Model, TV host and actress Scha Alyahya recently gave birth to Lara Alana, a beautiful baby girl who regularly makes an appearance on her Instagram account. We sat down to chat with Scha on pregnancy, life as a new mum and her must-have baby and beauty products.
You just gave birth to your beautiful daughter, Lara Alana. What has it been like adjusting these past two months?
I’m surviving motherhood. Maybe because I have a partner – who helps me a lot – and my mum. It didn’t turn out as I expected it but so far so good. My baby is only two months old and it’s gotten easier because I have my mum and my husband to help me.
Career-wise, I have to slow down a bit because I still have to adjust to my baby being fussy or grumpy at times. She’s an easy baby but there are times when she’s a bit grumpy and fussy. She’s my first child so that’s why I was a bit nervous but it’s fine now.
What was your favourite way to treat yourself when pregnant?
I ate a lot and I used to eat everything when I was pregnant.
Day to day pregnancy look?
I’m a minimalist. I kept it simple and I wore what suited me and what I felt comfortable in.
How did you stay in an awesome shape during your pregnancy?
There’s no shape. I was a round shape! I think I gained about 12 kg. Maybe because I stayed home a lot. I didn’t really go out when I was pregnant. But, when I did, I made sure that what I wore was at least pleasant-looking to me.
What was the most surprising thing about becoming a mother?
Timing. I think everything has changed.
Have you traveled with Lara yet? Any tips?
Yes, I have quite a few times. We went to Perth a few weeks ago. It was tough because Lara likes to be cuddled all the time. So we had to hug her and cuddle her and walk throughout the 6-hour flight. It was a new experience but we enjoyed it.
Mums should be prepared before they travel with their baby. You have to know what to bring with you because they tend to get fussy up in the air due to the pressure. Bring things like saline in case the baby’s nose gets blocked, a blanket, and everything else you think is needed for the flight and after just to be safe.
What tip would you give to any busy working mum to balance career and motherhood?
That’s tough! It’s not easy to juggle. I’ve realised that much now; I thought it would be easy because I didn’t think of how much having a baby would change my life but it has. So all I can say is just get as much help as possible from your mother, siblings – it’s okay to cry, I did a lot but help will take a lot of weight off your shoulders.
What are your favourite baby brands?
I have a lot. I can’t just pick one because I’m still looking for something that suits her best. She’s just two months old so I can’t really figure out what suits her the best right now. I’m still in the phase of trying out different brands such as Johnsons (Baby). Her father loves to buy her clothes from Mothercare – he shops a lot.
What is your Mommy no.1 must-have?
A breast pump. It’s a must-have! And it’s on top of my list.
What are the beauty products you use for your morning beauty regime?
I’ve used Bio Essence for more than five years now. It’s simple and easy to use – wash, cleanse and moisturise. When I go out, sun block is a must!
I don’t really like to put on make-up everyday so when I have to, after cleansing and moisturising, I use make-up base and powder and that’s it! Without it, I tend to look very pale because I have eye bags and people tend to ask me ‘Are you okay?’ or ‘Are you sick?’.
Finally, could you recommend some skin healthcare products that both parents and children could use?
Whatever suits my baby really. I can’t just pick one and say this is the best because every baby is different. So I think just pick whatever product suits your baby best and don’t be scared of experimenting. That’s how I pick mine and my baby’s skin healthcare products.
For myself, I like the original Dettol body wash but now after I gave birth, my skin feels a bit more dry so I’ve moved on to the pink-coloured PH Balanced Skin Care Body Wash by Dettol because it makes my skin feel more moisturised and makes me feel feminine. It helps because I shower a lot and with hot water and I’m always outdoors so I need something that can really moisturize my skin. I’d only use body wash from Dettol on my baby when she’s at least 12 months old.
–
Image credit: Courtesy of Scha Alyahya
