by Country Leader, Egypt   Susu, two years old On December 28, 2007, my life radically changed. A tiny little girl named SuSu was born into a family I had been close to since I’d moved to Egypt. Her story is like that of many little girls in the villages of Egypt, far from the city of Cairo.  But hers was destined to be different. It was not my intention to fall in love with her, and yet I did. Hers was the first birth I was a part of here. I was there for her first bath, her

by Country Leader, Egypt   Karen is a certified doula and natural childbirth educator. She continues to grow her With a newborn - one of the biggest rewards of her work influence and contribution in Cairo where the vast majority of babies are delivered by C-section. Karen aims to give those desiring it the option of natural childbirth. Through her Birth Guardian center, she provides doula certification and childbirth classes. Karen’s unique influence in relationships allows h

by Country Leader, Egypt We all know when a new baby arrives, life changes forever.   In Egypt, there is societal expectation for women to effortlessly transition into their roles as mothers. Acknowledging postpartum depression (PPD) contradicts social norms and is too often met with resistance. Consequently, many women with PPD experience stigma, isolation, ridicule and therefore are reluctant to ask for help. A significant problem in addressing PPD is the limited acknowledg

by Country Leader, Egypt Creative Art Connection was founded as a part of Birth Guardians Egypt. The purpose is to bring together women who have experienced emotional trauma giving birth in a maternity care system that currently doesn’t provide many alternatives. Women find healing and peace through emotionally connecting with art, discovering inner strength and empowerment, overcoming past hurts, and connecting with a healthier future. 95% of women in Egypt will tell you th

by Country Leader, Egypt I’ve helped train doctors and nurses here in Egypt, Spain and Dubai, and I can tell you it is possible to practice safe childbirth, under medical guidance, while promoting healthier moms and healthier babies. Recently I had the honor of speaking at a Natural Birth Conference that focused on reducing the rate of Egypt’s over 85% cesarean sections. Among the other presenters were scientists, pediatricians, obstetricians, neonatal specialists, infant ca

One of my greatest joys and truly the focus of all that I do is in creating an environment where a soon-to-be-father recognizes his new role

2020 brought unique challenges, but amazing growth!

Birth Guardians Egypt - teaching advanced courses that cover all aspects of maternity care, from a natural, holistic point of view.

There is a secret in the Egyptian culture, and it’s not that birth is painful, it’s that these women, when empowered, are very strong. I...

For the past several years, an REI-sponsored doula named Lydia has been helping pregnant mothers and fathers in Cairo navigate pregnancy, childbirth and early infancy. Additionally, she has been teaching doctors and nurses in a state-of-the-art maternity hospital, as well as medical residents at two teaching hospitals in proper delivery room procedures. Now, the Lydia Center is UniquelyYours Birth Services! UniquelyYours Birth Services, a full-service pregnancy center, will

In the city of Cairo, an REI-sponsored doula is helping mothers raise healthy children, beginning with pregnancy. A trained doula helps...

A new generation seeks to change tradition. As early as age 12, many Egyptian girls marry the cousins to whom they have been promised...