Armeena Khan is a highly talented actress and model. The Pakistani-Canadian is a recipient of the prestigious Lux Style Award in addition to a Hum Award as well as a Nigar Award nomination. Her latest accomplishment and perhaps the one that makes her happiest, is her daughter, Amelie. The newly-turned mother discusses motherhood, the changes that come with it, experiencing love in its purest form and so much more…
How has being a mother changed your life?
Armeena Khan: There is an entire life before motherhood and then there is one after – both very distinct. I like to think of it as re-birth because everything changes; some things become harder while others fall into place, like a puzzle.
So what does this change look like? I cannot just hop into a car and go out on a whim, for example. A trip to the grocery store requires forward planning, ensuring I am armed with bottled milk, diapers, extra clothes in case of a blow out, etc. Holidays have to be baby friendly now and my entire home has changed to make room for my darling little girl.
Then there is a whole new relationship with yourself and your partner that needs attention/navigating. All in all, it is an exciting new journey and I cannot wait.
What is your favourite part about being a parent?
AK: I have to pinch myself at times because I cannot believe that my body has produced an entire living, breathing human being. As a parent, I am experiencing love in its purest form: it’s an unconditional lifelong bond and I feel so lucky.
I love waking up to her beautiful face in the morning, and watching her hit all those important milestones. I am excited about raising this little girl, to see how she will contribute to the world and hopefully make it a better place. One day when she is a young woman, I would like to say to myself ‘Congrats, you’ve done it.’
Since you are both working parents, how do you manage your time?
AK: We have been working from home these past two years (due to Covid lockdowns) and the nature of this disease forced us to adapt. Being at home has enabled us to care for her effectively and the baby has us at her disposal, which is a blessing.
How did you think of the name Amelie?
AK: I went to Paris in 2014, where I came across the name and absolutely fell in love with it. I made a mental note that if ever I were to have a girl, I would name her Amelie, which means hard-working, industrious and according to some online sources – “Close to God.”
What is the biggest challenge of being a new mom? And how did you overcome it?
AK: It has been a steep learning curve (being away from family immediately after birth) with tasks ranging from changing diapers to bathing baby. I would look at the midwives in awe, thinking how did they do it all so effortlessly. After a lot of tears, hard work and consistency, I learnt!
However, if we are talking about something specific then it has to be breastfeeding. There is just so much pressure around it and it is advertised as something that comes so naturally, when in reality it is probably one of the hardest things a mother has to master. I, for one, had a hard time and a lot of anxiety around it because I wanted best for the baby. I was only able to overcome this challenge with the help of my mum (she joined me a few weeks after) and a lactation specialist. I still struggle with it sometimes and in the end, I realised bottle or breast, a FED baby is best!
The photoshoot is beautiful. What is the inspiration behind it and the theme?
AK: I am quite a sentimental person and like to collect ‘moments’ from my life. I cannot imagine a more important phase than pregnancy and so I wanted to capture it. I started my research and was lucky enough to come across “Willow and Bear Photography” based in Manchester. It’s an all-female hard working team and I absolutely fell in love with their fairy-like, ethereal aesthetic. That is exactly how I wanted to be captured.
We got in touch with them and Kirsteen and Mirren designed everything from my outfits to my make-up. I honestly placed my faith in them and I was not disappointed. You can see the results for yourself – I cannot recommend them enough. The photos were so beautiful that I decided to share them with my fans and a lot of ladies came out in support and were appreciative.
Share your health and fitness routine.
AK: I will be honest with you – right now I am taking everything slowly. My body needs to heal from the trauma of a c-section and pre-eclampsia that I developed during my pregnancy. I am still in recovery so I am not on any crazy diets.
Tips for new Mums?
AK: Engage with your baby as you would with an adult. As tempting as it is to just ‘oooh’ and ‘aaah’ at your baby, I would ask that you speak gently. Assume they understand what you are saying and seek to understand them. In a very short amount of time, you will understand their cues and they will acquire patience and a self-respect which will surprise you. This will pay dividends in later years.
How do you cope with the invasions of privacy that being a celeb mum involves?
AK: I don’t mind it as I use my platform to try and educate and enlighten parents about my journey, and to exchange tips on child rearing. For example, on my social media we ignited a heated conversation about fathers changing their daughters’ nappies.
What are your current projects and future plans?
AK: My one and current project for the next 12 months is called project ‘Amelie’. Almost all my energy and attention is going into my daughter. The only exception to this is my commitments to the charitable causes I am associated with. After 12 months I hope to take on a meaningful project and return to the screen.
Walk us through your day.
AK: This is a very interesting one, as my day now resembles almost every other parent’s schedule. Amelie determines my waking and sleeping hours. I ensure Amelie’s feeds and nappies are provisioned for. The additions to this are her outings, medical appointments and play dates, and if I am lucky with child care, the odd coffee with one of my own friends.
INTERVIEW: ARMEENA KHAN
PHOTOGRAPHY, HAIR & MAKEUP: WILLOW AND BEAR
HAIR: CATHERINE BODEN
