Disclaimer: Breastfeeding is best for babies up to two years and beyond.
A few weeks back, I received a message on Instagram from the milk brand HiPP Organic Kindermilk Philippines inviting me to its second Mommy Meet Up. They even said I could bring a plus one. In my head, “Naku ha, baka parang networking ito!”
HiPP Organic Kindermilk is an organic milk formula from Europe that is certified organic and free from chemicals. Personally, my kids haven’t tried formula milk, and I’ve only read about HiPP from mommy groups saying it has the closest taste to breastmilk because it has no sugar!
I cleared my schedule so I could attend. No kids and husbands allowed. I’d seen posts about their first meet-up and wished I could have gone, but it was in the South. This time, the venue was in Quezon City—just a 40-minute drive from home.
On the day itself, I almost didn’t make it because of an upset tummy that morning. But I pushed through, and upon arriving at B Hotel, I was greeted by a sea of moms riding the elevator with me. Ang gaganda nila!
Here’s why I’m so glad I went to the HiPP Mommy Meet Up:
Bagong Nanay’s HiPP Mommy Meet Up Experience
Yes, it was indeed a mommy meetup.
True to their word, they gathered moms for their much-needed time to socialize and make new mama friends. The call time was 11AM, and after registration, we were escorted to a room with booths and snacks. For the next two hours, we simply mingled with other moms, played games, and just enjoyed being unhurried. Read that again: two hours.
Stacking cups game comparing how many glasses you can make with HiPP vs others. Credit: Facebook /HiPP.ph It me! Thank you Mommy Gayle Dhillon for snapping this!
The brand was being fair.
I’ve been to a lot of brand events, and I could say HiPP’s event was more than just product promotion. They wanted us moms to really know their product–understand it, taste it, learn about it, and yes, earn it. They could’ve easily given each mom a box to take home, but instead, they took the time to share valuable information that made us genuinely want to try it for ourselves.
At 1PM, we went to the main hall for a sumptuous lunch *chef’s kiss!*I couldn’t believe I’d eat this meal all to myself. #iykyk
Every moment was well-thought-out.
HiPP didn’t even have to bring in a celebrity. Choosing Mommy Love Cosio to host the event and share her testimony was one of the event’s highlights. Inviting Dr. Joey Cuayo-Estanislao to explain the importance of gut health hit the jackpot. These two powerhouse mamas made the event not just fun, but heartwarming and meaningful. And if you were there, you’ll definitely feel the sincerity of the brand as their leaders mingled with moms from the time the doors opened until the very end.
Mommy Love Cosio hosted the event. Credit: Facebook /HiPP.phDr. Joey Cuayo-Estanislao talked about the importance of gut health in a child’s development
It was a day to remember. I hope I could bring all my Bagong Nanays to future meet-ups. Yes, hello, HiPP?
And oh, I made new mama friends.
What I loved most about the event was coming alone and going home with new friends. For a while I was able to see the mamas behind the Instagram handles I follow. In between their filming and poses, we exchanged stories about motherhood. It’s refreshing to also tell bits and pieces of my journey to moms I just met, and I got to listen to theirs too. The extrovert in me was very, very happy.
Shared the table with Mommy Irene and Mommy Gayle. See you again soon!
If I could join every meet-up and bring all my mama friends, I will. That’s how good it is. Thank you for this experience, HiPP!
Follow HiPP Organic Kindermilk Philippines on Facebook and Instagram and see you at the next Mommy Meet Up!
Want to invite Bagong Nanay to your event? Email judysantiagoaladin@gmail.com or send me a message on IG: @bagongnanay. Thank you!
Kumusta? Ako, okay lang naman. Malapit na mag-1 year old ang aking baby boy. Kaninang umaga, nag-declutter ako ng mga gamit niya–mga damit na pinagliitan at mga hand-me-downs from friends na ready na akong i-pass on to another Bagong Nanay. If you are interested in hand-me-down Bagong Nanay items, send me a message on the Bagong Nanay Viber group here.
Kahapon, August 6, nag-join ako sa isang online seminar about nurturing the mental health of breastfeeding mothers.
Source: Facebook /Philippine Society of Newborn Medicine
Bilang isang breastfeeding mom and maternal mental health advocate, narito ang mga natutunan ko.
