information and separating the pros and cons allows someone like me to make an informed decision
Since this is my first pregnancy and I had little to no knowledge of what to expect during childbirth, I definitely feel more equipped to make better decisions and preparation for my 1st childbirth.
…I like the fact that Appa Zaahida can give information about medical procedures/interventions without being pushy about which ones to take or which ones not to. Simply giving the information and separating the pros and cons allows someone like me to make an informed decision…
…Appa has a very warm and welcoming presence. This makes it easy to speak freely and create a relationship fast. Definitely felt most comfortable.
…Her passion shows immediately through the way she speaks as well as how to speak about providing change and help to avoid traumatic experiences for mums and families…
Anonymous
live attendee of the birth choices class
I learned so much in these courses with Zaahida which I didn’t know in my previous pregnancies
Zaahida breaks down everything and she makes it easy to understand and
recognise the stages of labour. This has given me a different perspective of what labour should be like.
Having a better understanding, support, and guidance has changed my whole experience! I can definitely say this was the quickest and easiest labour, and now I am in a much better space, whereas before I was in complete panic, and drained during and after labour.
Zaahida’s passion in her work, and how she understands what is needed in the moments of labour is incredible.
I would have loved to have done these courses with my first pregnancy, which would’ve made it a lot easier. I would 
% recommend all expecting moms: “You need to do these courses!”.
Anonymous, mom of 4
live attendee of the Pregnancy, Labour & birth class
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
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