Supporting Faith-Based Practices for Muslim Women

Pregnancy and childbirth are considered to be of the most profound spiritual times. Pregnancy is a sacred journey for Muslim women which entails carrying a sanctified soul. Muslims believe that they are in essence spiritual beings living a human experience on earth. Non-pharmacological interventions rooted in Islamic spirituality and religiosity implemented in pregnancy and in the intrapartum period have a positive psychological and physiological impact for Muslim women. Midwives that pair their clinical expertise with an appreciation and understanding of Islamic faith-based practices can facilitate a holistic, culturally-sensitive and inclusive experience to support Muslim women’s needs during this time.