Takeaways from Breastfeeding and Mental Health Seminar
1. Educate yourself.
Knowledge is power, ika nga. Kahit buntis pa lamang, mahalagang tayo ay may kusa na mag-aral tungkol sa ating papasuking buhay nanay.
Gaya na lamang ng salitang “postpartum.” Maraming nanay ang nagsasabi na “parang may postpartum ako.” Ayon kay Dr. Bianca Katrina Villanueva, isang OB-GYN at breastfeeding specialist, lahat ng nanay na bagong panganak ay dadating sa “postpartum” period. Kaya hindi nangangahulugang may depression agad ang isang bagong nanay.
May mnemonic para malaman kung may sintomas ang isang nanay ng postpartum depression o PPD: M-O-T-H-E-R: Mood changes, lOss of interest, Trouble sleeping, Heartache, Eating problems, and bRain fog.
Screenshot from Zoom /Mother and Baby Dialogues Series 5
Ayon naman kay Dr. Joffrey Sebastian Quiring, isang psychologist, mahalagang aware ang mga nanay, kahit buntis pa lamang, kung ano ang mga sintomas ng postpartum depression at kung anong kaibahan nito sa baby blues.
Kung ang nanay ay nakakaramdam ng kalungkutan ng mahabang panahon at hindi na makapag-function gaya ng pag-aalaga sa bata o gawain sa bahay, maiging kumonsulta na sa doktor. Lalo na kung may mga sintomas na ito na nakakaalarma, gaya ng gustong saktan ang sarili o ang baby. Ito ay mga red flags na dapat maagapan at maikonsulta na sa doktor. Kung may nararamdaman na o hirap ang buong pamilya sa pag-aalaga, maaaring banggitin na ito sa OB-GYN o sa pediatrician para ma-refer sa espesyalista.
2. Communication is key.
Hinihikayat naman ni Dr. Abegail Joy Corro-De Pano na during the first postpartum check-up, kausapin nila ang kanilang doktor for any concerns about breastfeeding or latching. She reminds that it really takes a village to help a mom breastfeed. Dapat may support system sa bahay gaya ng asawa, kapamilya. Malaking bagay rin ang magagawa ng pagkakaroon ng me-time at pag-observe ng proper nutrition. Ika niya, kung happy ang mommy, happy ang baby.
Ayon naman kay Dr. Rene Andrew Bucu na isa ring tatay, huwag balewalain ang tulong ng asawa bilang support system ng bagong nanay. “Communication is key. Dapat parehong magulang ay gustong mag-breastfeed,” sabi niya. Kuwento niya, kahit na mag-asawa silang doktor (OB-GYN ang kanyang misis), hindi pa rin naging madali sa kanila ang breastfeeding.
Para naman sa mga tatay, bilin ni Dr. Bucu, “Do whatever is possible to help your wife breastfeed – change diapers, household work, masahe, o kahit ano pa. Happy mommy, happy baby, magiging happy daddy.” Inemphasize niya na ‘super worth it’ ang mag-push through with breastfeeding kaya kung may nararanasang hirap, humingi ng tulong.
Mahalaga rin daw na naicocommunicate ng asawa ang pangangailangan ng bawat isa. Para naman kay Vickie Rushton, isang aktres, beauty queen, at bagong nanay na halos dalawang taon na sa pag-breastfeed ng kanyang anak, sapat na ang presence ng kanyang asawa at assurance na tama yung ginagawa mo.
Diin ni Dr. Corro-De Pano, husbands really need someone to tell them what they need to do.
3. Adopt a healthy lifestyle.
Studies show that breastfeeding decreases the risk of depression among new mothers. Dahil nga naman sa breastfeeding, once you get the hang of it, mas makakatulog na ng mahaba ang nanay dahil imbis na gumising para magtimpla ng gatas sa gabi eh pwede naman ang side-lying.
Pero meron ding mga pag-aaral na nagpapakita na ang pag-struggle naman sa breastfeeding ay nagiging cause ng anxiety and depression among new mothers. Dagdag pa rito, kapag raw nakararanas ng depression ang bagong nanay, nakakaapekto ito sa milk supply niya.
