AMANI Birth: Assisting Mothers for Active, Natural, Instinctive Birth

by Aisha Al Hajjar

Discover birth as a worship and trust in Allah’s perfect design of our bodies to carry, birth, and feed our babies. Explore the nuances that allow women to birth their babies without drugs or medical interferences. Learn how to prepare during pregnancy and work with your body during labor for the gentlest natural birth experience. Provide a virtual tool box for your husband or other person to give them the information and resources to support you during this special time. Your marriage will be strengthened through deeper understanding and trust. Suitable for expectant parents, doulas, midwives, nurses, obstetricians, childbirth educators, and anyone else who supports women during pregnancy and birth.

Genres: Parenting

288 pages, Paperback

First published February 17, 2013

Reviews

[Ola Al Zahabi · Rating 4 out of 5]

كتاب أماني للولادة الطبيعية للأستاذة عائشة الحجار . من مقدمة الكتاب وحتى خاتمته شعرت بمدى الحب المقدم من الأخت عائشة لنا معشر النساء, والحرص على وضع الأمور في نصابها الصحيح لإعادة التمكين الذي خلقنا الله لنكون عليه , والايمان بالله تعالى الذي أحسن كل شئ خلقه 

  لقد شاركتنا الأخت عائشة لتجربتها الشخصية مع الولادة, ومامرت به من تحديات وعقبات سيما في الوطن العربي , وقد طُرحت هذه الأفكار من شخص خبير وعلى دراية بأمورالولادة 

في هذا الكتاب تقدم الكاتبة التعريف ب"أماني للولادة الطبيعية"

والذي هو منهج متكامل للولادة من وجهة نظر إسلامية, تربط الزوجين مع خالقهما , مع الاستعداد الروحي والعقلي والجسدي لاستقبال مولودهما ضمن أجواء تحفها السكينة وبغمرها الإيمان 

أكّدت فيه على أهمّية النّظر للولادة الطبيعية بأنها السبيل الغريزي والفطري الذي هّيأنا الله لنقوم به وأّن الولادة القيصرية ليست خيار وإنما اضطرار, إن الولادة الطبيعية هي عملية ممتعة, وتتحكم بها نفس هرمونات العملية الجنسية وأن ألم الولادة هو في الحقيقة الألم الوحيد الإيجابي والمثمر . بهذه النظرة أعادت الأخت عائشة الأمور إلى نصابها الصحيح من حيث أن الفاعلين الحقيقين في عملية الولادة هم "الله تبارك وتعالى ,الأم ,الجنين"

بالتالي إنّ الطّبيب ما هو إلا مراقب لهذه العملية .وما الّتدخلات الطبية الروتينية التي لاجدوى منها ماهي إلا أحد أسباب عرقلة تقدم هذه العلملية بشكل طبيعي,في نفس الوقت ثمّنت الأخت عائشة من الرعاية الطبية  عندما تكون في زمانها ومكانها الصحيحين

إن أسوأ ما تقدمه المرأة لنفسها ولطفلها هو قلة الاستعداد وتسليم نفسها للكادر دون أن تثقف نفسها,وأسوأ خطة ولادة لها هوعدم قيامها بوضع خطة

لقد ربطت الأستاذة عائشة السيدات بالقدوة الأولى لهن في الولادة, ألا وهي السيدة مريم وكيف  هيأ الله لها جميع الأسباب لتيسير الولادة من غذاء ودعم وحرية حركة

فيجب ألا نغفل عنها ونتعلم منها ونشكر الله تعالى على ذلك

ملاحظات على الكتاب:
1/ الكتاب لا يعلم كيفية الولادة الطبيعية، ولا كيفية تجنب الولادة القيصرية ،
وإنما هو بمثابة كتاب توعوي عن وضع الولادة الحالي
والانضمام إلى مجتمع أماني ودراسة منهج أماني في الولادة هو الذي يساعد في اكتساب تلك المعرفة

2/ تكرار بعض الموضوعات


Amani's book for the natural birth of Professor Aisha Al-Hajjar. From the introduction to the end of the book, I felt the extent of the love provided by sister Aisha, the women, and the keenness to put things in the right to restore the empowerment that God created us to be on, and faith in God Almighty, who created everything best.

