Malika Maternity
Doula support comes in many forms and time frames. Every mother, family or couple’s needs are different and therefore my care, consults and assistance are tailored to suit those requests.
Within every woman/human lies millions of potentiated cells ready to transform into the multitudes of amazing, dynamic residents of this world. Malika Maternity, founded in 2012 recognizes and appreciates this very sacred essence. My doula services are designed to assist the mother (person) in cultivating and harnessing the innate power within giving birth. The word Malika is an arabic/persian name meaning Queen. Indeed the status of a woman “with child” is elevated to an even higher station during this amazing and miraculous time.
Doula support comes in many forms and time frames. Every mother, family or couple’s needs are different and therefore my care, consults and assistance are tailored to suit those requests. My organization focuses on four areas: prenatal preparation (i.e. holistic pregnancy and childbirth lessons), labor/delivery techniques and methodology, and recovery and postpartum, miscarriage/infant loss and therapeutic abortive care.
Most of the families that I’ve helped have used at least two of three services offered in preparation for their blessed new arrival.
Concierge Services: This service is exclusively offered to clients who wish to take their doula-care to the next level. Clients are given one on one consultations to assess their very specific needs which include but are not limited to: maternity wardrobe advice and baby shopping, personal assistance in juggling business life, tailored pre-natal yoga and pilates sessions, meal preparation, nursery/decor advice and setup, planning and hosting baby showers, as well as therapeutic/healing sessions on welcoming the new prince or princess into the family circle. All are available to clients who truly want to bask in the complete and regal experience that Malika Maternity has to offer. Due to COVID19 Concierge Services are temporarily on hold until Fall 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions?
Why do families hire doulas?
In this busy fast paced world many families find themselves without sufficient time and adequate family support on a frequent basis. Having a doula helps to bring birth back to it’s original sacred and amazing tradition of sharing in the miracle of new life. Many couples also need extra assistance, family-like support and guidance on how to assuage fears and antiquated views that even their own family culture may hold towards birth. Women have served as doulas, or woman’s servant, since ancient times. A doula helps the family to celebrate, concentrate and regroup during this very life changing event. With adequate and EXTRA support, stress can be reduced from the mother during and after labor. This increases her healing and promotes a more positive sense of wellbeing for the entire family.
When can we start?
Once an initial consultation is scheduled, the desired services are selected, and a deposit is made, sessions can begin within a week or a few months if only labor and delivery sessions are needed. There are also clients who contact me in the third trimester and solely want a crash course child birthing session.
Where are the sessions held?
Typically at the client’s home, however sessions/consults have been done at the park, in the mall or on work break. I try to be flexible with my clients schedule. Due to COVID19 Pandemic, most sessions are now held via facetime, google hangouts, or Zoom. However Doula will wear a mask and visit the family if that is preferred.
How many clients do you have at one time?
Typically no more than 4 at a time. However, I try to have at least two of them in different trimesters to avoid double bookings at birth! It is (relatively) unpredictable.
It’s been awhile since I’ve given birth, do I still need a doula?
Malika Maternity definitely recommends that you at least schedule a few sessions. Just to help you assess what your goals and visions are for this birth, the needed preparation, family support vision, to heal any deep rooted fears, develop new birthing goals/plans and even update medical history. (If a previous client.) All these can play a role in the outcome of the birth and I want to assist you in having the best, most dynamic delivery ever! Each birth is different and this one can certainly be even more empowering and amazing! So, I’d have to say yes.
I have a lot of family support for delivery, but do you offer child birthing classes?
Yes, I offer two types of child birthing classes.
The Royal Birth is a class that encompasses all three trimesters in monthly or bi-weekly visits and offers support and one on one classes with the mother/couple/family. Emphasis is placed on assisting the woman in knowing more about the changes taking place in her body, the fetus's development, maintaining and reducing stress levels, holistic and traditional methods to dealing with morning sickness (if applicable), juggling family and career, beauty care regimens and relaxation techniques.
The Crash Course Child Birthing Class is a 3-5 hour course on how to manage labor and delivery effectively. Different techniques used include: The Bradley Method, Quantum Midwifery Science, Lamaze, Hypnobirthing, meditation, indigenous healing and yogic practices to connect you to your womb’s original power. Many couples have benefited from this session and went on to have amazing, peaceful, healthy and safe vaginal births.
Do you assist with home births as well?
Yes. Malika Maternity works with clients who choose to hire a private midwife/OB, and do free birthing in the comfort of their own home or birthing center. Together the midwife/OB, family support and I will work cohesively as a unit to ensure that your needs are met. The supportive love and attentive care will be given in a manner that you prefer and require.
I’m scheduled to have a cesarean section due to health complications can I still have a doula?
But of course you can! I would be honored to support you during this amazing transitional process. Provided the hospital policy allows my presence to be there with you. Most are more lenient with support members in attendance. Even still, our sessions prior to your birth will be helpful in preparing and recovering after the baby is born.
Honestly, I’m frightened of pushing a baby out, is there any way that you can help me?
Yes. After our first consultation, my clients are given a casual checklist during our prenatal session. This checklist can help you to name and verbalize any fears, blockages, past trauma that are related to womanhood, pregnancy, birth and motherhood. You are given “therapeutic assignments” that allow you and your family to think and work through your feelings of fear regarding the beautiful miracle of birth. It will truly show you what you are made of. Honestly, all of my clients have faced their fears and performed like amazing queens when the curtain calls for their debut. You can and you shall do this!