Kaya mahalaga na mayroon physical and emotional support ang bagong nanay. Ayon kay Dr. Quiring, ang PPD ay masosolusyunan at hindi pang-habang buhay. Maaaring tumawag sa crisis hotlines ang mga nanay na nakakaranas ng sintomas ng depression, at maari ring magpatingin sa psychiatrist. Hindi nangangahulugan na kung may depression ay kailangan nang uminom ng medications, dahil iba-iba naman ang kaso. May mga iba pang interventions gaya ng talk therapy o family therapy.
“Commit to the journey. The benefits outweigh all the difficulties.” Dr. Rene Andrew Bucu
Inemphasize din niya na huwag balewalain ang healthy lifestyle, gaya ng pagkakaroon ng sapat na tulog, pahinga, at pagkakaroon ng physical activity.
Panawagan naman ni Dr. Villanueva sa mga OB-GYN, sana raw bago pa manganak ang mga nanay ay makatanggap ito ng antenatal education and care. Kasama dito ang pag-alam kung ano ang dapat i-expect tungkol sa breastfeeding, sino ang makakasama ng ina pagkapanganak, at iba pa.
Malaking bagay din daw kung maiwasan ang PPD lalo na kung madedetermine kung at risk ang nanay habang buntis pa lamang ito. Mahalaga rin ang pagkakaroon ng regular na screening para sa PPD ang mga bagong nanay.
4. Use social media as a force for good.
Tinalakay din kung paano nakakaapekto ang social media sa mga bagong nanay. May nagsabi na puro ingay lang daw ang social media dahil sa mga “perfect mom” na pinoportray ng iba sa Facebook at Instagram. Pero ayon kay Vickie, dahil buo ang loob niya na mag-breastfeed simula pa lamang, hindi siya naapektuhan ng nakikita niya sa social media. Si Dra. Villanueva din, na madalas makakita ng iba’t-ibang posts ng breastfeeding dahil sa algorithm ng social media, na-motivate daw siyang mag-breastfeed lalo na pag nakakabasa siya ng success stories about breastfeeding.
Diin naman ni Dr. Bucu, naglipana ang mga article sa social media na may click-bait headline, dahilan minsan kung bakit ang ibang nanay ay nawawalan ng kumpiyansa sa pag-breastfeed, “Learn how to make social media a force of good,” sabi niya.
Final words
Para sa mga Bagong Nanay na nagpapadede, kung may nararanasan kayong hirap, ask help agad kasi may solusyon. Kapag pinatagal natin, lalong lalala.
Sana po sa simula ng breastfeeding ay walang judgment dahil ang mga nanay ay lunod na sa paghuhusga sa sarili.
Maigi raw na magpatuloy na magpadede up to 2 years and beyond. Huwag lang kalimutang alagaan ang sarili — our children deserve moms and dads who are healthy mentally and physically.
Ang ina raw ay ilaw ng tahanan, pero kung may mental health problem, nagiging madilim ang bahay. Strengthen the support system. Let’s raise the children and mother together. Bukas ang mga doktor kung may kailangang tulong. Tanggalin ang stigma, at huwag mahiyang mag-ask for help.
Dr. Bucu emphasizes, “Commit to the journey. The benefits outweigh all the difficulties.”
Kay Dr. Quiring naman, pinaalala niya na there’s no health without mental health. “No man is an island. We are here to help families and influence systems.”
Paalala naman ni Vickie, “just add water.” Payo niya sa mga nanay, drink lots of water at maligo.
Finally, sabi ng mga doktor na ang village ng isang bagong nanay ay extended sa workplace. Sana mas palawakin pa ng mga kumpanya ang pag-intindi sa mga nanay na bagong panganak para mas mapagtagumpayan nila ang breastfeeding.
Maraming salamat, doctors, sa pagbibigay halaga sa mga Bagong Nanay.Para sa mga Bagong Nanay na nangangailangan ng kausap, join kayo sa Viber group namin. If you are in crisis, call NCMH Crisis Hotlines: (02) 1553 (Luzon landline), 0917-899-8727 (Globe), or 0908-639-2672 (Smart).
Nakaranas din ako ng postpartum depression bilang isang first-time mom sa panahon ng COVID-19 pandemic. Watch my interview with Beacon here.
July is National Children’s Book Month, kaya naman I asked a fellow Bagong Nanay to share how she’s raising her toddler son to develop a love for reading.
