Fareena is Mum of the Month but should be mum of the decade... read why!
8 May 2015
Hi Fareena! First of all, congratulations on being Mum-of-the-month! To say you deserve being mum-of-the-Month is the understatement of the century…
You are mummy to a very special girl called Valentina. Please tell me a little about your journey so far because it has been a truly amazing one.
Thanks Jo…. I feel very privileged to be your mum of the month! My journey began last year when we were over the moon to find out we were pregnant… and after our 20 week scan we were delighted to find out we were having a girl! Unfortunately at 23weeks and 5 days into my pregnancy I went into spontaneous labour. The devastating news was that Valentina was not considered viable and would only have a 50% chance of survival at best. I had Valentina 2 days later, and she made 24 weeks gestation by just 18 minutes!!!
Valentina was born weighing 1lb 6oz and less than 15cm in length. She has fought her way through her journey so far and we are so incredibly proud of her. She spent 15 weeks and 2 days in Neo Natal intensive care, had open heart surgery, eye surgery, 9 blood transfusions and was resuscitated 3 times.
She was due on the 10th November, was born on the 21st July and came home on the 5th November 2014… we will always remember the 5th November now!!
Now that you are finally at home with your little girl what aspects of motherhood do you most enjoy?
Having had the journey we have, I enjoy the most trivial little things with Valentina and we were so close to losing her so many times. I remember being so excited about taking her for the first stroll in the park in her shiny new pram, I love seeing her smile and the best part of motherhood is the sheer amount of overwhelming love I have for her.
What’s your current favourite gadget in motherhood, the one you couldn’t live without?
Without a doubt I love our baby monitor. It’s a super duper Angelcare one that meant we could progress to moving her into a cot and feel secure that she was ok as she is currently on 24/7 home oxygen until her lungs get stronger. It has video, sound and a sensor pad for under her mattress that alarms if she stops breathing….. it’s a great gadget!!
You do postnatal fitness with me but have you always been into exercise?
I love Buggybabies as it means I can be with Valentina at the same time as getting a workout. I have always done some exercise but nothing too much. I have tried all sort of exercise but I enjoy doing group exercise the best. I am not a natural athlete by any means… (I was always the kid in class that walked at the back chatting during cross country!!)
Are you into healthy eating? What’s your all-time favourite dish?
I definitely think I eat pretty well. I like eating healthy as I firmly believe you are what you eat. I love any type of seafood, so a particular favourite is a seafood prawn and crab linguini we make with chilli, ginger and garlic. However everyone has a weak spot and my favourite all time food is fish and chips (I even had this at my wedding!!)
You have set up a new business. Tell us a little about it and how you find the time to fit it in with a baby.
Due to journey we have been on, I have decided to have more maternity leave than initially planned, but I didn’t want to lose my business skills and wanted to continue to develop myself. I sell some amazing naturally derived skincare and make up. Its great fun as I get to meet lots of new people when I do pamper evenings. The business fits around me and my routine and I am out mainly after Valentina is asleep. It’s definitely something I will continue when I go back to work full time.
We all need a bit of “me time” when we’re mums. What’s your favourite “mummy me time” activity?
I do love having ‘me’ time and I love pampering myself… I think it’s really important you feel fabulous, even if you are a busy mum as its gives you a positive attitude. I love shopping too, it’s so true… its definitely called retail therapy for a reason!!
Fitness for ever?
Definitely fitness forever…. Its makes you feel great and look great inside and out but the key to success is finding an activity you genuinely enjoy!
Fareena thank you so much - it makes me so happy seeing a smiley, healthy Valentina every week in class. May your little fighter continue to thrive xx
