FOOD ROTAS: new Mum Meals Birmingham!
SISTERS’ PROJECT received a text there was a new mum in need of some cooking to get through the first weeks, as she didn’t have family in Birmingham. The sisters we asked to cook rushed to get the reward, masha Allah. It turned out there were a lot of mums like her and voila, the ‘ New Mum Meals’ rota was born!
Now we would love to inspire YOU to be part of it too!
” The new Mum Meal rota was such a blessing masha Allah. It was a huge weight off my mind, I met some new sisters and had some truly delicious world cuisine! But the biggest joy was seeing the effect on my non muslim friends and family – they couldn’t believe how thoughtful, loving and practical my sisters in Islam were.” - Amy, Bordesley Green
“ The concept of the new mum meal rota is fantastic masha Allah. The sisters were so generous sacrificing their already busy lives to make food for me and my family after I had my fourth baby. May Allah reward them greatly and may the scheme benefit other mothers also. Ameen!” - Umm Sebastian, Hall Green
” I gratefully received help from the new Mum Meal rota at the time of the birth of my son, and have since had the opportunity to cook for others. I find it not only to be a loveley way to meet new sisters, but also a heartwarming and practical embodiment of the empathy and sisterhood that we as Muslims have for each other.” – A mum, Sparkhill
Would you like to cook OR do you know a sister in need of a rota?
Please email your name and phone number to info@sistersproject.co.uk and put ‘food rota’ as subject
or TEXT your name and number to 079 08 403 503 (sisters only!)
We will then notify you as soon there’s a rota going and see if it’s suitable for you.
'8 Top Tips for Cooking for New Mums' from Amy: 1) Make a sincere intention to provide a meal for this new mum as charity for the sake of Allah. Make du3a for her and her family. If you want to provide anonymously (at least on the part of the recipient), tell us - we should be able to work something out. 2) Get basic info: -how many adults and children are you cooking for? -are there any food allergies, intolerances or disliked foods? Remember that some breastfed babies can be sensitive to certain foods mum eats. -are there any special requests from mum? Has she been craving blue cheese or something else 'off-limits' during pregnancy? Would high fibre foods be helpful? -when are you cooking and where are you taking it? 3) Make life easy for mum and don't leave her much to wash up! Either cook in a disposable container (e.g. foil), cook a one pot dish or offer to collect the dish before it needs washing up. 4) Making a one pot dish is easy for mum and easy for the chef! Think of lasagne, pies, biryani, stews... 5) After the hard work of pregnancy, labour and during breastfeeding (if mum's doing so), some treats are definitely justified. A dessert can go down very well if you have the time to prepare one. Or how about making sure mum gets her '5 a day' with a fruit basket? 6) Think of meals which are easy to reheat, serve and eat (and eat one-handed if necessary!). Now is not the time for cordon bleu cooking! One sister commented that the best meal she was brought was a plate of sandwiches - quick, easy and filling for everyone. 7) In Islam we are advised that there are some foods which Muhammed (peace be upon him) recommended. Use this as an opportunity to brush up on your knowledge and put it into practice! Dates, raisins, honey, barley...Don't worry if you don't get a message thanking you. Insha'Allah your efforts will be much appreciated but mum will have her hands full! And only Allah knows if you may be on the receiving end in the future!