I remember interviewing an Ivy League professor and author Gregory W. Slayton, and he shared that children learn how to make sense of the world through reading. He boldly said, “You cannot be a leader if you are not a reader.” No pressure naman sa ating mga nanay, kasi sabi naman niya, even if you are not a great reader yourself, at least, help your child to love reading because it’s through it that they understand how the world works.
So for our first #KuwentongBagongNanay since our re-launch, I asked my good friend Roanne Duran-Pascual to share tips and book recommendations for parents. Roanne is one of the greatest storytellers I know. ‘Yung tipong kapag nagkuwento siya, feeling mo nandun ka sa pangyayari, ganun ka-vivid. I believe it’s because she reads and writes a lot. That’s why when she became a Nanay, I know she’ll enjoy telling her son stories, and nurturing his love for reading too.
Roanne and her son Noah. Courtesy of Roanne Duran-Pascual
Kaya wala nang patumpik-tumpik pa, here’s how Roanne raises her son to be a reader and a leader. In her words, she’s a Bagong Nanay who is ‘living the prayer, and learning every day.’
Read on, and share this with another Bagong Nanay.
Why raise your child to be a reader, according to a reading mama
I strive to raise a reader because, first, reading opens up a limitless world—and books are passports that take my son to places we never could. I love how books allow him to see, hear, and feel things beyond his everyday experience. How his imagination expands with every new character he meets and new adventure he takes on. This is particularly crucial during children’s foundational years (0-3yo), when their brains are developing at lightning speed. Which brings me to my second reason.
Studies have proven a wide range of benefits of reading to child development. From cognitive and communication skills, to focus and critical thinking. Kids learn faster, comprehend better, and analyse sharper. Of course, we can teach all these skills in other ways, but if we can nurture them all just from one regular activity, isn’t that a big win for us parents?
Reading is one of the best ways to learn empathy.
-Roanne Duran-Pascual
Third, and most importantly for me, I want my son to grow up recognizing and respecting others who are different from him. To hear voices and feel experiences other than his own. Reading is one of the best ways to learn empathy. Like why Rainbow Fish won’t give up any of his shiny scales, or how happy Giraffe felt when Porcupine knitted him a scarf—simple stories allow him to learn others’ struggles and emotions.
Little Noah and his book. Courtesy of Roanne Duran-Pascual
He may not fully show these traits now, but it’s never too early to teach him compassion, kindness, and seeing the world through the eyes of others.
How to raise a reader: 3 practical tips
Be consistent.
I know, it’s hard for us parents who have endless to-do lists and barely half a brain to keep up with routines. So choose at least just one part of your kid’s day and dedicate that time for reading. It could be before bedtime, after shower, first thing in the morning—whichever works best for you and your kid. It doesn’t have to be long, even just 15 minutes of fully present time, every day, makes a huge difference in the long run. Consistency is key.
Make it accessible.
Have books within their reach as much as possible. (Yes, there will be book casualties, but trust me–it’s worth it). If you can, get a toddler shelf so they can pull out books anytime they want (there are pretty decent ones in Lazada/Shopee that are less than P1,000).
Books don’t have to be expensive.Check with other parents if they have hand-me-downs.Second-hand bookstores are also great places to score affordable gems.
Roanne Duran-Pascual
If that’s not an option, just set up a cozy corner with a pile of their books. We also usually leave books lying around in bed, which he can pick up when he wakes up before we do; and we always pack a book in our baby bag as the default “toy” when we go out.
Make it fun.
Reading should be something they enjoy, not earned or dreaded. Avoid associating reading with rewards, punishments, or chores. Make it as normal as eating and playing. Bonus: let them see you reading yourself and finding joy in it.
Noah: Happy reader here! Courtesy of Roanne Duran-Pascual
Book and author recommendations
Noah’s turning two in October and these are the books he engaged well and clearly picked up most from.
Dr. Seuss beginner books
They use simple, repetitive words, and catchy rhyme and rhythm. These help kids learn and memorize words more easily, boosting their confidence and encouraging them to read more.
Adarna board books
Books from Adarna House are best in introducing age-appropriate concepts in Filipino, like body parts, family members, and food. I especially love their series on Filipino values and mabuting asal.
Sandra Boynton and Eric Carle books
Both are engaging series. Boynton’s are short and humorous, often in sing-song patterns, making them super fun to read. Carle’s have vibrant and engaging illustrations with subtle lessons embedded in stories.
