Balancing motherhood, medicine, and multiple roles, Dr Raeesa Aboobaker knows first-hand what it takes to avoid burnout while living with purpose. As a featured speaker at Muslimah Today 2025, she’ll share practical, spiritually grounded strategies to help Muslim women move beyond exhaustion and embrace sustainable self-care. In this candid conversation, she opens up about her journey, her passion for women’s health, and why wellness is about so much more than bubble baths.
Dr Raeesa Aboobaker will speak on the topic “Beyond burnout: sustainable self-care practices for Muslim women,” at the twelfth edition of the Muslimah Today conference, which will take place on Sunday, the 7th of September at the NMJ Islamic Centre. Tickets at R325 each, including meals and a goodie bag – are available at www.ilmsa.co.za/mt2025.
Sponsored tickets are available for deserving women – WhatsApp 067 0568 975 for a sponsorship application form. General queries regarding the conference can be WhatsApped to 083 271 4500.
Dr Aboobaker is a homeopathic practitioner with a special interest in functional medicine. She holds a Masters degree in homeopathy from the Durban University of Technology and is currently pursuing a post-graduate diploma in traditional Chinese medicine via the University of Johannesburg. A mother of four, Dr Aboobaker is passionate about women’s health, dermatology and endocrinology. She has assisted dozens of women with reproductive issues, and is regularly invited to address a diverse range of audiences on various topics via public talks, as well as radio and television interviews. She is the owner of Wellness Hub by Dr Baker which focusses on wellness and aesthetics, and consults in Durban and Johannesburg.
In this On the Couch interview, Dr Raeesa Aboobaker shares her personal journey, professional insights, and the heart behind her mission to empower Muslim women through holistic self-care.
Springfield Weekly Gazette
You are still only in your thirties – how is possible that you have achieved so much, within such a short time frame?
Dr Raeesa Aboobaker
Well, I’m actually turning 40 soon! Life started quite early for me—I got married young, and became a mother while still navigating my studies. I had two children before I completed university, so in many ways, I had to grow up overnight. Marriage and motherhood come with real responsibilities, it pushed me to become focused, disciplined, and intentional with my time. I didn’t have the luxury of waiting for the “perfect time” to pursue my goals. Instead, I learned to make the most of the time and resources I had. That mindset—paired with a strong sense of purpose and faith—kept me moving forward. I don’t see my achievements as a checklist, but as part of a lifelong journey of learning, service, and growth. All praise is to the Almighty, I’m grateful for where I am, and I’m even more excited about what’s still to come, God willing.
WG
Why did you choose homeopathy as opposed to conventional medicine as a career path?
RA
I often say I didn’t choose homeopathy—it chose me. At the time, I had applied to both medical school and the department of homeopathy while studying towards my Bachelor of Science. That same year, I found out I was pregnant with my first child—which changed everything.
Becoming a mother at that stage of life opened my eyes to a more intuitive, nurturing approach to health. I began to question what true healing looks like—not just from a clinical perspective, but from an emotional, physical, and even spiritual one.
My parents and uncles, many of whom come from a conventional medical background, had experienced both sides of healthcare. Through their own health journeys, they’d seen the power of complementary medicine—especially homeopathy—and encouraged me to explore that path. Their stories planted a seed.
What really resonated with me was how homeopathy treats the whole person. It doesn’t just silence symptoms—it looks at what the body is trying to communicate and supports it in rebalancing itself. That felt so aligned with my values as a woman, a mother, and someone passionate about wellness.
Choosing homeopathy wasn’t about rejecting conventional medicine—it was about embracing a more integrative and conscious way of supporting the body’s natural ability to heal. And that’s something I’ve carried into my practice every day since.
WG
Why is the topic you are speaking about at Muslimah Today 2025 – “Beyond burnout: sustainable self-care practices for Muslim women” – important to discuss?
RA
Burnout is a silent crisis affecting so many women today—whether they’re balancing careers, caregiving roles, community work, or spiritual obligations. Often, we’re taught to persevere, to serve others selflessly, and to stay strong no matter what. While these values are beautiful, they can also lead us to neglect our own well-being in the process.
“Beyond Burnout” is about shifting from reactive, surface-level self-care to something more holistic, sustainable, and spiritually grounded. It’s not just about bubble baths and taking breaks—it’s about creating rhythms of rest, reflection, and renewal that align with our values and lifestyles as women.
WG
You are a mum of four – including a toddler – plus you are a wife, a daughter, a student and the owner of a wellness hub. How do YOU avoid burnout?
RA
Avoiding burnout isn’t about having a perfect routine—it’s about constantly checking in with myself and honouring my limits. With so many roles to hold—mother, wife, daughter, student, business owner—it’s easy to fall into the trap of doing everything for everyone. But I’ve learned the hard way that you can’t pour from an empty cup. What helps me avoid burnout is making sure that my mind and body, hormones and nutrition are all well balanced and supported. I practice what I preach and use my own complimentary medicine and supplements to keep me at the top of my game. I strongly believe in taking time out for myself and enjoy the company of others who keep me both grounded and uplifted.
WG
You have assisted dozens of people with attaining their wellness goals through making healthy food choices. But surely you must have a “cheat food” you occasionally enjoy…please tell us what it is?
RA
Of course—I definitely believe in balance, not perfection! I don’t actually like to call it “cheat food,” because that can make food feel like a moral choice, and I’m a big believer that all food can have a place in a balanced lifestyle. But yes—there are definitely treats I enjoy!
A good cup of karak chai and traditional Indian chaat have got to be my favourite. For me, wellness isn’t about restriction—it’s about mindfulness and intention. So if I’m enjoying a cheesecake, I’ll do it without guilt, savour it fully, and then return to my usual habits that nourish me and keep my energy strong. That’s the kind of realistic, sustainable approach I encourage for others too.
WG
Many people are skeptical about homeopathy as an avenue for healing. How would you respond to them?
RA
It’s healthy to question and seek clarity when it comes to our health. In fact, I encourage healthy skepticism—it’s essential in both science and medicine. That said, my approach is rooted in evidence-informed, patient-centered care, which means I look at each person as a unique individual and consider what works best for them.
Functional medicine is about addressing the root causes of illness, not just managing symptoms. Sometimes, conventional tools are necessary and life-saving. But often, people come to me after years of chasing symptoms without resolution—and they’re looking for something deeper, more holistic. Healing is not one-size-fits-all. Just because something isn’t understood by everyone doesn’t mean it lacks value—especially when many people, myself included, have seen real improvements in our health and wellbeing through homeopathy. I encourage people to do their own research, ask questions, and most importantly—listen to their bodies. Healing is a journey, and homeopathy can play a meaningful and effective role in that journey.
WG
What are you looking forward to most about Muslimah Today 2025?
RA
What I’m looking forward to most is the sisterhood. There’s something so powerful about being in a space filled with women from all walks of life—sharing our stories, our struggles, and our strengths without having to explain or filter who we are. That sense of unity and mutual understanding is rare, and deeply nourishing.
I’m excited about the conversations that will take place—not just on stage, but between sessions as well. These moments spark connection, growth, and often lasting friendships.
And of course, I’m honoured to be part of a lineup of speakers who are doing meaningful work in their communities. To learn from them, to be inspired by them, and to contribute my voice to this collective energy—it’s something I don’t take for granted.
