Table 3 Common religious practices for Muslim women that require only healthcare professionals being aware of these practices

Supplications (Dua’a)

Tendency for verbal supplications—calling on Allah’s (God) name and His attributes usually in the Arabic language—seeking Allah's support at time of struggle.

Awareness – some Muslim women/birth partners may not feel confident to recite supplication if they feel that HCP has a lack of understanding of this practice.

Awareness—show understanding and acknowledgement of this practice.

Eating dates (fruit) during the initial stages of labour

Imitating the action of Maryam (Mary the mother of Jesus) during her labour, some Muslim women eat dates for energy during the initial stages of labour.

Acknowledge—acknowledgment of the practice.

Awareness—some Muslim women will bring dates with them to hospital.

Tahneek

Commonly practiced soon after the child is born, and preferably before the child’s first feed. A small piece of softened date (sometimes honey) being gently rubbed into the child’s mouth (on the upper palate). Some Muslim women bring dates to hospital so they can carry out this practice. Others delay this practice until they are home.

Awareness – some women my fear that HCPs may not approve of this practice, therefore, may do this once the HCP is out of the room.

Awareness—that some women may not feel confident to practice this in the presence of HCPs. While exploring the birth-plan with the woman and her preferences during labour, show understanding and acknowledgement of this practice.

Shaving the head hair of a new born child

The scalp hair that has grown in utero is removed, traditionally on the seventh day of life, and an equivalent weight in silver is given to charity

Note: not all Muslims will engage in this practice.

Awareness—general awareness and acknowledgment of the practice.

Awareness—that some Muslim parents would engage in this practice

Acknowledgement – be mindful that some mothers may not feel confident to answer genuine comments made by HCPs, such as ‘why did/would you shave his/her beautiful hair?’

Aqiqah

Normally seven days after birth, a sheep is offered in sacrifice and the meat is distributed among family members and the poor within the community. Some distribute the sacrifice as cooked food in a family gathering whilst others pay for sacrifice to take place in a country other than the UK to be distributed to the poor.

Awareness—general awareness.

Awareness—general awareness.

Congratulating and community visits mother after childbirth

It is common for mothers to receive visits from others within the community soon after birth. The purpose of these visits is to celebrate the coming of a new child and health of the mother. Visitors will bring food and gifts, and will sit with the mother for a friendly chat.

Awareness – These visits can start at hospital and continue at the women’s home. Mothers often receive gifts, cooked food, and get to hear the experiences and advice of other women regarding motherhood.

Awareness—Be aware that some Muslim mothers may have lots of visitors, some arriving at hospital shortly after birth.

Acknowledge the mother – whilst this practice can be joyful for mothers, sometimes it can be overwhelming having lots of visitors at hospital or at home, especially for first-time mothers or mothers recovering from medical procedures. It is important to check on the mother and ensure that she is well.