🌿 Between Closeness and Nourishment: Breastfeeding the Natural Way

 With guest speaker Solveig Handzik, a German midwife and founder of Desert Child by Soli

Part of The Gentle Start — Supporting Mothers, Babies, and Families series

Even though Nile River Montessori usually welcomes children in its nursery, preschool, and school programs, this event was something truly special.For one afternoon, our Montessori environment, known for its calm, safe, and high-quality setting for children and parents, opened its doors to new mothers and their newborn babies, filling the space with warmth, softness, and connection. The atmosphere reflected the values that define our community: peace, respect, and gentle care. 🌸

The talk was part of The Gentle Start series created by Nile River Montessori, and it featured Solveig Handzik, founder of Desert Child by Soli, as a guest speaker.Solveig is a German midwife, childbirth educator, and holistic practitioner with over two decades of experience supporting mothers and babies across cultures. Her approach combines professional knowledge with deep empathy and respect for each mother’s unique journey.

Through her work, Solveig helps parents rediscover trust in their bodies, confidence in their instincts, and peace in their parenting journey.

During this session, she shared heartfelt and practical insights about the early days of motherhood — how breastfeeding strengthens the bond between mother and baby, supports healing after birth, and creates moments of deep connection that nourish both.

This event also raised funds for “Reading on the Pitch,” a community initiative supporting children’s literacy through the joy of reading and play. ⚽📖

Through community events like The Gentle Start, Nile River Montessori continues to reach out beyond the classroom, offering support and trustworthy resources to new parents as they begin their beautiful journey into parenthood. 🌿

At Nile River Montessori, we believe motherhood is best supported by community and care — a place where every mother feels seen, supported, and empowered to make the choices that feel right for her and her child.

🌿 About Solveig Handzik

Solveig Handzik is a German midwife, childbirth educator, and holistic practitioner with over 20 years of experience supporting women and families through pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood.

She is the founder of Desert Child by Soli, where she offers workshops, consultations, and holistic care for mothers and babies. Her work brings together medical knowledge, mindfulness, and empathy to help parents find calm and confidence during their transition into parenthood.

Solveig joined Nile River Montessori as a guest speaker for The Gentle Start event, sharing her deep experience and wisdom to support mothers in their breastfeeding and early bonding journey. 🌿

🌼 About Nile River Montessori

Nile River Montessori is an authentic Montessori preschool and nursery in Cairo, offering programs for infants, toddlers, and young children.Our environment provides a safe, nurturing, and high-quality space for both parents and children — a calm setting that fosters independence, confidence, and joyful discovery.

Guided by an internationally trained AMI-certified team, we follow the principles of Dr. Maria Montessori, supporting each child’s natural development, emotional well-being, and love of learning.

We proudly serve families in Zamalek, Dokki, Mohandessin, Agouza, and nearby neighborhoods, welcoming both international and Egyptian parents who value progressive education, gentle parenting, and authentic Montessori practice. 🌸

Through The Gentle Start and similar initiatives, Nile River Montessori remains deeply connected to the community, creating a bridge between early education, parent support, and family well-being. 🌿