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Letters to my daughter #8
My little girl, it has been 24 months. 24 months. Alhamdulilah. (25 months by the time I posted this!) Some days I still find it hard to believe that I am a mom. I thought becoming a mom would make me different and “wise” and a multitude of other adult-characters, but for the most part, I feel I haven’t changed much. Now 24 months later, it is as though you have been with me always and since forever. I cannot remember the time before you were born. It looks as though, all this chatter, smiles and cries have always been a part of my life. Alhamdulilah. It is so true…
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How to prevent mom burnout?
My story: On a late night, last September, when our baby was asleep and I was mindlessly scrolling on my phone, I asked my husband, ‘What is your opinion about me buying a domain/hosting and getting serious about blogging?’ His instant reply was, ‘Go for it if that makes you happy. Maybe it might end up as your turning point.’ It had been a few months since I resigned from my job. I had fully immersed myself in diaper-changing and puree-feeding duties. Hobbies – I had no time or energy or both to indulge in one. It was impossible to read with a baby in tow. I was not continuing with…
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Breastfeeding during Ramadan
Islam gives great importance to breastfeeding. It is considered a right of the child to be breastfed. Allah says in the Holy Qur’an. “Mothers may breastfeed their children two complete years for whoever wishes to complete the nursing (period). Upon the father is the mother’s provision and their clothing according to what is acceptable…” (2:233) Without going into the legal discussion, during Ramadan, breastfeeding mothers may or may not fast depending on their health and health of the baby. For those breastfeeding mothers who are fasting here are a few tips to make this month easier. Insha’Allah 1. Hydrate yourself. Drink lots of water in between Ifthar and Suhoor rather…
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7 tips for moms to improve their Ramadan experience + FREE Ramadan Planner
Ramadan after becoming a mother is very different – a version of Ramadan 2.0 with its own unique situations and obligation. Some days go great with everything done on time, the set number of pages recited from the Holy Qurán while the kids eat their food with no tantrums and no untoward incidents. Well, some days nothing goes as per plan and you just want to hit the bed at the earliest possible time. Mothers are an expert in handling nights of broken sleep but during Ramadan you are a broken-sleep-Ninja who survives on 2 hours sleep! I have already written about how Ramadan and motherhood can be balanced without…
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10 tips to survive the first year of motherhood + FREE Adult Colouring Sheets
100 days of darkness, sleeplessness, frustration, zombie trance – Common feelings in the first year of motherhood. How to survive through them all? Here are a few tips to tackle baby’s first year! 1. Accept help Immediately after delivery, I did not like anyone helping me. I stood awake all night though I had a nanny and my mom was with me. I wanted everything related to baby, to be done by me. I realised I am on the fastest route to burn-out and I needed to slow down and accept help from people around. There was nothing demeaning or making me less of a mother if I accepted help.…
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7 books for Muslim moms-to-be
( EDIT APRIL 2023: Join me in my new series, Muslim Women’s Bookshelf: An A-Z Guide to Inspirational Reads where I review, recommend or list Islamic Books – mostly contemporary books – helpful for women in their spiritual journey) (This post contains Amazon Affiliate links) As a new mother or a mother to be, we are often anxious and worried about this new and different phase of our life. Worrying about feeds and diapers is extremely common. From a religious aspect, we also start thinking about Aqeeqah, hair shaving etc – things we are not so well versed with/do not think about until we become a mother. I went…
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Facebook Parenting Groups (Qatar & India based)
As a new mother, one of the wonderful things I discovered was the highly happening place called Facebook Groups. I learnt about attachment parenting and natural parenting there. I learnt kitchen hacks and Montessori activities for infants. Also I made friends with new mothers who had the same ideals as I do. With the low organic reach of Facebook pages, FB group are the place to go now ( FB will probably change it soon with adverts or a new algorithm or paid promotions!) I shall list out a few Qatar based and India based parenting groups that has helped me. Do add to the list if you know of any drama…
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5 emotional stages of a mother when her baby falls down
As a first time mother, one of the most nerve wrecking situation is when your baby has an unfortunate fall or a bump on the head. How ever careful you are, it does happen often, especially when they have just started learning how to crawl or walk. Even if you are a calm person otherwise, seeing your child fall forms a lump in your heart. This article outlines the flurry of emotions a mother feels and poke humour at how she often (over) reacts. Panic: My lord. The nerves until the tip of your fingers are tingling and there is a minute or two when you cannot make a positive thought…
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Minimalist guide to new born baby essentials shopping + FREE printable
In the summer of 2015, when I was heavily pregnant and waddling through Gulf Mall, unsure and confused of what to buy for the newborn from all the checklist I had come across, I had decided I will make a minimalist guide for newborn baby shopping. (Yeah, this post have been gathering dust in the drafts section of over a year now! :D) We really do not need everything as advertised. Most of the baby gears and products are marketing ploys. The reason for going the minimalist route are many : – Being on a budget. – No extra room to use as a nursery. – Small apartment. – General minimalist lifestyle. I shall…
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Revised screen time guidelines for children – AAP, 2016
Raising a child today is different from raising a child 5 years ago. Ipad was just a year old and had not reached every home. Smart phones had just entered the common man’s market. Google Glass and Samsung Gear VR were unheard of. In 5 years, the world of technology has grown by leaps and bounds. IPads and tabs are common in every household. There are as many smartphones in a house as there are people. Or maybe more. Flat screens adorn the walls of every household. Laptops and PC have not disappeared. Screens are ubiquitous and cannot be avoided So, how can we control screen time for children? Media can…
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Chemical pregnancy – A poem
Bloated feeling and nausea. I need no scans and blood test. In my mind, I knew. I count the months and the days Mark the due date. In my mind, I knew. I share with him the feeling! Joyous and tensed – we were. In my mind, I knew. Wait a week more to test. The longest week ever. In my mind, I knew. Then came the pain and the tears. Ending even before it started. In my mind, I knew. Maybe you just simply felt it – they said Pregnancy doesn’t happen so soon- they remarked In my mind, I knew They brush off as trivial mishap. Happens to…
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25 facts cloth diapering taught me
I have been cloth diapering for almost a year now. When you hear ‘Cloth Diaper’ do not picturize plastic covers and flats with safety pins like what our mothers and grandmothers used. Instead, the modern cloth diapers are trendy with beautiful prints and are trim diapers made of organic cotton/microfiber/hemp/bamboo cotton, PUL and a few snaps. Delving into the cloth diapering world has taught me some interesting facts for sure. Here are a few. 1. To shop local from small shop owners rather than big corporate . Especially mompreneurs. You are helping a family out. 2. To reduce my carbon print or plastic trail. 3. Organic cotton clothes are better…
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Letters to my girl
Hello little girl. You turn 10 months today. A milestone for you. A bigger one for me. Just last week we visited Bangalore, the same place where I spent 5 years of my life doing my graduation. I never thought I would visit the place again when I left it in 2012 , that too with you and your dad. How fast life changes?! You were a perfect sweetheart throughout the 3 days whirlwind journey. No tantrums. No crankiness. I am blessed to have you my girl. Rather, it’s my honour to be your mother. Everyone said me motherhood is tough and demanding. But then, you make it easy for…
