BirthKuwait event: Workshop Breastfeeding situation in Kuwait

BirthKuwait event : Workshop "Breastfeeeding situation in Kuwait" took place 29th May 2012 at the Women`s Cultural Society. The programme consisted of five presentations:

1. Dr. Mona Alsumaie : Breastfeeding situation in Kuwait
We learned that 82% of women in Kuwait initiate breastfeeding ( even if only once ) , but only 12% of them continue exclusive brestfeeding up to 6th month of baby age. The most common reasons why women stop breastfeeding are lack of proper information, motivation and help.

2. Dr. Alia Abdeen : Kuwait Lactation Consultants Society: mission and activities
Kuwait Lactation Consultant Society currently has 37 members who took certification exam and qualified, they are distributed in govermental hospitals all over Kuwait and available to help mothers whenever needed.

3. Zuzana Nadova, Midwife : BirthKuwait - mission, vision and activities
BirthKuwait is a local nonprofit birth network— a collection of birth-related professionals—networking together and working towards providing better support for mothers and improving maternity services in Kuwait by making resources available for mothers and advocating for evidence-based maternity care.

4. Heba Al Ali, BSF founder: BFS breastfeeding support club 
The most important message of this presentation was to start preparing for breastfeeding during the pregnancy , setting the priorities right and having support system.

5. Carolyne Presber, LLL leader-Kuwait: La Leche League in Kuwait
We learned about history  and activities of La Leche League, which is international non profit organization providing Mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information and education for women who breastfeed their children.

Programme was followed by interesting discussion.

Photos from the event:

Invitation for the lecture

Dr. Alia Abdeen ( left) , Zuzana Nadova, Dr. Mona Alsumaie

Carolyne Presber ( left ), Dr. Alia Abdeen, Dr. Mona Alsumaie, Heba Al Ali

Carolyne Presber ( left) , Heba Al Ali

Zuzana Nadova

BirthKuwait event: Food revolution Day at the Women`s cultural Society

BirthKuwait event took place 19th May 2012 at the Women`s Cultural Society as a part of Food Revolution Day. It was day full of fun, learning and pleasant encouters with amazing people. We were talking about Breastfeeding and its benefits.

BirthKuwait Booth:




BirthKuwait team:





Anwer sheet of winner of the kid`s competition about breastfeeding


We loved this poster about breastfeeding from TheAlfaParent.com

You can read more about this event on BirthKuwait web site.

BirthKuwait event at Sadu House 14th may 2012

BirthKuwait event: Coping with labor took place at Sadu House on 14th May 2012. We talked about labor and comfort measures during labor. The lecture was presented by Midwife Jane Ayers and Doula Sarah Paksima of BirthKuwait .

We learned that it is preferred to eat and drink during early stage of labor in order to maintain high energy levels  all the way to the delivery. It is also adviced to practice relaxation techniques and correct breathing to faciliate release of hormones which easen labor and decreases pain. We were also presented with demonstration of many labor positions and comfort measures, like applying hot compresses, massages, accupuncture and use of fit ball.

Photos from the event: My daughter learning about the use of fit ball during labor and me

By providing moms with counter pressure (in response to the pressure of the baby's internal rotations in the pelvis and against the sacrum) by doing the double hip squeeze, using a scarf to accomplish the same thing, or pressing or massaging the sacrum, you can help relieve some of the discomfort of labor.

Check for more info on our Facebook group BirthKuwait.

My doula training

Having a doula with me during my two labors were had been alway a dream of mine, which stayed unfuftilled , cos there were no doulas available in Kuwait then. A doula is birth companion who provides you with emotional and physical support. Imagine a person who calms you down, reminds you of proper breathing, relaxation techniques, keeps you hydrated by offering sips of water, keeps you energized by offering small portions of food ( like dates), relieves pain by massaging and accupunture or applying hot compresses,.. and much more. I took doula training course ( DONA)  sponsored by BirthKuwait and Royal Hayatt so I will be able to attend labors of my family & friends and I also think about getting licensed soon.

Here are some photos from the training course:

                   My trainer Kristi Ridd-Young (left)  and me (right)

                              Kristi speaking about emotional support

            My friend Sarah Paksima of BirthKuwait providing me with shoulder   
             massage while I am sitting on the fit ball

                                 Me practising relaxation

            Model of bony pelvis with baby descending to the birth canal

                                Pain relieve technique

                                Certificate of attendence

The effect of body posture during pregnancy on the baby and labor

What is midwifery?

May : International Doulas Month

Congratulations to all friends and colleagues !