There are so many wonderful books out there, so feel free to discover what your child enjoys most. And remember, books don’t have to be expensive. Big tip: check with other parents (friends, mommy/daddy groups, online declutter pages) if they have any hand-me-downs. Second-hand bookstores are also great places to score affordable gems.
About the Bagong Nanay:I am Roanne Duran-Pascual from Marikina City. I am the Bagong Nanay of Noah, 1 year and 9 months. Outside motherhood, I’m a storyteller and development worker, who dreams of opening her own bookstore one day.
Want to share your #KuwentongBagongNanay too? Comment below or send me a DM on Instagram.
Kumusta? Ako, okay naman. As a full-time breastfeeding mom for 10 months now (total of almost five years), I’m always on the lookout for breastmilk boosters. Hindi kasi madali magpadede, kaya kailangan natin ng tulong.
Nasubukan ko na ata most of the malunggay products in the market. Naging reseller din ako during the pandemic ng mga breastfeeding supplements. Fan na fan ako ng malunggay simula high school, kasi isa yan sa naging research topics namin. Haha. Studies also showed that malunggay helps increase breastmilk supply among mothers.
Kaya when I came across a mom’s post on Threads, saying, she and her husband made their own blend of malunggay drink for postpartum recovery and lactation, talagang nag-mental note ako na itatry ko ito. Plus, it is FDA-approved, so it’s a go.
Bagong Nanay Reviews: Cuddle and Coo Malunggay and Acai Berry Drink
So I spoke with Mommy Ara, the mom behind Cuddle and Coo Malunggay and Acai Berry Drink on Instagram. Kuwento niya, she and her friends came up with the formulation, and she’s very happy and proud of her product. Sila ni husband niya rin ang nagpapack ng orders and nagbebenta, so super inspiring!
I bought a sampler pack on her TikTok shop, and received it the next day. A sampler pack has two sachets, and it costs P60.
My 6-year-old Lia poses with our Bagong Nanay haul
Taste test
Siyempre, family affair ang pag-try namin sa bagong malunggay drink na ito. Si Tatay Kevin kasi, natuwa na merong ingredient na collagen for his joints. Si Lia naman, gusto itry dahil mahilig siya sa juice. Tinry muna namin with cold water and ice, and it’s a treat.
Packaging of Cuddle and Coo Malunggay and Acai Berry Juice sampler pack
“Lasang berry,” sabi ni Tatay. “It’s so yummy,” naman ang sabi ng aking 6-year-old. For me, masarap siya! Hindi mo agad malalasahan yung malunggay, which sometimes would come off as too herby or strong at aayawan ng iba. Ito, mas berry siya than herby kaya masarap at madali siyang inumin.
Effective ba sa padede mom?
Before bedtime, tinry ko naman ang hot version ng drink. Dito magkakaalaman, kasi first day ng aking menstrual period. According to doctors, may effect talaga ang period sa milk supply. Dahil sa changes in hormones, naaaffect nito ang breastmilk supply kaya naman perfect timing ang pag-inom ko ng aking malunggay juice.
My padede mug with hot Cuddle and Coo Malunggay and Acai Berry Juice
Nakailang feeds ang aking baby throughout the night, at nasatisfy ko naman siya. Though I couldn’t prove na yung isang tasa ng malunggay juice ang nakatulong, I must say I wanted to try more para maprove ko na it really helps increase breastmilk supply.
The verdict
For its price of P30 per serving, iisipin mo agad na medyo pricey siya compared sa competitors niya. Pero when you look at its active ingredients kasi, you’ll realize na sobrang sulit niya.
Aside from malunggay, it has marshmallow root (rich in antioxidants), fernblock (immune system support), milk thistle (prolactin like moringa), goji berry (fiber), collagen (skin elasticity), and L-glutathione (reduced oxidative stress). It’s sweetened by Stevia!
Dahil siksik sa nutrients with a very refreshing taste ang Cuddle and Coo Malunggay and Acai Berry Juice Drink, I highly recommend it to all Bagong Nanays!
Buy Cuddle and Coo Malunggay and Acai Berry Juice on TikTokor chat with them on Instagram.
