JustPaste.it

Pregnancy, Birth & Beyond Resources

Assalaamu alaikum (Peace be upon you) ladies 🥰

This is a list of information and resources for optimal pregnancy and birthing (to best of my knowledge, constantly updated). Allah knows best and please forgive my mistakes. 

Jannah

PS. Remember its all down to Allahs (God's) will and plan 🥰 When we accept this we sure He will protect us in all ways necessary.

PPS. Please email  for corrections and additions. 

 

Links are red! Just click 

 

ISLAMIC 

BOOKS

  • More Free Recommended eBooks (A google drive folder which contains many free ebooks in relation to pregnancy, breastfeeding, labour, holistic health remedies, parenting and more.)

 

WEBSITES / PODCASTS

It's important to have information at hand that is backed by evidence, so you can advocate for yourself or get an understanding of the possibilities in your specific situation. Health professionals may pressure you to go through with something you're unsure about and these resources are excellent for this 

Pregnancy & Holistic Health Related Instagram Profiles

 

GETTING PREGNANT

 

DURING PREGNANCY

 

NUTRITION:

  • Quality food is your best source of many of the vitamins necessary. Usually this means organically grown, local seasonal food and tayyib organic for halal meat such as from Saffron Alley or other similar suppliers. However do what is best on your ability insha'Allah. Wellness Mama Nutrition Article (What we eat, intake is fundamental to the foundation of our babies health, and bone/teeth development. Eating the right things may also reduce severe symptoms of pregnancy.)

 

  • General Multivitamins which have good rate of absorption in body. All vitamins are not the same in quality and often there are fillers, smaller amounts or synthetically derived forms in prenatal and normal vitamins/multivitamins. Do your research.                                                          Cytoplan MultiVitamins (suitable for pre-conception, pregnancy, postnatal recovery and breastfeeding. Contact Salaam@HikmaBirthing.com for discount referral. Many others out there)

  • Folate (is a natural better absorbable source. Folic Acid is a synthetic form of folate and linked to health issues. Article to help understand).            Food source of folate is in Chicken liver. Also found in vegetables (broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, English spinach, green beans, lettuce, mushrooms, parsnip, sweet corn, zucchini) fruit (avocado, grapefruit, oranges, berries, bananas) legumes (chickpeas, soya beans, lima beans, red kidney beans, lentils, haricot beans) eggs.

  • Choline (Often not mentioned but very important to health in pregnancy. Best taken from eggs and organ meats. Try to get free range and/or organic for optimal results). 
  • Bone Broths | Easy Meat Bone Recipe by Honest & Tasty (Bone broth is an excellent item to have by itself or with your soups stews curries etc before during and after pregnancy. Can be made with bones of meat, poultry, vegetable scraps and more.) Halal Bone Broth Sellers:  Aminah UK | Saffron Alley | Tariq Halal

 

  • Cod Liver Oil (has essential omega fatty acids, helps bone health , excellent for pregnancy. Try to take the best quality you can) Armorica UK Based Fermented Cod Liver Oil (Available in many retailers)
  • Magnesium (important for bone health, most people are deficient. Also necessary for better absorption of other supplements/nutrients. Best taken topically. Be aware of you use the oil, you may itch. This is a sign deficiency. You can take as a lotion if keep trying until your body calms down) Magnesium Lotion | Magnesium Bath Salts | Magnesium Complex

 

  • Iron (if low best to take liquid as tablets can cause severe constipation and not absorb well in body) Iron Water (Also available in chain supermarkets and health shops) | Floradix Iron Vitamin Formula (Shop around online for best deal and best to buy 500ml bottle for best value) |  Cast Iron Pans or Iron Fish while cooking

 

  • For Heartburn/Acid try to avoid liquid Gaviscon as it contains aluminium which is harmful for your body
  1. Watermelon (high in water content & soothing)
  2. Baking soda (1tsp in water)

 

BIRTH PLANS FOR LABOUR

  • Mama Natural Printable Customisable Birth Plan (This article covers many options you might want and it's very informative to give you an understanding of what the health care team may expect or offer you and the rights you have in relation to that. Also wishes and anxieties these are covered also but remember to write your own list of fears and anxieties  and try to formulate a plan (and prayers/duas) of what boundaries and wishes you want to have in relation to these)
  • Please check the 1st category Islam for other tips/ duas 

 

PREP FOR LABOUR / BIRTHING 

  • Wellness Mama Advice 
  • Consider getting a doula if you can afford it for pregnancy and labour or postpartum support. Some places provide free or discounted services
  • Pregnancy Ball Exercises (A ball is extremely helpful the heavier you get to help balance your core so the pain of back or front doesn't get too much. And then is very helpful while in labour)
  • Squat Stretching (I know right 😅 just do it if it's actually safe and doable for you)
  • Craniosacral Therapy (For any anxiety, worries about labour)
  • Hypnobirthing Relaxation techniques which help ease your labour (Try Hikmah Birthing which is hypnobirthing but using Islamic principles)
  • Perineal Massage (Can possibly avoid or lower risk vaginal tearing, some divided opinons. Just even massaging outer area with oil maybe be beneficial)
  • Yoni Steaming (vaginal steaming to cleanse and prepare)
  • Bridget Teyler (Hypnobirthing/ Breathing Relaxation techniques)

