My name is Iman, I am a muslim mum of two and I cannot recommend booking a birth doula enough! 

Following a challenging birth with baby number one I decided to treat myself to a special luxury experience by booking a birth and postnatal doula with number two. 

My doula offered calming antenatal meditations, mindset focused strategies that helped me to believe in myself and ability to birth naturally and introduced me to a range of techniques such as the birthing ball and acupressure which kept labour progressing smoothly. 

I experienced a soothing water birth, essential oils and candlelight, herbal teas and massages which transformed my experience from one of fear and clasping desperately for an epidural to a calming and entirely natural birth. Something I believed never could be possible.

My doula supported me holistically and spiritually by encouraging me to make a birth plan: she played quran recitation during the birth, ensuring my modesty was protected during labour and advocated for my husband to come and give the call to prayer in baby’s ear even though midwives were uncertain about this. 

There is some medical evidence that doulas can support mums to birth naturally. I believe that when a woman feels calm, supported and advocated for then birthing comes more naturally and the need for medicalisation and risk of complications may be less. So I recommend it to all women, particularly Muslim women who are more likely to gender racial and religious discrimination during pregnancy and labour. 

And don’t worry if you feel you cannot afford it then you don’t have to go without- Doula UK run an access fund that Muslim women can apply to- check out the details here

All the very best with your birth journey- I wish you a calm and relaxed experience and good health to you and your baby :)