Traditional Attire Outfit Details

Wearing Somali Traditional wedding attire called a Dirac, I chose this design because I absolutely love floral prints and this was so BOLD.

Oversized Pearls: Primark

Floral studs/Earrings: Primark

Statement necklace: h&m

Clutch: TARB (shoptarb.com)

Black Maxi Hijab

Lipstick: MAC RubyWoo

Black velvet heels: River-island

How to Survive the first year of motherhood

Hi loves,
I decided to fuse my Fashion & Mummy life into one fabulous educational blog...or at least try...

So the first year of motherhood is absolutely incredible, I mean theres nothing like it and I wouldn't trade it for the world but it is also exhausting, terrifying and a HUGE learning experience. This mind blowing experience is such a huge adjustment on a new mother and her partner that its believed that 80% of women experience either baby blues or postpartum depression. I am a true believer that it takes a village to raise a child, from the shift in your sleep patterns, to hormonal changes happening inside of the mum, dealing with the effects of pregnancy on your body, you require a network of positive helpful people. So with that said...

1) Accept HELP: 

Learn to let go of that nagging feeling inside of you that refuses you to accept help. Whether its from the grandparents/aunties/uncles/friends or just your partner. A bath can do wonders, prepare for your special time by changing your baby & feeding your baby and then WALK AWAY. Get some downtime in your day and go for a walk with your partner, or read a book/magazine, grab some lunch with a friend. Preserve you and the core things that make you smile. Your baby requires you to be emotionally, mentally and physically balanced to grow and be remarkable in this world. Don't lose or forget you...

2) You have no CONTROL:

Having a baby was probably the kick up the butt that I needed to FULLY understand that, I mean something as small as a photoshoot and your baby just won't settle. You can find yourself trying to create these perfect scenarios that you probably see on TV or magazines, or the absolutely perfect Instagram moms. No let go and find peace in your reality. If you're in the supermarket and baby is crying, smile and comfort your child, do not shy away from day to day activities.

3) SAY what you feel:

Yes as an incredible woman that was a living vessel for another being I struggle to talk my problems or solutions out, but having a baby puts you in a position where you need to communicate better on a whole different level, esp with everyone around you because your on a baby time. At first when meeting my friends I would struggle to say "I'm scared going that far out on public transport with a baby that lives off my breastmilk" or "is the restaurant baby friendly" because I did not want to inconvenience everyone around me or saying to my husband in the first week "I don't want to talk to anyone on the phone, I just want to be in this moment & exhale". I think my husband and I communicate better since we had a baby because you just don't have time to beat around the bush before the next tantrum or before she's up and wants all the attention, def a blessing in disguise.

4) Go out & meet other babies/MOMS:

It is so important to one GET OUT OF THE HOUSE and it is also important to allow your baby to see and play with other babies. Most baby groups allow new borns & it is just some time for you to spend with other mothers, finding out how normal you really are LOL. I enjoyed meeting a lot of first time moms & getting advise. Plus my daughter has so much fun that the ride back home she's fast asleep.

5) DON'T compare:

Do yourself a favour and do not think that your child will have teeth, walk, eat vegetables and be a bookworm like said children. NO, let him/her grow in their own time and ENJOY the ride BECAUSE before you know it the moment is gone. All babies develop differently, there is no said exact timeline for when your baby should be walking, talking saying mama. NO don't be cruel to yourself or your baby. Sit tight and watch them blossom

6) No such thing as PERFECT:

I learnt that my baby has no idea what perfect is and that whatever i'm doing is exactly what she wants & needs because its filled with love, care and absolute dedication. Lastly believe in the choices you make, yes accept advise & listen to experiences because this is a learning curve for you & baby. BUT do not be bullied into certain ideals, like co-sleeping is bad or a working mom is neglectful. NO stick to your choices and believe that its truly the right decision for you and your family.

With LOVE Always,
Fahima. A