Aisha Abdullah was a traditional midwife who safely delivered over 3,500 babies in Somalia and Somali-American communities. After fleeing civil war, she rebuilt her practice in Minneapolis, providing culturally-centered care to refugee women. She trained 100+ midwives and fought for maternal health equity.
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Aisha Abdullah
1959 - 2024
Mama AishaThe Birth KeeperTeddy
Color
🌻sunflower
🐺wolf
🌱
Origins
The beginning of a beautiful journey
Birthplace
Mogadishu, Somalia
Heritage
Somali
Parents
Traditional midwife grandmother
Mother died in childbirth
Early Life
Aisha learned midwifery from her grandmother in Somalia. At 18, she attended her first birth. At 30, civil war forced her to flee. She resettled in Minneapolis, where Somali mothers struggled with language barriers and cultural insensitivity in hospitals. She became their lifeline.
🏔️
Journey
A life of learning and achievement
Education
Traditional midwifery apprenticeship in Somalia, Certified Professional Midwife credential in U.S. (2005).
Career
Aisha practiced midwifery for 45 years (25 in Somalia, 20 in U.S.), delivering 3,500+ babies. She founded Mama Aisha Birth Center (2008), the Midwest's first culturally-centered Somali birth center. She also trained 100+ community health workers and advocated for policy changes improving maternal health for refugees.
Life Achievements
45 years as midwife
3,500+ babies safely delivered
Founded Mama Aisha Birth Center
Trained 100+ community health workers
Reduced maternal mortality in community by 60%
Minnesota Women's Health Champion Award (2020)
❤️
Heart
Bonds of love and friendship
Life Partner
Ahmed Hassan (Late husband - Died 2015)
Children
Fatima Hassan (Daughter - Nurse)
Mohamed Hassan (Son - Community organizer)
Halima Hassan (Daughter - Midwife following her path)
Siblings
3 siblings (locations unknown after war)
Closest Friends
Somali Elder Women's Council
Sister midwives
Mentors
Grandmother Faduma (Traditional midwife)
Communities
Somali Community of Minnesota
Midwives Alliance of North America
Cedar-Riverside Neighborhood
🎨
Passions
What brought joy and meaning
Passions
Midwifery
Maternal health equity
Refugee advocacy
Somali women's empowerment
Herbal medicine
Favorite Music
Somali traditional songs
Islamic devotional music
Favorite Books
Ina May's Guide to Childbirth
The Blue Zones
no more
— Dirk
🌟
Legacy
Wisdom and lessons that endure
Core Values
Birth is sacred
Cultural care saves lives
Women deserve choices
Community knowledge matters
Lessons Taught
Honor traditional knowledge
Cultural humility in healthcare
Birth is community event, not medical procedure
Memorable Quotes
Every birth is a miracle. Every mother deserves respect.
Western medicine doesn't have all the answers. Traditional knowledge saves lives.
When you support a mother, you support a whole community.
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Essence
The spirit that remains
🦋
Spirit Animal
wolf
🌸
Associated Flower
sunflower
🎨
Associated Color
green
Personal Mantra
Hooyo (Mother). Always with love.
Favorite Quote
Every birth is a miracle. Every mother deserves respect.
Messages to Future Generations
Don't abandon the old ways entirely. There is wisdom in traditions passed mother to daughter for generations. Modern medicine is powerful, but it's not everything. Learn from both. Respect both. And never forget: birth is sacred.
Connected Songs
Hees Hooyada (Mother's Songs)
May 15, 2007
♾️
Eternal
Forever in our hearts
🎥
Video Memories
Moving moments captured
🎗️
Tributes
Heartfelt tributes from family and friends
✨ 11 tributes
Stone and feathers
From Dirk
"Forever thinking about you"
3 weeks ago