SHIRIN LUTFEALI, BROOKLYN, NY
I thought I could take care of my baby all on my own but was so not prepared for how difficult it was. I was lucky to have several friends and family members around to help out. Initially, I resisted their offers but ultimately fatigue won over and I was so thankful to be able to have a few hours to myself - to nap mostly! - while my baby was in capable hands.
Take the help when it's offered, and ask if you need it. I found that many of my friends and family members really wanted to contribute and I was better off for letting them.
SHIRIN’s Recipe for rubh
This is a recipe for a sweet, milky and nutritious drink that supports the production of breast milk.
INGREDIENTS:
1 tablespoon of millet flour
1 tablespoon of ghee (or butter)
1 cup whole milk, or any other type of milk you prefer
1 teaspoon jaggery (or a dark sugar like turbinado)
1/4 cup mixed almonds and pistachios
DIRECTIONS:
Prepare nuts by either placing them in a small sealed bag and crushing with the back of a spoon, or pulse in a food processor until they're broken into small pieces. In a small pot, melt ghee or butter on low heat. Add millet flour and whisk together so the consistency remains smooth and clump free. Continue to whisk for several more minutes until the color changes to a golden brown. Slowly add milk while continuing to whisk so the ingredients blend together. Keep on low heat while whisking regularly for five or so minutes until the consistency starts to thicken. Add the jaggery and stir until the sugar melts. Pour into a heat proof glass or mug and sprinkle the nuts on top, and enjoy!
Shirin Lutfeali is Advisor for Basic Literacy and Numeracy at Save the Children, where she has worked for the past seven years. In her role at SC, she provides general technical support to country offices on projects that focus on an improved learning environment and tangible impact for students, teachers, and the community. Shirin began her career in education as a primary school teacher in Los Angeles and New York City public schools. She has taught across the elementary grades but fourth grade is her favorite! Since then, she has worked in numerous post-conflict and emerging democracies such as Tajikistan, Egypt, and Afghanistan, where she has led projects involving increasing teacher quality and improving student learning outcomes. Shirin holds a Master's degree in Elementary Education from Teachers College, Columbia University and is fluent in Urdu and conversant in French.