The resources to navigate sex ed, fertility, pregnancy and the post partum period for Muslims with uteruses are limited. HEART being a reproductive justice organization invested in the wellbeing of those impacted by the sexual and reproductive health landscape partnered up with influencer Irene Khan to break down these topics. Our series brings in individuals who hold professional expertise and lived experience to go in depth, break the silence and create a space for us to speak openly about how we are impacted when we lack language, resources and access to take control of our sexual and reproductive health. We speak heart to heart with Angelica Lindsey Ali (@villageAuntie), Dr. Roohi Jeelani, Dr. Sameena Rahman, Nilo Mea and Asma Wahab. Give the episodes a listen, the one-pagers a download and these amazing women a follow. Our gratitude to the superstar co-hosts Irene and Sahar who shared their personal experiences throughout the series and brought this series to life.
Note on inclusion: We take account for language in this series not being mindful towards or inclusive of non-binary or trans individuals who have uteruses. We have used “women” and “breastfeeding” extensively and apologize if any harm comes to those who listen in and do not find their experiences or identities reflected in this series. We appreciate those in community who named this for us and we hope to create content in the future that deepens the conversation. We appreciate the grace given to us and hope the content in this series is still of use and a beginning to the work we can produce with our HEART community on these topics.
Episode List
Episode 1: Sex Ed with Village Auntie
Angelica Lindsey-Ali, known on social media as The Village Auntie is a certified sexual health educator, intimacy and relationships expert, and curator of women-centered spaces.
Folks can follow Angelica at @tvainstitute and @villageauntie on instagram.
Resource one-pagers here.
Episode 2: All things Fertility with Dr. Roohi Jeelani
Dr Roohi Jeelani, MD Ob/GYN with subspecialty training in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. She has done extensive research in Onco fertility and fertility preservation. She serves as the Director of Research and Education at Vios Fertility Institute in Chicago, Il. Dr. Roohi uses her own personal journey and professional background to help educate and empower all those navigating the ins and outs of fertility through her social media platforms.
Folks can follow Dr. Roohi at @roohijeelanimd on instagram and @roohijeelanimd on tiktok.
Resource one-pagers:
Fertility, Tracking Your Ovulation
Full Fertility Resources Packet
Episode 3: Before and After Childbirth with Dr. Sameena Rahman
Dr. Sameena Rahman, is an Obgyn in Chicago, IL and has over 19 years of experience in the medical field. She graduated from University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill School of Medicine medical school in 2001. Dr. Rahman is a board certified gynecologist and women’s health specialist at Center for Gynecology and Cosmetics. She specializes in Menopause Care, Sexual Dysfunction, Sexual pain, Mona Lisa Touch, Medical Cosmetics and more.
Folks can follow Dr. Sameena at @gynogirl on instagram and GynoGirl TV on youtube.
Episode 4: Caring for the Pregnant Person with Doula Nilo Mea
Nilo Mea is a birth and traditional postpartum doula. She has been serving the California Bay Area for the last 10 years. Her goal is to help women transition through the spaces of birth and postpartum with ease.
Folks can follow Nilo at @handhelddoula on instagram.
Episode 5: All things breastfeeding with Asma Wahab
Asma Wahab was born and raised in Orange County. She has been an accredited La Leche League Leader for 5 years now and continues to support mothers on their breastfeeding journey.
Folks can find their local chapter at https://lllusa.org and follow them at @lalecheleagueusa
on instagram.
