W.O.M.B.S. South Africa

02/08/2025

It’s World Breastfeeding Week!

Many women do not breastfeed as long as they would like. 🤱

This is how to support breastfeeding mothers anytime, everywhere ⬇️

25/06/2025

🤍

Warning long read.
My aim with these posts is to change the negative perception people have of birthing at state facilities. There are many positive births happening daily and lets shine the spotlight on those ones to reduce fear in mothers who have no medical aid or additional funds to pay for private.

When I started my shift I met Shamila (name changed ) for the first time at around 930 am. She is a first-time mom, and her partner was with her. She was in transition phase around 8cm dilated and I thought this baby will be born soon. Her husband was by her side. Both were petrified and her panicked state as i walked in told me she was filled with fear. I smiled at them both and she asked me for painkiller because she can’t handle the pain anymore. This is very typical of a mother in transition as it starts to get intense. I told them everything they experiencing is normal and her body knows what it is doing.
The dad asked me why the nurses are not helping them; I told him that the midwives are unable to do anything for her as there is no medical pain relief available in the birth centre , however he can do other things to help her cope with the pain. Also, they are managing multiple other patients in the facility and doing all the admin on their progress. This information helped them to manage their expectations and shift their game plan.
I showed him how to apply pressure to her sacrum on the tailbone when she is having a contraction. While she was having this contraction I prayed through it. Laa ielaaha iellalaa (There is no other God but Allah). After every pain I told her that she got through it with bravery and strength and she can do another one.
When it came time to push an hour later, dad became increasingly tense and fearful. He also didn't have sleep the night before, had nothing to eat and emotions were running high as she had been in labour since the afternoon before.
I gave him something to eat, he went to take a toilet break and smoke break to reset himself before the Grand finale.
Upon his return, the mom was fully dilated however, her urge to push was not there yet. The Midwife was patient with her . The less interference in the natural process the better.
She wanted to lay on her back even though we offered her to change positions. Her pushing was long and tense and lasted over 50 minutes at this stage the midwife started preparing for an episiotomy (to cut to make more space for baby to come out) but luckily the baby descended and was born. He was stimulated a bit and dad and I both stood there praying and overcome with emotion. His wife was crying and he embraced and kissed her as they heard their sons first cry, and the emotions swept over them.
Once again, I worked alongside a midwife who was firm and gentle with her approach. She spoke to them with respect and care. I thanked her for allowing me in her space. Dad held the baby on his chest skin to skin, and he stopped crying immediately. He made Athaan (call to prayer) in his baby's ear. It was a beautiful Day.
By changing perspective of people and helping them understand the healthcare staff better and their role in the process, patients leave the state facilities more satisfied with the experience.

11/05/2025

Happy Mother's day🩷

09/05/2025

Partners + Doulas: The Recap

Over the past few posts, we’ve been sharing how doulas support not just the birthing person—but their partner too. Here’s a quick summary of what we’ve covered:

1️⃣ What doulas do
Emotional support, comfort techniques, clear communication, and a steady presence. Doulas help you feel calm, confident, and connected throughout the birth.

2️⃣ What doulas don’t do
They don’t replace you, take control, or make decisions for you. A doula supports you so you can show up fully for your partner.

3️⃣ Working with partners
Doulas and partners make a strong team. With a doula there to guide and back you up, you can focus on what matters most—being present for your loved one.

4️⃣ What partners say afterward
“I felt more confident.”
“I could really focus on my partner.”
“It felt like we were in it together.”
That’s the power of having a doula on your team.

Still wondering if a doula is right for your birth experience? Let’s chat.

08/05/2025

“I didn’t know how much we’d need a doula—until we had one.”

That’s something we hear from partners all the time. Before the birth, they weren’t sure what a doula would actually do. Afterward, they often say:

“I felt more confident.”
Having someone there who’s seen birth before makes a big difference. A doula offers quiet reassurance and gentle guidance—especially when things get intense.

"I could focus on my partner.”
Doulas handle the little things (like setting up a space, reminding about food and rest, or suggesting comfort tools) so you can stay emotionally present.

“It felt like a team.”
With a doula, you’re not in this alone. You’re supported as a support person—so you can show up for your partner in the way you really want to.

It’s not about stepping in—it’s about lifting you up.
A doula helps both of you feel more connected, prepared, and supported throughout the birth journey.

07/05/2025

Doulas & Partners: The Dream Team

A doula doesn’t replace the partner—they team up with you to support the person giving birth. Here’s how that looks in real life:

Support for You, Too – Birth can be intense for partners. A doula is there to guide and reassure you, so you can feel calm and capable.

Practical Help – Need a break? A drink of water? Help with a comfort technique? Doulas step in so you don’t have to do it all alone.

A Quiet Guide – Unsure what to say or do next? A doula can offer gentle suggestions to help you be the best support you can be.

Working Together – Sometimes one of you holds hands while the other massages.

One whispers encouragement while the other breathes through contractions. It’s a shared rhythm.

Together, you and your doula form a steady, loving support system—helping the birthing person feel safe, strong, and surrounded.

06/05/2025

🌸Celebrating Midwives, Heart of Birth🌸

Yesterday, our amazing doulas visited hospitals across South Africa to honour the midwives who walk alongside families with wisdom, strength, and compassion.
It was a small gesture to say a big thank you—for the countless moments, the quiet support, and the hands that hold space in birth.

06/05/2025

What don’t doulas do? Let’s clear up some common misconceptions—especially for partners.

A doula is there to support, not to take over. Here’s what a doula doesn’t do:

❌ Replace the Partner – Doulas don’t step into your role. In fact, they help you feel more confident and involved in supporting your loved one.
❌ Make Decisions – Doulas won’t tell you what to choose. They offer balanced information so you can make informed decisions together.
❌ Take Control – Doulas don’t run the show. They follow your lead, respect your preferences, and support the choices you make as a couple.
❌ Judge or Pressure – There’s no “right” way to give birth. Doulas support all kinds of births and all kinds of families—without agenda.

Think of a doula as a calm, knowledgeable teammate—there to help both of you feel more prepared, supported, and connected throughout the birth journey.

06/05/2025

Vibrant, passionate HCW - rigorous course to become a certified lactation consultant ! To pass we need 70% a 3 hour exam, other practical and theoretical knowledge . We love helping dyads pre and post partum! Your CLC must be updated ask about their CPDs

05/05/2025

*International Day of the Midwife*

Midwives are at the heart of safe, empowering, and compassionate care during pregnancy, birth, and beyond. At WOMBS, we honour and thank every midwife who stands beside families, guiding them through life’s most transformative journey.
Your wisdom, hands, and hearts make a difference—every single day.

To all the midwives: We see you. We thank you. We celebrate you.

05/05/2025

Ever wondered how a doula supports the birth experience—for both the birthing person and their partner? Here’s how:

1️⃣ A Steady Presence – Doulas provide continuous support throughout labour, helping both of you feel calmer and more grounded.
2️⃣ Emotional Support – Birth can be overwhelming. A doula helps navigate the emotional intensity, offering reassurance and encouragement.
3️⃣ Comfort Techniques – From massage to positioning and breathing guidance, doulas bring tools to help ease discomfort.
4️⃣ Team Communication – Doulas help ensure birth preferences are clearly communicated, making interactions with the medical team smoother.
5️⃣ Knowledge and Confidence – With a doula’s guidance, partners often feel more informed, involved, and empowered to support effectively.

Doulas don’t replace partners—they enhance the support system. Want to learn more about how a doula can be part of your birth team? Let’s connect.

03/05/2025

The power is in understanding!