Full disclosure: Hindi ako fan ng nursing covers. Nawala ko kasi yung nag-iisang nursing cover na hand-me-down sa akin ng friend ko. So since then, hindi na ako bumili (as a matipid na mommy). Thinking, bakit kailangan kong takpan? We should normalize breastfeeding in public, yan ang naging mantra ko.
Also, madami na rin namang mga breastfeeding-friendly clothes, na nag-adjust for you. Tipong hindi mo na kailangang itaas ang buong t-shirt mo para lang maka-dede si baby. Mas bet ko yun, for the reason na mas efficient siya, dahil hindi ito mawawala gaya nang sinapit ng nursing cover ko.
However, medyo game-changer itong si Cuddle Baby. Ang claim to fame niya is that it’s a nursing cover with an integrated cooling fan, perfect nga naman for the Philippine weather. That’s why I gave it a try with my 10-month-old baby, and here’s our verdict.
Cuddle Baby Nursing Cover with Fan Review
1. Perfect siya for infants and even big babies.
Especially for the early months, mga first six months of breastfeeding, perfect ito, because it not only gives the mom privacy, but also comfort to the baby. Ito yung nursing cover na dadalhin mo during pedia check-ups and routine vaccines. Yung magagamit mo pag wala kang choice but to bring your baby in public places.
Medyo malaki na kasi ang aking baby boy, he’s 10 months old, pero kasyang-kasya pa din siya sa loob ng nursing cover.
Ang saya at kalmado niya sa loob. Hehe
“Bakit hindi nalang mag-Jisulife?” Pwede naman, but that will keep your hand busy, compared dito sa Cuddle Baby na built-in na yung fan. Secured ang fan with straps, at masinsin yung pagkakagawa. Yayakapin mo nalang si baby.
Secured ang fan sa loob.
Ramdam ko that Cuddle Baby was created with the best intentions to keep the baby cool and comfortable while nursing. So confirmed, it delivered its promise.
2. It’s a pinag-isipang baby shower gift.
I’m the kind of person who gives gifts for the moms tuwing baby shower. Give ko na sa ibang tao yung toka na magregalo for the baby, but I make sure that my gift is always for the mom-to-be. I remember giving these gifts to my expecting mom friends: a comfy set of pajamas, breastfeeding tops, and malunggay supplements. More than ever, need ng padede moms ng support.
Cuddle Baby now adds to my list of pinag-isipan and walang-kaparehong gifts for moms-to-be. Sobrang ma-a-appreciate nila ito. Just choose among the three colors of the nursing cover, para mas tailor-fit kay mommy: there’s pink, green, and beige.
Wearing the Cuddle Baby nursing cover with fan
Nakaka-proud i-gift yung ganito because you are also supporting a starting mom-led business vs. a booming multinational company, hehe.
3. Sulit for its price.
At its introductory price of P1,299, you would think ang pricey niya for a nursing cover. But when you see the actual product, sulit siya because of the materials – hindi tinipid and it’s lovingly made. The nursing cover is made of muslin cloth, which is lightweight at hindi mainit. The cooling fan looks like it’s good quality, and even has the cute Cuddle Baby branding.
Here’s the fan that comes with the nursing cover.
Hindi mukhang cheap, at ang ganda din ng pagkakatahi nung mga straps to keep the fan in place. Kumbaga, kita mong pinag-isipan at tinest ng madaming beses before they came up with the final product. Plus, it comes with a handy pouch para ipapasok mo nalang sa baby bag.
Cute pouch!
Not to mention that keeping your baby cool while breastfeeding is priceless. Yung natanggal mo na sa list of iisipin mo kung naiinitan ba siya or nakakahinga pa siya sa loob. Sus, take my money!
Best of all, it can be handed down to a mama friend, like how I received my first nursing cover, so sulit talaga siya for its price.
Bagong Nanay’s verdict on Cuddle Baby
For its price, design, and quality, I recommend Cuddle Baby for every Bagong Nanay who plans to and is breastfeeding their child. It’s a great baby shower gift for both mom and baby, and it’s made with the best intentions. This product makes a mom’s breastfeeding journey lighter (and cooler!) kaya naman we need support these kinds of products para mas tumagal pa and mas madami pang moms ang makagamit nito.