Sister Aisha shared with us for her personal experience with childbirth, and the challenges and obstacles she went through, especially in the Arab world. These ideas were put forward from an expert person who is familiar with birth matters.

In this book, the writer introduces "Amani for natural birth"

Which is an integrated approach to birth from an Islamic point of view, connecting the couple with their Creator, with the spiritual, mental and physical readiness to receive their newborn in an atmosphere of tranquility and immersed with faith.

In it, she stressed the importance of viewing natural childbirth as the instinctive and innate way that God has prepared us to do and that caesarean section is not an option but a necessity, natural childbirth is a pleasant process, and it is controlled by the same sex hormones and that birth pain is in fact the only positive and fruitful pain. With this view, Sister Aisha brought things back to their right rights in that the real actors in the birth process are "God bless you, mother, the fetus"

Therefore, the doctor is only an observer for this process. And the routine medical interventions that are not useful are only one of the reasons for hindering the progress of this scientific nature, at the same time Sister Aisha valued medical care when she is in her right time and place.

The worst thing a woman offers for herself and her child is the lack of readiness and surrendering herself to the staff without educating herself, and the worst birth plan for her is that she does not develop a plan

Professor Aisha linked the ladies to their first role in childbirth, which is Mrs. Mary and how God has provided her with all the reasons to facilitate the birth of food, support and freedom of movement.

We must not lose sight of it and learn from it and thank God Almighty for that
Notes on the book:

1/ The book does not teach how to give birth naturally, nor how to avoid a caesarean section,

But it is like an awareness book about the current birth situation. It is to join a community of wishes and study the Amani approach to childbirth that helps to acquire that knowledge.

2/ Repeating some topics

[Sumaya Anjum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm Sumaya Anjum, a certified Advanced Labor and Birth Doula and Childbirth Educator in training. I've had the privilege of diving into the AMANI Birth book, and I must say, it's a game-changer for expectant parents, particularly Muslim families. Here's my take on this incredible resource:

What's Inside:

- Comprehensive Coverage: The book is divided into five sections based on the AMANI acronym: Assisting, Mothers, Active, Natural, and Instinctive. It covers everything from pregnancy to labor, birth, and breastfeeding, with a focus on Islamic principles and values.
- Empowering: This book empowers women to take charge of their birth experience, making informed decisions, and trusting in Allah's plan. It's not just about birth; it's about building a strong foundation for parenthood.
- Evidence-Based: The author, Aisha Al Hajjar, has done extensive research, providing accurate and balanced information about birth. The book aligns with the World Health Organization's stance on normal birth, emphasizing close observation and minimal interventions.

Why I Recommend It:

- Islamic Perspective: The book offers a unique blend of Islamic values and childbirth education, making it an invaluable resource for Muslim families.
- Builds Confidence: The comprehensive curriculum and engaging content help build self-awareness and confidence in expectant parents, preparing them for the journey ahead.
- Life-Changing: Many students, including myself, have found this book to be life-changing, offering a new perspective on childbirth and parenthood

Who Should Read It:

- Expectant parents, particularly Muslim families
- Childbirth educators and doulas
- Anyone interested in natural childbirth and parenting

Overall, the AMANI Birth book is an excellent resource for anyone looking for a comprehensive and Islamic perspective on childbirth. It's a valuable addition to any expectant parent's library.

[Mariam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book introduces the idea of a natural, active, and instinctive birth through an Islamic perspective. It starts with the author's journey towards natural birth, how she was blessed to have all of her births in a non-medicated and natural way. Only when she moved to the East did she realize that most mothers were not as fortunate. The majority of them were coming out of their births traumatized due to all the unnecessary and invasive procedures done to them during their births.

In Islam, we believe that Allah has created us perfectly and for a specific reason. As Muslims, we all know how the mother of Prophet Isa's (may peace be upon him) mother gave birth to him all by herself with no medications or interventions. Then why do Muslim women today not trust their instincts and their bodies that Allah has made for carrying, birthing, and feeding their children?

The main focus of the book is educating mothers on not only the natural process of birth but also the risks and benefits that come along with it. It sheds light on how hospitals and healthcare providers perform many procedures that are not evidence-based based and some are even considered outdated. It encourages mothers to educate themselves on these practices and make the decision for themselves.

