The Sunday News
Rebecca Nyathi
DESPITE being labelled all sorts of names, Zimbabwean actress Tinopona Katsande, warmly known as Tin Tin, has said that is all in the past, as she embraces motherhood, which she adds has given her a whole new perspective of life.
In a recent interview, Tin Tin said discovering that she was pregnant was the best news she had heard in her entire life, inspite the fact that she had been diagnosed with a endometriosis, a condition that makes it almost impossible for a woman to fall pregnant.
“Discovering that I was pregnant, after knowing most of my life that I would never have children due to endometriosis, was a life defining moment for me.
“Although I had accepted the diagnostics, as a Christian I knew that with God nothing was impossible. I always prayed to God to bless me and my family and indeed he answered my prayers,” she said.
Tin Tin also said her pregnancy was not an easy one due to her condition, as she had to overcome numerous obstacles until she gave birth. She revealed that she also had to drop a lot of her regular life activities, as a way of preparing for the new member of the family – Yambuko Nokutendaishe Chigariro.
“From the time I fell pregnant, I had to drop a lot of my regular life activities. My diet changed, my schedule changed but I remained very active physically up until two days before delivering. Now that the baby is here, I have had to slow down even more because I have decided to be a full time and hands on mum particularly for these beginning stages.
“I do not have a nanny for the baby and I breast feed so I have to be near Yambuko all the time,” she said.
Tin Tin mentioned that no words could describe the way she felt about being a mother.
“Being a mom is definitely something one has to experience so as to describe the awesome emotion. Spirituality, physically, mentally and emotionally it all comes to the fore once you hold your baby for the first time. It’s all of God’s glory embodied right there at that moment. It feels like the ultimate blessing to me. It’s only been three weeks but I can’t think of a better blessing to have,” she said.
The 36 year-old said having a supportive husband came as a bonus gift from God to her.
“My husband is also a hands on dad, so coping with sleepless nights and diaper changes are no challenge at all. He is thoroughly enjoying it all,” said Tin Tin.
Asked how she was balancing motherhood and her life as a celebrity the former actress stated that her family came first.
“Honestly, right now it would be premature to pre-empt how I am going to handle the balance. My husband and I are fully dedicated parents and have active professional and personal lives which obviously will need some adjustments here and there. We have decided that family comes first,” she said.
Tin Tin said, like most couples she and her husband had faced challenges but the growth of their son made it worth the while.
“I have faced challenges like everyone but I am determined to go through everything that is going to be thrown at me as long my son is going to be right by my side. I am taking everything in my stride and I love each stage. He is growing so fast and his features evolve daily so I take tonnes of pictures every day,” she said.
When it came to expectations, the Zimbabwean version of America’s “Kim Kardashian” said her only outlook was to deliver a healthy baby which is what happened.
“I honestly did not expect anything. All I wanted was a safe delivery and a healthy baby and I got that. The rest I put into God’s hands and go with the flow. My son is a good boy. He feeds sleeps poops and smiles a lot. He hardly cries. I believe that’s because of being happy throughout my pregnancy,” she said.
Tin Tin said despite her up and downs in life and the pain she caused her family, she did not wish her son to bring that upon her.
“Now I truly comprehend why it is said ’amai havatukwe’. The entire journey from conception to delivery is such an extraordinary experience that can never be down played or under-estimated. It’s fun, confusing, emotional, tiring and exhilarating all in one,” she said.
Tin Tin added that the arrival of the baby had a positive effect on both family and friends, acting as a magnetic force which brought them closer.
