egypt
REI’s resident staff member in Egypt is an internationally licensed and certified AMANI doula and childbirth educator who created and operates UniquelyYours Birth Center. Located on the outskirts of Cairo, the Center educates families in practices not previously observed in Egypt including prenatal nutrition, pregnancy exercise, natural childbirth and breastfeeding.
Drawing on the expertise of volunteer Egyptian OB-GYN and Pediatric Specialists, the Center hosts a monthly well-baby clinic with baby weigh-ins and “Mommy and Me” classes for young mothers and their youngsters. The center also equips “Doulas,” women specifically trained to assist in the natural delivery of babies.
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.
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 cardiologists – all giving scientific explanations for the extremely high surgical birth rates in the world today.