FASHION & BEAUTY

“SHAHBAAZ SAYED YUSUF ”

From modelling agency to a top fashion designer

Credit To: Fashion Association of Tanzania and Swahili fashion week

I Started my journey as a designer by competing in various competition platforms to showcase my talents and learn a few things; I competed in Bongo Style Competition by FASDO in 2015 and made it to the finals and won the best personality awards, after that I started to showcase my designs in small events which helped me build my brand. In 2016 I competed and won the Swahili Fashion Week Emerging Designers Competition which led me to showcase my very first collection in the 10th annual Swahili Fashion Week.”

When the colors mix on a fabric to form bold, vibrant designs, you get a stunning African print. Tanzanian designers are not letting that opportunity pass by, they use all their imagination to create masterpieces.

They ar e claiming the fashion industry stage from the Swahili Fashion Week in Dar es Salaam to the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in South Africa. Tanzanian designers are pushing the boundaries with a simple “Kitenge” leaving masterpieces in their wake.

Ev ery month Dar Life dedicates this section to young emerging and well-known designers who want to create brands and use the fashion platform as a stepping stone towards achieving their dream. This month we met Shahbaaz Sayed Yusuf whose ideas in designing clothes and accessories are amazing, you must watch out! Shahbaaz Sayed is a very young fashion designer who is pursuing his dream of becoming the best fashion brand in Tanzania and the world at large. He has participated in various fashion competitions since he began his journey in the fashion industry in 2015 to showcase his talents and build his brand.

“A t an age of 18, he joined a modelling/talent agency in Dar es salaam. He took the time to understand and learn a few tricks

Martin Kadinda long crossed the borders of being a Fashion Designer, he became more of an influence in the business of fashion in Tanzania showing that no industry is impossible to work in.

about the fashion industry. He had to do his research before he dive into the fashion world and being in the industry at a very young age had its own advantage, everyone around him was very supportive rather than seeing him as a competition and through them got to learn so much.”

After winning the emerging designer’s competition by Swahili fashion week in 2016 as the youngest title holder and launching his brand in 2017 he is now taking the Tanzanian fashion industry by storm. His personality and charms is what set him apart from other designers

Shahbaaz Sayed is a fashion brand that offers both women’s clothing and apparel specializing in statement pieces and evening wear. The brand creates unique garments pieces which aim in enhancing female form and paying attention to the uniqueness in appearance and fit. The designer’s aesthetics which is glamour, sexy and elegant is mostly reflected into garments which give its uniqueness and set him apart from other designers.

Today, Shahbaaz Sayed is truly a force to be reckoned with in the fashion industry because He is not only eager to produce products but also providing an experience which captures the essence of luxury and professionalism which would change the way people dress.

Picture Courtesy of Simon Deiner

BREASTFEEDING MYTH A guide to patients & families

Breastfeeding is the act of feeding a newborn from a mother’s breast. It has numerous benefits and is recommended to be the only source of food to a newborn till 6 months of age.”

Breastfeeding has been practiced from time immemorial; millions of women have done it, from the early dark ages to the modern woman. So, it should be easy right? Our bodies should kick into action as soon as a new born baby is placed on the mother, right? The answer to both those questions are no. While breastfeeding is a natural experience there are barriers and challenges that parents face that prevent them from having a successful breastfeeding journey. Recently, all a mother needs to do is mention she’s breastfeeding, and instantly, everyone seems to have an opinion or a piece of advice. While you can pick up a few pointers from well-meaning friends and relatives, too often the wrong information is passed along -- sometimes through several generations. This article will focus on common myths that hinder successful breastfeeding.

Myth 1: It’s normal for breastfeeding to hurt. Fact: While initiating breastfeeding in the first few days can sometimes be tender and uncomfortable, it should never hurt, and that discomfort should never last more than these first few days. Nature designed breastfeeding to feel good by flooding our system with hormones that contribute to relaxation and mother-infant bonding. If you dread breastfeeding because of the pain, chances are something is wrong. If you have consistent pain during breastfeeding, your baby could be latching poorly or you could be suffering from an infection.