 

NATURAL METHODS OF INDUCTION

  • Raspberry Leaf Tea
  • Medjoul Dates
  • Hydration as much as possible with water (add a pinch of salt help replenish these lost electrolytes, promoting better water absorption and preventing dehydration)/coconut water/water based fruits/veg etc
  • Intimacy if you are able
  • Yoni Water Steaming as in above section
  • Remember your body will play it's part in the time that has been ordained and not before. Induction is a form of getting the body to start when it may not be in the optimal timing for it. Obviously in medical emergencies this is a different thing, but overall trust the process and do things as is best for your body.

 

LABOUR / BIRTHING

  • Remember that faith in Allah (God) is key to everything. Nothing is possible without His help 🥰
  • Coconut Water is beneficial for hydration & contains natural electrolytes like potassium, sodium, and magnesium, which can replenish/support the body’s functions during labour. 
  • Bendy straws! Helps you hydrate when in awkward positions without having to get out of positioning.
  • Clary Sage Essential Oil  a few drops on your inner ankles can help to induce more effective contractions and help with the process of labour. Great for a labour pain soother.
  • Lavender Essential Oil for soothing and calming a few drops inside wrists. Inhale during contractions/ surges
  • TENS Machine (Helps a lot with pain relief, very simple to use. You cannot use in water births.)
  • Wave or Birthing Comb (Pain relief and relaxing during labour)
  • Hypnobirthing Breathing (Simple breathing techniques for releasing anxiety, reducing pain and easing contractions/pushing etc. The following 2 links are specific techniques which can be effective)
  1. Up Breathing 1st & 2nd Labour Stage
  2. Down Breathing 3rd Labour Stage

 

POST PARTUM

AFTER BIRTH HEALING

First 40 Days Postpartum

This refers to the initial period after childbirth, traditionally recognized as a time for rest, recovery, and bonding for both the mother and the baby. It's a period where many cultures encourage a "confinement" or "sitting the moon" (zuo yuezi) practice, emphasizing rest, nourishment, and support for the new mother. Islamically postpartum bleeding allows women to rest from prayer and fasting up to 40 days, also emphasising the need for rest and recovery. 

Why the 40-day period is significant:

Physical Recovery: The mother's body is still recovering from childbirth, and the 40-day period allows for healing from the physical strain. 

Hormonal Changes: Significant hormonal shifts occur during this time, affecting the mother's emotional state and overall well-being. 

Baby's Development: The newborn is rapidly developing, and this period is crucial for establishing a bond between mother and child. 

Cultural Traditions: Many cultures, particularly in Asia, have long-standing traditions of postpartum care, emphasizing the importance of rest and nourishment during this time. 

Support System: The first 40 days are a time when a new mother often needs the most support from family, friends, and caregivers. Its good to plan ahead for this to make sure you have some form of support ready no matter how limited your circumstances may be. Not all of us have family nearby or people available, but try to do anything you can whether its meal prep, hiring a cleaner, having conversations about this necessity with loved ones, praying with intention

What happens during the 40 days:

Rest and Recovery: The new mother is encouraged to prioritize rest and avoid strenuous activities. 

Nourishment: A special focus is often placed on eating nourishing foods that support recovery and lactation. 

Bonding: This is a time for establishing a bond between mother and baby through breastfeeding, cuddling, and close interactions. 

Support System: Family, friends, and caregivers may offer help with household tasks, childcare, and emotional support. 

 

  • Spritz For Bits (very good for tears downstairs. also other pregnancy postpartum items in shop)
  • Raspberry Leaf Tea (Postpartum Womb Healing)
  • Panjeeri  Indian / South Asian warming fruity mixture which helps nourish and heal postpartum body

 

BREASTFEEDING

Breastfeeding Helplines 

  • National Breastfeeding Helpline UK: 0300 100 0212 (24/7 365 Days) 
  • Breastfeeding Network Supporter: 0300 456 2421 (Also available in Bengali and Sylheti)
  • Association of Breastfeeding Mothers: 0300 330 5453
  • La Leche League: 0345 120 2918
  • National Childbirth Trust (NCT): 0300 330 0700

Baby Formula

(while breastfeeding is ideal, there are many situations where formula may be a necessity. Therefore here are some options for better quality)

  • Kendamil Formula doesn’t contain palm oil and fish oil. It’s also made from whole cows milk, though be aware they may be changing their ingredients)
  • Goats Milk Formula (Kendamil or Nannycare) is closer to breastmilk in terms of its protein make up and contains less lactose than cows milk.

 

EXTRA

  • Debriefing (you may request this 6 weeks post partum or even a few years after, to help understand any trauma during your birthing and details that you need to go through etc). Grampian Complaints & Feedback | Email | Call: 0345 337 6338

 

 

Holistic Child Care Onwards

 

Please feel free to suggest corrections and additions! Email