I need my partner/husband to feel more connected and find his role in the birth, how can he do that?
That’s a great question. Oftentimes clients will invite their partners/spouses to be with them during the first two sessions, in which I also ask them similar questions during our assessment. Also by communicating your feelings and having them reciprocated, it gives them a deeper role in the pregnancy. When that shift happens, it generates a deeper sense of connection to the womb’s power and sense of care and duty to assist you during delivery. This is a royal family affair and we really all play a part.
What are your fees?
Doula Services Offered-
Prenatal & L/D/R: $1,999 (Can be paid in 2-4 installments)
Includes monthly visits/phone sessions during 2nd trimester and weekly starting at 28+ weeks. (Or earlier.)
Labor and Delivery Preparation for all supportive members
Guided Visualization and Coaching Technique Sessions for/during Labor and Delivery
Complete, focused and caring support tailored to your needs.
Prenatal & L/D/R & Postpartum Care: $2,500-$3,200. (Can be paid in 3 installments.)
Includes monthly visits/phone calls during the 2nd trimester and weekly starting at 36+ weeks.
Labor and Delivery Preparation for all supportive members
Guided Visualization and Coaching Technique Sessions for/during Labor and Delivery
Complete, focused and caring support tailored to your needs.
Postpartum Care: Family meal preparation, nursery room setup, meal train or cooking assistance from friends and family so that you don’t have to reach out, lactation assistance and holistic recovery support (i.e. Belly binding, sitz baths, herbal remedies for perineal tears, c-section care, infant massage and more. PPC only packages are $400/week, 3 days a week, for 3 hours/day. 9 Hours Total. $600 Package 15 hours Total. 3-4 Days per week. 3-4 hours intermittent timing.
Labor & Delivery & PostPartum Care: This package is available for Malika Maternity previous Doula clients ONLY. (With very rare exceptions.)
Please email me if required. $1000 for the birth ONLY, if over 48 hours add $400.
Therapeutic & Elective Abortion Doula Recovery Support: A sensitive, non- judgmental loving form of care and support for a woman/perspon undergoing the difficulties of termination (mostly for medical necessity). Providing post surgical care for womb healing, food preparation, advice on healing and regenerating healthy womb cells and tissue, physical recovery assistance and emotional/religious support and recommendations for advanced care as needed. Herbal, holistic, homeopathic and helpful remedies to assist with healing from the inside out. Contact me for special rates and referrals. All clients who use this service are ABSOLUTELY confidential/private.
Crash Course Child Birthing Class: $350+ 3.5 hours on birth, labor and delivery.
New Sibling Class: $130 for 2 hours
Feminine Energy and Power of the Womb Course: $175 (3 hour session)
(Recommended for those trying to conceive, currently pregnant, and older teens.)
Maternity Wardrobe and Styling Advice: I’m also the Creative Director of Shukuru Couture, and we have RTW and gorgeous custom options to fit your growing style!
Maternity/Birth Videography: How amazing, I am also a professional photographer! I truly enjoy capturing women in this royal phase of life! Sessions range from $500-700. Contact me for more details.
My body is growing and I have no idea how to dress anymore, what can I wear?
With the maternity fashion industry expanding so much there are countless options that you can wear. From empire waisted tops and dresses that accentuate the growing bump, to stretch body-con, flowy tunics, high waist trousers, denim in all cuts/fits, LBD’s, blazers and beyond your options are plentiful! Even when it comes to shoes I have suggestions. And yes you “should” DEFINITELY wear lower heights in heels or supportive flats, due to your spine swaying and ligaments ... but Beyonce doesn’t so carry on with ease, if that’s your fashionable M’O! I can recommend lots of fabulous yet supportive ones as well.
Where have you trained and studied?
I’ve studied the Bradley Method and Hypnobirthing for over 15 years and have earned certification in Quantum Midwifery and Doula care through the La Matrona School for Midwives in Asheville, NC as taught by the Grand Midwife and Master Teacher Whapio Diane Bartlett and Tolewa Oyewole, as well as The Nafsa, PostPartum Training through an African Moroccan perspective. Coming soon I will have completed indigenous womb healing and herbal certification by 2023. I’ve been working as a doula for over nearly two decades, assisting with postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, labor assistance and infant care.
Who are your clientele?
I’ve serviced a variety of women from powerhouse working moms with children and husbands/partners, awesome single mothers, busy nurses, IT professionals, engineers, fashion designers, new CEO’s, celebrity florists, world travelers, young teen moms-to-be, amazing stay at home mothers, teachers, and even physicians having their own babies.
About Na’Aisha “Malika”...
I’m a busy mother. I’m also the seasonal Creative Director of Shukuru Couture. I attended Agnes Scott College and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature with a concentration in Psychology, Medical Anthropology and Spanish. I am the eldest daughter of five siblings and had a very early interest in birth and pregnancy. I even tried to be my mother's doula at the age of 10. (That didn’t quite happen.) In my spare time you can find me writing poetry, creating holistic skincare products, traveling the globe, while also wearing and creating art. Birth is one of the first forms of art in my eyes. I am honored to witness your birth accompany my divine plan as an artist, doula and mother. I look forward to graciously serving your family during this very royal affair. Send me an email at malikamaternity@gmail.com. You can also reach me on my Facebook page as well.
In serene peace,
-Na’aisha MalikaB