Myth 2: I will not make enough milk until my breast milk “comes in.” Fact: Under normal circumstances a new mother makes exactly enough breast milk for a newborn’s needs. The first milk that is produced is called colostrum, a yellow thick version of the milk. This is essential for the baby and should not be discarded. A newborn’s stomach is about the size of a marble and at first the mother’s body will make about five millilitres (ml), a seemingly small

Though biologically natural, breastfeeding is actually a learned behavior. Like any other new skill, it may take time, practice, patience, and persistence to master. During the already emotionally fragile period after having a baby, it’s even more difficult to cope with frustration and difficulties. But breastfeeding will become easier with time and professional help, if necessary. Many mothers need practical support with positioning their baby for breastfeeding and making sure their baby is correctly attached to the breast.

amount but perfect for a newborn’s stomach. As the baby continues to breastfeed regularly, the mother’s body will get the signal to increase the volume of milk as the baby’s needs demand it.

Myth 3: My baby is feeding all the time, she is not getting enough milk – I should supplement with formula milk. Fact: Because breast milk is so easy to digest, babies generally get hungrier sooner and therefore feed every two to three hours. Breastfeeding is a positive feedback cycle, the more a baby sucks the more milk the breasts produce. Remember, babies also use the breast for comfort and not just feed.

If you’re worried that your baby isn’t getting enough to eat, count the number of dirty diapers she has—she should have at least six wet diapers plus two or three “seedy” stools daily. You can also schedule a weight check with your pediatrician.

Myth 4: You should stop breastfeeding if you’re sick. Fact: If you have a cold, flu, a breast infection or other minor virus, keep on breastfeeding. Breast milk gives your baby the best protection against sickness. The protective antibodies it contains help your baby’s developing immune system fight off infection and illness. Plus, chances are if you have a contagious illness, your baby was exposed to it even before you showed symptoms.

Myth 5: Breastfeeding is an ef fective form of birth control. Fact: If you are having unprotected sex, it is completely possible to get pregnant, whether you’re breastfeeding or not. But unless you are ready for another baby , you should discuss birth control options with your OB-GYN.

Myth 6: Small breasts won’t make enough milk. Fact: The capacity for a woman’s breasts to make milk is determined by

Many mothers can continue breastfeeding after going back to work. If your workplace permits, you can breastfeed during working hours, go home and breastfeed or ask a family member or friend to bring your baby to you. You may also need to express your milk, store it and take it home. Talk to your pediatrician or lactation consultant on how to achieve this successfully.

the breast tissue (milkproducing cells), not by the size of her breasts. Breast size is determined by fat, which has no bearing on milk production.

Myth 7: You can’t take any medication if you’re breastfeeding. Fact: Most medications have no effect on the baby and may be used when breastfeeding however be sure to ask your doctor first before taking any medication and check the labels when buying over the counter medication.

Myth 8: certain food can increase milk pr oduction. Fact: Various cultures advocate for food such as oatmeal, black pepper, pumpkin seeds, barely, nuts, and herbs that help in increasing the supply of milk production. A breastfeeding mother does not require special foods to produce milk or increase her milk supply. Milk production is determined by the amount of milk removed from the breast. A mother is required to stay hydrated and have a healthy balanced meal.

Always discuss with your pediatrician/obstetrician or better yet a lactation consultant to help you figure out your path and make your breastfeeding journey a pleasant, bonding experience one for your child and yourself.

For more information on br eastfeeding book an appointment with the lactation consultant. Call 0699532816

Issued by; Dr. Neelam Ismail Family Medicine Resident Aga Khan University neelam.ismail@akhst.org

All Picture Courtesy of The Aga Khan Hospital, Dar es Salaam