SAlaams, I’m Kate!
My birth-worker journey began nearly two decades ago when I became passionate about pregnancy, birth and beyond. In between having my own children, I had always tried to support friends, neighbours and vulnerable women.
In 2012, I decided to train as a midwife. After a great deal of time, commitment and effort, I qualified in 2016. At the same time, I was also in the later stages of my fourth pregnancy, and after going on maternity leave for 6 months I returned to hospital to start work as a newly qualified midwife.
However, I realised that midwifery was not my calling. Instead, I have found that the care and value I bring is not in the clinical aspects of midwifery, but rather in the birth educator / hypnobirthing teacher and ‘dedicated helper’ role of a doula.
In October 2023, I completed an intensive doula training course in Bristol with Nurturing Birth and in April 2024, I also completed hypnobirthing teacher training with The Wise Hippo. I am fully insured with FEDANT (Federation of Antenatal Educators).
Why Crescent Moon?
Because the word crescent comes from the Latin crescere, meaning “to grow.” Growth is at the very heart of pregnancy, birth and motherhood - not only the growth of a baby, but also the growth of a woman as she steps into a new chapter of her life. The crescent moon, so familiar to many Muslims, also reflects the natural rhythms and cycles that Allah has created, reminding us that life unfolds in stages, each with its own beauty and purpose. The name captures the calm, nurturing approach at the heart of my sessions, where sisters can prepare for birth with knowledge, confidence and trust in both their bodies and their Creator. My hope is that Crescent Moon becomes a place where Muslim women feel understood, supported and empowered as they welcome new life into the world, inshAllah.
Kate Rafiq – FEDANT Registered
FEDANT is the national regulator in the antenatal and postnatal sector. As a FEDANT Registered professional you can be assured that I adhere to rigorous standards of education and practice, demonstrating my commitment to excellence when guiding you through the exciting journey of pregnancy, childbirth and beyond. Check my FEDANT Registration status Here. My unique FEDANT Registrant Number is 13716