YAY! ITS MY FIRST MOTHER’S DAY!

My name is Namatsi Lukoye and I am a new mum.

I am six months into motherhood and certainly it is a mixed bag of emotions to be honest. As a new mum, I feel like am finding and rediscovering myself all at the same time.

I am excited and scared, happy and worried all the time. However, once you have your baby in your arms, very little else matters, am sure most mums can attest to that.

I had a difficult pregnancy journey.

I had quit my job to co-direct an environmental creative initiative, and then the pandemic brought us almost to our knees through its lockdown, isolation restrictions, stresses, and anxieties. Couple that with a new baby, it was not an easy time.

Thankfully, our days are slowly turning bright, and I am grateful to have my new baby and supportive partner by my side.

The smile of my daughter is beautiful and soft as the morning sun!

She smiles and I heal. It’s so fulfilling!

New Mum Challenges

Before I became a mum, I never thought it was a lot of work. Oh my! I was so wrong! 

The challenge I seem to struggle with is reaching a balance within me; while I juggle this new, beautiful and crazy world called motherhood and trying to remain sane.

There is so much anxiety and fear that comes with parenting that no one tells you about. I have had to work hard on myself to be calm, patient and more at ease with everything.

The other thing I am trying to overcome is separation anxiety.

I struggle to be away from my girl, working from home has always made us close. I never really leave her side. I recently started weaning and it’s a battle. It constantly makes me wonder if she will eat if am not there.

Despite all these mishmash of emotions, I am doing my best to take care of myself. I am slowly prioritizing self-care. I meditate in the morning and evening, and take lots of nature walks or ‘forest bathing’. It not only relaxes me, but also inspires my creativity. We all know how good being in nature can make us feel. The sounds of the forest, the scent of the trees, the sunlight playing through the leaves, the fresh, clean air — these things give me a sense of comfort . They ease the stress and worry, help me to relax and to think more clearly. ‘There is no pain that nature cannot heal’.

My Hopes and Dreams for My Girl

In addition to all the woman I am and growing into motherhood. In this new chapter of my life, I have discovered a new version of me and a talent that I didn’t know existed. Inspired by my daughter, I recently started an Eco-business called Vienne’s World. I design and make affordable high quality African dolls that showcase diversity in skin tone and body type.

My aim with the dolls is to impact positively on how children think of themselves regardless of the colour of their skin. So far, we have 3 types of dolls, ‘Khalai’ – whose name means beautiful girl in Luhya, ‘Chepsara’ from Pokot – with multiple clothes in colour and ‘Teko’ – whose name means strong in Luo. I hope to inspire our young girls to dream big and be environmentally conscious.

Engaging in this business is my way of inspiring my daughter and all children especially of colour to grow up confidently loving their skin, their bodies and to keep believing in their dreams. For my daughter, I pray that she can explore her beautiful mind, knowing that I will always support her. I also pray that she grows to be as kind as her father to people and animals; for what is this world without kindness?

Parting Shot

This is my first Mother’s Day, after all this time! It is super special to me.

To anyone out there trying, the universe will answer your prayers too.

To the queen who is about to be a new mum; my sister, you are about to experience a journey and a bond like no other!

Breathe, and enjoy the creation and experience of unconditional love!  It is truly like no other.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the new mums out there!

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You can check out Namatsi’s Artistic work Here > Full Poetic EP

Special Shoutouts:

Namatsi’s dress: Courtesy Sarai Afrique

Mother’s Day Celebration Partner New Pampers Premium Care Pants

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Check out Mother’s Day Gift Ideas on Soove Gifts

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