Miss Aisha also addresses the husbands and their role during this time. Husbands are encouraged to learn about all the pains and discomforts their partner faces during her pregnancy, labour, and birth, and how they can help support her during this time.

Overall, pregnancy is not a disease or a problem, and expectant mothers should have knowledge and be prepared for their births. It is the first decision a parent makes: how to bring their child into this world, naturally and lovingly, or through surgical means and interventions.

[Yasmine · Rating 3 out of 5]

The best thing that permeates throughout this book is how much Aisha advocates reliance on Allah and putting trust in Him for your labor and your ability to withstand your birth. “Allah does not burden a soul more than it can bear”

It is thought provoking on many aspects of labor and birth, bringing to attention how women have been giving birth since humans ever existed without need for medical interventions.
She does respect the need of doctors in case of complications occurring, however she does point put how we are putting our trust in them more than we are in Allah, fearing natural birth and seeking medical intervention even when there is no true need for it.
Due to the repetitions, it was boring most of the time, despite many good points.
Another point that bothered me is the lack of resources for the data mentioned.

From what I’ve heard, it is the only pro- natural birth book in Saudi Arabia, thus it was necessary to start at it.

[Deena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative guide for mothers, fathers, or aspiring doulas on pregnancy, labor, delivery, and breastfeeding with an Islamic lens, scientific, and pushing the idea that birth is a natural instinctive process which has often been robbed from the medical industry which seeks to control all aspects of the birth. 4 stars because some of the claims made are lacking any evidence or source to back up the claim, which as a reader I think is so important to include about such a sensitive, controversial topic. Overall, it is a great effort and work, and it completely changed my perspective on the birth industry!

[Zeinab Uddin · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMANI Birth" is a very informative book. it is unlike any other birth book with the way it portrays birth from an islamic view and a natural life event that we should be well equipped for.


I enjoyed the many facts about pregnancy and birth, ones that are also backed by scientific research, including the safety nets that Allaah has built in to protect mother and baby.


I would definitely recommend it to pregnant mothers, it would help them to understand the physiology of labour and even pregnancy, and guide them to making better choices in their pregnancy that would have lifelong effects for the baby. 

[Ghada Shawki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a truly inspiring book that touched me deeply and opened levels of awareness about my own personal experiences. Reading it motivated me to want to spread the word about natural birth, because I believe it is a source of real empowerment for women. When women are supported to have birth in a natural and positive way, it not only transforms their personal journey but also strengthens families and has a positive impact on society as a whole.

[Heba.Hamed · Rating 5 out of 5]

كتاب أمانى للولادة الطبيعة كتابة عائشه الحجار هو تجربه فريدة للتعرف على تفاصيل الولادة الطبيعية بمنظور مختلف به الكثير من الوعى والمعرفة . يعتبر هذا الكتاب ايقونة لإعادة تمكين الام من القيام بولادة غريزيه حيث تعتمد فية الام على ان تقوم هي بالولاده وليس ان يقوم احد أخر بتوليدها وبالتالى الاعتماد على الفريق الطبي يكون هدفه الاساسي التعاون والمتابعه وليس التدخل فى مسار الولادة .
كتاب امانى هو منهج لانارة الطريق للامهات للتعلم اكثر عن اجسامهم وفطرة الله عز وجل فى الولادة الطبيعيه

[Abrar · Rating 3 out of 5]

٣.٥ ⭐️
- معلومات مفيدة جدًا.
- فيه جنبة روحانية تربط الولادة بالعبادة، ويندر وجود ذلك في أي كتاب تثقيفيّ آخر.
- مفيد كقراءة أولى في الولادة الطبيعية، خفيف ولطيف.
*
لكن..
- كثير من التكرار.
- يمكن تنظيم المعلومات والفصول بشكل أفضل، ولا حاجة لإرفاق كل نصوص المقالات برأيي.
- ترجمة النسخة العربية حرفية جدًا.

[Fatima Kamran · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a very good book with informative facts and a great approach to birthing naturally. It is very thorough on all aspects of labor and really offers a great overview for birthing partners. I can't recommend this book highly enough, it covers just about everything you'd need to know without being a huge and tedious read for pregnant mothers and fathers too.

