From swollen ankles to acidity, anxiety and post partum depression, Chhavi uses her social media to encourage and support young mothers to have a positive experience during their pregnancy.
It is not unusual for actors and models to talk about pregnancy or share their stories.
While most of them share their health and fitness tips, actor-producer Chhavi Hussein has been doing much more than that.
The co-founder of Shitty Ideas Trending, who is pregnant with her second child has been talking about certain issues that very few celebrity mothers talk about.
Take a look.
The need for a healthy diet
Chhavi has over 1 lakh followers on Instagram. She uses her page to talk about the importance of eating healthy and staying fit by sharing her own diet plan.
I don't like to deprive myself of cravings, and I don't like to overdo sin. That's my motto,' the actor wrote on her Instagram.
'I drink a lot of water and during pregnancy have reduced my coffee to only half a teaspoon (upto 200mg a day is 'allowed though)'
This is what her diet looks like:
Pre-breakfast: Smoothie. One banana, greek yoghurt, flaxseeds, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, wheatgrass powder, coconut oil, muesli, dates, berries (whatever is available) and sometimes organic cocoa.
Breakfast: 2 stuffed paranthas with butter/ 2 whole eggs with cheese/ oats/ pancakes/ sandwich
Mid-morning: 1 of those jaggery and dry fruit laddoos and coffee
Lunch: Dal, veg (whatever's cooked), 2 rotis, salad
Dinner (at 7ish): Chicken/mutton with 2 rotis and salad.
Post dinner she sometimes indulges in icecream.
'In the event that I sleep late, which is extremely rare, I drink half a cup of milk sweetened with dates,' the actor added.
The trauma, anxiety and fear within
Chhavi posted a picture when she was pregnant with her daughter in 2012 and now. She wrote about the tension during the time and what bothers her today.
'Amongst a lot of excitement and happiness and anticipation was the impending fear and sadness that was engrained deep in my heart due to the Nirbhaya case. It's 2019 now, and this time there is a different kind of sadness. The strife, the killings, the unrest in Pulwama,' she wrote.
It is natural for mothers to feel protective about their children and Chhavi had the same anxiety.
'While the army convoy continues to be on foot and in grave danger, while the Indian government is trying it's best to find a befitting reply, I can't help but feel how small I am, coz amongst the many roles I play the role of a mother is the strongest. Is it the right time to bring another life into this world?' she expressed on Instagram.
Struggle to stay fit
Chhavi is in her third trimester but hasn't stopped working out or going to the gym.
Instead of just posting a picture or video, she got real about the struggles of working out with the bump.
'The stomach stretches soooooo much that it's indescribably uncomfortable! The kicking baby makes my stomach dance and it's a free show for all those around me,' the actor described.
'The imperfection? My messed up form while I try to do the crab walks prescribed by my doc and a must do for a smooth natural delivery. I've reduced the weights from 15 to 5 kg, and I still can't stop my knees from crossing my toes thanks to the huge tummy! But I'm determined to let my baby have the natural experience of traveling down the birth canal and coming into this world. Also what I'm trying to achieve is hypno-birthing, a natural birthing technique without epidural,' she shared.
Post partum depression
From swollen ankles to acidity, the actor even got real about post partum depression reaching out to women to share their stories.
'My heart goes out to ALL FIRST TIME MOTHERS, who are struggling every minute trying to care for their baby, for their family, for their house, for their work, for the people who are visiting, so on and so forth... And actually neglecting their own needs,' she wrote in a long post.
'Every single person around these mothers has the responsibility to bring a smile on their faces. Mothers, it is no mean feat to tear your own body apart to give birth and to put your whole life aside to care for your child. So give yourself a break, pat yourself on the back, and DO NOT fall prey to that ugly shadow of doubt and depression. This too shall pass. Have faith that you are loved. And feel blessed to possess the most amazing thing of beauty in your arms... Postpartum depression WILL PASS.... And happy times are near sooner than later,' she encouraged.
More power to you, Chhavi Hussein!
