Hi, Bagong Nanay!
August is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month, that’s why sobrang honored ako to feature the Kuwentong Bagong Nanay of Mommy Jilianne Roylence Francia, the mom behind the local nursing wear brand Valianne’s Trends.
Mommy Jill and I worked together for Smart Parenting. But before that, when I was still starting my Bagong Nanay online shop, I saw her shop and got insecure why I should start my own, when she is already thriving in the same space. Eventually, we became friends online, and now I am one of Valianne’s Trends mom ambassadors!
There’s no better person to share about normalizing breastfeeding in public than Mommy Jill. A proud padede mom, she has two daughters, and a baby boy on the way. Here’s how she is helping more moms breastfeed in style, and persevere through the help of products that she lovingly created.
Why we should normalize breastfeeding in public
I was a first-time mom in 2018 and I joined breastfeeding communities to get inspiration from other mothers. I try my best to pay it forward to my new mom friends and give them the support they need in their new motherhood journey. I share how it may be hard in the beginning, but it will be worth it.
However, a few of them still don’t persevere in breastfeeding for a number of reasons. First, they lack of confidence. Second, people around them say they don’t have enough milk. Third, and the hardest, is the societal pressure. Of course, we respect how babies are all fed and we appreciate every new mother’s effort regardless of their choice. Still, I wanted to help normalize breastfeeding because it has been the most rewarding thing I’ve done as a mom. The bond between me and my child is unlike anything else.
At Valianne’s Trends, we want to share photos and stories of normalizing breastfeeding in public. As a breastfeeding advocate, I want to share my story because I also drew inspiration and strength from the stories of other moms. I believe that if we won’t be brave and consistent in sharing our stories, we might lose the chance to encourage a mom who just needs a spark of hope to keep going.
How Mommy Jill’s breastfeeding experience evolved
One thing I am so proud of myself as a mom is that I was able to breastfeed my two children, and I will breastfeed my third child, too. I remember almost giving up when I experienced cracked, bleeding, and sore nipples because of wrong latch. I even unfollowed breastfeeding groups because I thought I couldn’t bear it, but the sleepless nights of educating myself about proper latch all paid off. I’m happy that I did not give up because, right now, my story has become someone’s source of inspiration, too.
I want to share to our community that more than just selling clothes, Valianne’s Trends supports them in their breastfeeding journey. We tell them that moms can become confident again after going through hardest days of the postpartum period, or the fourth trimester.
Breastfeeding is hard work. If you think you can’t, you won’t persevere. Although it’s challenging, it’s a fulfilling journey. When you’re struggling, go back to your ‘why.’
-Jilianne Roylence Francia
What helped Mommy Jill in her breastfeeding journey
Nursing clothes
Clothes with nursing access has always been a life-changer for me. I remember using nursing cover when breastfeeding in public for the first time and my baby and I weren’t so comfortable with it. It took me a lot of courage to drop the cover and practice wearing our nursing clothes confidently.
A strong support system.
Having my elder sister as my number one supporter helped me a lot. She was the one who told me that I have enough milk when I thought I couldn’t produce any.
The right mindset
Feed your mind that you can do it. Breastfeeding is hard work. If you think you can’t, you won’t persevere. Although it’s challenging, it’s a fulfilling journey. When you’re struggling, go back to your ‘why.’
About the Bagong Nanay: I am Mommy Jilianne Roylence Francia from Bacoor, Cavite. I am the Bagong Nanay of QV, PV, and VK. Outside motherhood, I’m a writer, goal-digger, and dreamer.
Want to share your #KuwentongBagongNanay too? Comment below or send me a DM on Instagram.
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