[Sadia Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most thought-provoking books about journeying into a new Motherhood. It talks about birth experiences, things that people don’t tell us, outdated practices that still run in hospitals today. It challenges women to take control of their births. I believe this is a must read for every woman out there if she wants to empower her self and her society.

[Hamideh Baran · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a very useful and valuable book that is a practical guide for healthcare provider who come into contact with pregnant and childbirth & postpartum women. Mrs. Aisha, with her extensive midwifery experience and integration of medical concepts with Islamic religious teachings, has created an excellent source for reference on pregnancy and childbirth.

[Lalithambigai Satish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Personally, I find this book as very informative and I believe that the book guide toward great transformation journey for pregnant mothers and couples who want to have natural, holistic and empowering birth. This book teaches a mother to realize her strength and the nature behind the childbirth. For sure, I will recommend this book to any pregnant mothers and couples.

[Umm Maryam · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book which teaches you about Natural birth, empower and educate you
and build your trust in God.
Every couple should read it, every pregnant mama should invest on this book to prepare for an empowering birth.

[Bint Islam · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 out of 5 stars

"Empowering and inspiring! AMANI Birth book seamlessly blends Islamic values with childbirth expertise, guiding expectant mothers toward a peaceful and natural birth experience. A must-read!"

[FakihaZaidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading the AMANI birth book completely changed the way I look at childbirth. Instead of fear, I now feel confident and prepared. The blend of practical knowledge and spiritual guidance gave me peace of mind and made me trust the process. I truly recommend it to every mom-to-be.

[Mie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The AMANI Birth book isn’t just about natural birth—it’s about faith, trust, and listening to your own body. Written with an Islamic foundation, it guides mothers to stay active, follow instincts, and rely on Allah. It’s empowering, heart-soothing, and makes birth feel like ibadah, not trauma.

[Nisreen Nemer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The AMANI Birth book is a wonderful guide that explains the natural birth process in a friendly and easy-to-understand way. It’s designed to help expectant mothers feel empowered to make the best decisions for themselves and their babies!

[Donabella Icasia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Saya baca bukunya sebelum melahirkan. Hmm isinya lebih kepada berserah diri kepada Allah. Karena buku terjemahan jadi bahasanya juga kurang enak

[Douaa · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the Amazing books I have read ,, every women should read it anf know this information during her pregnancy journey ,, I highly reccomend it .

[Demelza · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must have for every couple planning a pregnancy!

[Fatima Alothman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is really very helpful, clear and to the point. Is shows you the truth behind childbirth
Really recommend it specifically if you had a traumatic birth before

[Rida Fatima · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMANI Birth book is the perfect start for new parents and anyone new to naturally birthing. It opens up about the birth cultures taking a wrong turn and where we need to correct ourselves.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

الكتاب حلو كان بدايه جميله عشان افهم الولاده الطبيعيه

[Nicola · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book contains a wealth of information but the friendly way in which it is written means that you don't come away with an information overload. Topics are placed in their relevant section, explained and expanded upon in an easy to understand way but without adding more detail than is necessary. The book explores the means for a healthy pregnancy, natural labour and coping mechanisms and ways in which to support the mother. A wide variety of sources are drawn upon including, most notably the Bradley Method. What is entirely unique about this book and what sets it apart from other natural birth books is the Islamic perspective from which it is written. Islamic reminders, verses from the Quran and Hadith are scattered throughout, the Islamic fiqh of details relating to labour and the postpartum period are discussed where necessary. Generally a mother will come away from this book feeling empowered, more tuned into her natural instincts and determined to help herself get the better, natural birth she and her baby deserve and with the bonus of some extra Islamic insight into pregnancy and birth. Any woman could read this book and benefit hugely thanks to the wide variety of sources and attention made to explaining the pros and cons of various pregnancy and birth interventions but for a Muslim mother this book is truly invaluable.

