Wambui Wanguhu, a birth, and postpartum doula. I believe that giving birth is one of the most profound experiences in a human life, and that having caring, compassionate and conscientious support along the way can help parents have a happier, healthier entrance into parenthood.

I am a wife, mother of 2 boys, a big sister to 2 siblings and the firstborn daughter to a widowed mum. I am a trained nurse but I currently run a business called Doula Wambui, where I am a childbirth educator, labour support specialist, a breastfeeding counsellor and a perinatal bereavement counsellor. All things I do are geared to helping mums have a positive childbirth experience and a good start in their postpartum journey.

WHAT FUELS ME?

My passion is to see women realize their strength while birthing.

I am determined to help women understand that childbirth is a beautiful thing, for health workers to help mums know the joy of a truly safe, comfortable and satisfying birth.

MY GREATEST INFLUENCE:

When I worked in Australia I worked in a remote hospital and the midwives there were so patient with the mums and they seemed to understand that birth is a natural process and that the mum knows what to do if left to do it! That was life changing for me and I decided I will help as many women as possible in Kenya to have such beautiful birthing experiences.

God is also at the center of all I do.

MY TOP THREE ROLE MODELS:

Ina May Gaskin is my role model, she has helped shape my thoughts on birth and it being a natural process.

I learn from other doulas and childbirth educators around me and the world at large. There is always something to learn from someone just like I believe I bring something to the table. My mum inspires me and pushes me to be the best I can be, my father passed away many years ago and my mum was left to raise my siblings and I and she was able to take us through school and very good universities despite being a civil servant earning very little money.

IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS…..

My 5-years is to see ALL women regardless of their social economic status able to access childbirth education and doula services. All women deserve to be supported during labor and the people supporting them need to be armed with the right information. I have 2 friends I have been discussing this vision with but I definitely need an accountability partner

THE AFRICAN WOMAN’S CHALLENGE:

African women need to be more assertive, in most cultures, women are seen and not heard and that translates even in my field of work to women having procedures are done and they do not question what the consequences of the procedure are. We need to stop second-guessing ourselves and realize that we can do all things we are determined to do as long as we are consistent and have a deep passion for it.

WHAT I DO TO RELAX:

I go to the gym, hung out with my family, I enjoy travelling and quiet time alone

MY   –   I.C.E. [INSPIRE|CELEBRATE|EMPOWER] VISION

The African woman has so much to offer. She is beautiful and now many women are striving to get educated so she is knowledgeable. The African woman should be empowered to know the sky is the limit and even within her own space she can bring tremendous change. She should know that empowering and inspiring other women is the only way we will break cultural barriers that make us the weaker sex or not always noticed.

MY AFRICAN UNION PLANS:

I would seek to educate the medical professionals on the importance of safe birth practices. I would want to empower women to ask relevant questions to their healthcare providers and not just go along with what they are told. I would advocate for hospitals to have birth friendly and baby friendly policies as this affects how women and children survive after the birthing period.

FINAL WORDS OF ADVICE:

Love who are and do not pretend to be someone you are not. Respect who you are and always work on the things that need improving but only for you. Be assertive and follow your passion, it is the only way you will enjoy life. Change is change no matter how small it looks to you so keep doing what you are doing in your space.