THE NEED TO KNOW :
My name is Nadia Maheter , I am a professional Doula/Childbirth Companion certified by W.O.M.B.S which is recognized by the International Childbirth Education Association . I provide emotional , physical, mental and informational support to the expectant couple during the pregnancy journey, the labour & birth and post-partum periods. I am also trained in Advanced Doula Techniques. I am a trained Bereavement Doula (and a parent who has experienced pregnancy & baby losses.) I am certified Master Trainer in Helping Babies Survive (HBS) and Helping Mothers Survive Bleeding After Birth (HMS BAB) which are initiatives of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) developed in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO). I am a passionate about education & creating community in pregnancy & postpartum support. I co-facilitate Pregnancy & Postpartum gatherings in Cape Town, southern suburbs. I am also a qualified, experienced Postpartum Care Provider (PPCP)- the first of its kind in South Africa- which is a separate service that offers continuous, tailor-made support, to parents during the critical first few days and weeks after birth. I was fortunate enough to be part of the first group of PPCPs to ever be trained in South Africa. I am also a certified Organic Cosmetic Formulator & I have recently qualified as a SAHS Hijama Cupping Practitioner & I am in the process of training as a Trauma Support Worker. I love learning & deepening my knowledge & skill set & I am nowhere near done yet 🙂 I am originally from JHB but currently reside in Cape Town, South Africa.
I am married and I have had 6 pregnancies and birthed 5 beautiful children, 3 who I mother on this Earth with me and two who are mothered in heart & memory, my last two babies were full term stillbirths. Every single one of their births were different and positive and powerful (including my angel babies birth- they were deeply tragic but incredibly sacred and powerful) and it’s my experiences, both in my capacity as a mother and as a birth worker who has walked along side others in journeys of life and death, and death before life- that drives the passion to educate, inform, empower and support clients during pregnancy, birth, post-partum and loss. I have a special interest in supporting young people -my husband and I were very young parents, so this is very close to my heart. I also have a keen interest in supporting people who are choosing to birth at home. I will always make space to support clients who are pregnant with babies who may not stay due to a high-risk pregnancy, medical complications, or life-limiting/fatal diagnosis as well as those who have already had suffered pregnancy or infant loss and need professional postpartum care & support to recover in their first weeks after their loss.
Before I became fully involved in birth, I was an experienced primary school teacher, teaching Maths & Life Skills. By becoming a birth worker, I have found my true calling which combines my passions & strengths – I get to support & impart knowledge gained in my years of experience to encourage others to step into their own power & embrace the wild ride we are all. I am SO deeply honoured to be part of some of the most joyous & most heartbreaking experiences of peoples lives. It is an incredible honor and blessing to be part of one of the most sacred journeys humans can take.
THE INSIDE SCOOP :
I enjoy reading (psychological thrillers – none of those mills & boons) I LOVE swimming, cycling and dabbling in homeopathy, natural and herbal remedies & making products such as body creams, teas for clients and postpartum products. I absolutely suck at directions (thank you Waze!) I love animals and nature and prefer winter to summer. I enjoy tasting different teas & coffees from around the world and I’ve been told that I make a pretty great Malva pudding 🙂