The Amani Birth book is cleverly arranged according to the AMANI acronym. Each of the concepts relating to pregnancy and birth which make up the acronym are discussed in their own section: Assisting Mothers for an Active Natural Instinctive birth. Important topics are discussed which empower women and enable them to be fully equipped for a successful natural birth and help her to go against the tide of medicalisation of birth. Topics covered include how a mother can have a healthy, active pregnancy, strategies for avoiding problems during pregnancy that could encroach on the labour and delivery, how to be a good birth consumer and select the most appropriate and supportive care giver, how to cope with labour naturally and how the woman's labour companions can best support and serve her. All these issues are vitally important in today's medicalised birthing culture and are sadly often overlooked by first time mothers who may only look into further educating themselves in subsequent pregnancies due to problems encountered in the first pregnancy or unexpected procedures in labour that they may have felt were pushed upon them in a vulnerable state. Having said that, the book is invaluable whether a mother is expecting her first child or tenth child.

Some interesting history of obstetrics is also given to enlighten the reader on just how we reached this current state of invasive care for pregnant mothers but what follows is information lovingly researched and laid out to help mothers recognise what is most likely unnecessary. With this wealth of information in mind, a mother can seek to be an active birth consumer, active in her labour rather than a compliant one who feels she has no options and no say in her birth. With Maryam, Alayha salaam, as our birthing role model as described in the book, mothers can seek to have a rewarding and natural birth and beautiful bonding time with the new baby.

[School of Noor · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Tidak ada yang bisa melahirkan seorang bayi kecuali ibunya sendiri"
"Tidak ada yang bisa merancang sebuah kelahiran lebih sempurna dibandingkan rencana yang Allah tetapkan"
Buku ini bukan buku yang pertama kali berbicara tentang kelahiran alami, namun buku ini bisa jadi yang pertama memuat fakta fakta ilmiah dan psikologis dengan nilai nilai islami.
Ayah dan ibu serta seluruh keluarga wajib membaca buku ini jika ingin mempersiapkan kehamilan rendah risiko dan kelahiran yang aman bagi ibu dan bayi.

[Fajr · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMANI Birth, written by Aisha al-Hajjar, is a gem in the crown of natural birth. While it is written within an Islamic framework, fulfilling a void for the Muslim community, it holds a wealth of knowledge that anyone woman can derive great benefit from.
Al-Hajjar draws on her vast experience as a mother, midwife, doula, and childbirth educator to highlight the importance of returning to instinctual, physiological processes (active, natural, instinctive birth) that have been overshadowed by modern medical interventions. Al-Hajjar calls us to examine and reevaluate our mindset around birth. Our contemporary birth culture promotes fear and unquestioning compliance. The reader is called to trust Allah (God), trust themselves, and trust birth.
The AMANI birth book is not only about returning to a more traditional and natural view of birth; it provides practical strategies for women to prepare and for support people to provide loving support.
The book is structured to walk expectant mothers, their loved ones, and birth workers through the preparation process, blending Islamic principles with scientific knowledge to cultivate a holistic approach to labor and delivery.
This book is a must read.

[Diyana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Masya Allah, i am so much impressed with everything im this book. A Muslim revert who has 100% trust in Allah, who can eloquently quote the authentic hadiths, and such a very informed birth educator, and all the points she put in the book are based on research.

I have tried to give birth as naturally as I could for the 3 birth.But Allah's plan is always better.
I truly hope, for the next pregnancy (biidznillah), I want to attend Amani class.

please be informed moms about pain relieving methods, the EDD, induction, Cser, and many more interventions done.

She and the Author of The Womb in the Heart truly respect doctors in attending birth. But they really emphasised on birth is physiological and please allow women to be empowered and authority in trusting to their body to give birth.

This book really emphasise on trusting to Allah the Creator

[Simone Isabella · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read for pregnant mom's! I took Aisha Alhajjar's childbirth classes when I was pregnant with my 3rd child, and it made a huuuuuuuge difference in my birth experience! Pregnant mom's need to inform themselves well, it makes the whole pregnancy and labor so much easier if you know what to expect and what to do to make labor easier.
The natural lifestyle is the way! Natural childbirth is the best thing on how to deliver a baby. Sometimes it may not be easy to stand against doctors and nurses but if you are educated about birth then they can't fool you and this book helps and explaines well what you should know about natural childbirth.
If you are pregnant, the husband, friend, doctor, midwife, nurse or just want to know more about birth then you should definitely read this book!