Ruth Kalibbala Bwanika talks self-care

Recently, Ruth shared her personal journey and offered valuable advice on the practices that have helped her maintain her youthful glow. Below, we break down her advice into key steps, offering practical insights for mothers and women alike.

1. Control Your Diet Post-Birth

Ruth’s first piece of advice focuses on the importance of managing one’s diet immediately after childbirth. She recalls how her firstborn, Sharifah, weighed 4.5 kg at birth, which resulted in 12 painful stitches. The recovery process was tough, but she quickly learned that eating too much post-delivery could hinder weight loss efforts. Contrary to popular belief, Ruth found that reducing her food intake after giving birth did not affect her ability to breastfeed.

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Rather than overindulging, she prioritised hot drinks, such as dry tea, and stuck to a diet rich in greens and low in carbohydrates. This not only helped her lose weight but also enabled her to breastfeed her children for two years. Ruth allowed herself a “cheat day” every 45 days, where she could enjoy her favourite foods, but she always returned to her strict regimen.

2. Stay Active During Pregnancy

Another key aspect of Ruth’s routine is staying active during pregnancy. As a stage actress, she continued performing throughout her pregnancies, which kept her physically engaged. Ruth advises women to avoid becoming complacent during pregnancy, as staying active during this period sets the foundation for a quicker recovery post-birth. Even when facing large pregnancies that stretched her body, Ruth ensured she remained mobile and active.

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3. Start Light Exercise After Birth

Once she gave birth, Ruth began exercising gradually. She started with simple activities, such as short road runs, to help her body regain its shape. In addition, she frequently used waist trimming belts, which she credits for helping her restore her waistline after pregnancy.

For mothers who have undergone caesarean sections, Ruth recommends beginning with breathing exercises and light walking. These gentle activities are particularly beneficial during the early recovery phase, helping the body heal without putting undue strain on it. Ruth herself was back on stage just one month after her third caesarean, a testament to her disciplined post-birth routine.

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4. Hydrate and Rest Well

Ruth emphasises the importance of staying well-hydrated, particularly with warm water, which she believes is key to her smooth, glowing skin. She also highlights the need for rest, especially in the demanding early months of motherhood. With a newborn, sleep can be hard to come by, but Ruth encourages new mothers to programme their baby’s sleep schedule and use this time to rest themselves. “Your kids need you alive,” she advises, reminding mothers that their health is crucial to their family’s wellbeing.

5. Avoid Strenuous Tasks Post-Delivery

Ruth offers specific advice on physical recovery after childbirth, particularly for mothers who have delivered naturally. She recommends avoiding tasks that require a lot of bending or heavy lifting, as these activities can strain the body and slow down recovery. For mothers who have undergone caesarean sections, she advises against doing back-breaking chores and suggests getting assistance for tasks that involve lifting or physical exertion.

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After about four months, once the body has healed, Ruth suggests gradually incorporating light exercises into the daily routine. She stresses the importance of seeking a gynecologist’s approval before beginning any exercise regimen to ensure it is safe and appropriate for the mother’s body.

6. Manage Relationship Stress

In addition to her physical tips, Ruth offers advice on managing the emotional side of post-partum life. She recognises that many women feel insecure in their relationships after giving birth, but advises them not to stress over their partner’s behaviour or infidelity. It is common for women to feel they aren’t enough for their partners after childbirth, but Ruth encourages them to focus on their own health and wellbeing instead.

She adds a humorous touch by reminding women that in time, they may even laugh with their partners about past indiscretions. In the meantime, she stresses the importance of prioritising peace of mind and not adding extra stress to an already challenging period.