About me

assalaamu alaykum,

I’m Natasha (Zaahida)

I obtained a Diploma in Arabic & Islamic Studies from Madrasatus Saalihaat Arabic Girls College, Port Elizabeth in 2009 and taught there for over 10 years. I specialised in teaching Nahw, Sarf, Quran Tarjama and the Fiqh of Nikaah.

I love simplifying complicated concepts and using technology and the internet to make learning fun and interactive for adults and I acknowledge 1 learning style may not be suitable for all.

Since my first pregnancy, I have been researching and writing about Islam, wellness, homebirth, labour, birth, parenting tips and advice over the past 8 years. 

Along the journey, I got married and had 3 babies who all had their chance to attend classes with me.

After having my 3rd baby at home I fell in love with birth even more and trained as a birth doula. From there onwards I just became more deeply involved with birth work.

I can truly say that I know the far-reaching effects of the lack of availability of resources and a supportive network of like-minded mothers. 

I have taken my learnings from my births, my teaching experience, Islamic Studies, birth and bereavement training and various forms of personal development and alternative medicine therapies to fill this gap and to support Muslim women in experiencing an informed and spiritual birth & raising thriving and happy families.

As Featured In

Things I love ….

  • Chocolate
  • Tea
  • Lipgloss
  • Cats
  • Birth

Looking back and seeing how far I’ve come…

2009

Graduated from Madrasatus Saalihaat Arabic Girls College with a 5 – year Diploma in Arabic and Islamic Studies

2017

Certified as a Labour, Birth & Postpartum Doula through WOMBS (Women Offering Mothers Birth Support) South Africa

2020

Attended Perinatal Bereavement Training

2021

Obtained an Aromatherapy Diploma with Distinction through the Centre of Excellence UK

2021

Trained in 2018, and Certified as an ICCE – Internationally Certified Childbirth Educator in 2021 through ICEA – the International Childbirth Education Association

2022

Trained under Leana Habeck and Certified as a Breastfeeding Peer Counsellor through La Leche League South Africa.

2022

Started my first term as Director of International Relations – South Africa Representative for the International Childbirth Education Association

2023

Spent a year-long journey delving into an Introduction to Traditional and Holistic Midwifery called the Silent Birthkeeper, with Ruth Ehrhardt

2024

Obtained a certificate in Basic skills in Perinatal Mental Health through COPE – The Centre of Perinatal Excellence, Australia

WOMBS Doula Graduation 2017

Natura Homoeopathy for the Home training with Dr Chiquita Vosloo 2018.

Ian, Doula Naailah, myself and Miene

Pegasus Maternity Kit Training Event with Ian Wheeler 2018

ICEA Training with Bonita Katz, former President of ICEA, and Deryse van Aardt, former Director of International Relations 2018, Johannesburg.

Perinatal Bereavement Facilitator Training with Samala Kriedeman 2020