Kasi aside from making sure na cool and comfy si baby while breastfeeding, it also gives mom the confidence to wear any top she likes without having to sacrifice her style. Take it from me, na paulit-ulit na naka-breastfeeding clothes lang pag umaalis ng bahay. This nursing cover gives mom the ability to wear whatever top she likes, kasi sagot na ng Cuddle Baby yung privacy.
BAGONG NANAY SPECIAL PROMO: Mention niyo lang that you’ve learned about Cuddle Baby through Bagong Nanay, and you can purchase the item for their introductory price of P1,299. That’s less P200 of the regular price of P1,499. Yes – a promo exclusive to Bagong Nanay.
Shop Cuddle Baby’s Nursing Cover with Fan on Instagram or through their website.
For Bagong Nanay’s first gig, my daughter and I were invited to the Blue Carpet Screening of the Smurfs movie at the Gateway Cineplex 18. It was our first time to watch a movie at Gateway Mall in Cubao, and we had an amazing experience.
Smurfs Movie (2025) Review
Without spoiling too many details, Smurfs movie delivered the fun and good vibes for kids, and the lessons and message for parents. Here are some of my takeaways from the movie, whether you plan to watch it or not.
Bagong Nanay at the Blue Carpet Screening of Smurfs at Gateway Cineplex 18
1. It speaks to moms about the identity we lose to motherhood.
The first few minutes shows the first dilemma of the movie, where No Name wonders why he doesn’t have a thing that sets him apart from all the other Smurfs in the Village. To him, it seems like everyone has their own identity—there’s a Worrier Smurf, a Sound Effects Smurf, a Grumpy Smurf, among others. He feels frustrated and thinks he’s nothing special because of that.
As a mom, and I admit it, I sometimes feel like I don’t know myself anymore, especially when I can’t tie myself to a career or anything apart from motherhood. Life as a mom seems like it’s always on survival mode. Yet when we finally realize that our identity as a mom is actually irreplaceable, things just feel better.
Take it from the superstar and soon-to-be mom of three, Rihanna, who voiced Smurfette in the film.
2. Our past doesn’t define us nor our present.
Smurfette reminds us of this truth, that what happened to us in the past doesn’t define what will happen to us in the future. If we come from a broken family, it doesn’t always follow that we’ll have a broken family too. There’s power in rising and overcoming, and from what the movie showed, we can use our scars and wounds from the past as motivation to be better.
Smurfette is Rihanna at Smurfs 2025 movie!
3. There’s power in coming together.
Just like how moms help each other when they have questions about their children’s health, school, or milestones, the Smurfs were stronger when they worked together to battle the dark forces. The movie shows that alone, we can only do so much, but if we put our heads and our hearts together, we can move mountains.
Moms may feel like every struggle they encounter each day is hard, but asking for help already makes the load a little lighter. I read somewhere that a mom needs at least one person whom she can be transparent with about her thoughts and feelings so she can thrive. If you don’t have this yet, maybe you can find it in a support group like the Bagong Nanay Community. Moms love to help their fellow moms because they are paying forward the help they once received.
Smurfs Lessons for Kids
As for my 6-year-old daughter, she shared that she learned about the importance of telling the truth instead of lying, as well as the value of friendship.
My almost 6-year-old Lia at the Smurfs movie advanced screening
Smurfs is rated PG (Parental Guidance), and there are a lot of opportunities to teach your child lessons about honesty, trust, and self-worth throughout the movie. I highly recommend it for a one-on-one movie date with your child, or for a feel-good family movie time.
Smurfs is showing in theaters on July 16, 2025. Watch the trailer here.
Have you watched Smurfs? What do you think about it? Comment below!
After a three-year hiatus, Bagong Nanay is back for the best, and for good.
“It’s for the best, for now.”
‘Yan na lang ang naisip ko nung nag-decide ako mag-resign from my job as a Section Editor of Smart Parenting. Yes, halos four years in total din ako sa SP. Nagsimula as a community member, naging contest finalist, mom ambassador, contributing writer, hanggang sa inofferan ako ng full-time job as a Senior Staff Writer. Bago nun, two years akong unemployed dahil nagpaka-Bagong Nanay ako sa panganay kong anak na si Lia. Ngayon, may isa pa akong baby, si Titus. 10 months old na siya, which means Bagong Nanay ako all over again.
Lia (6) and Titus (<1)
How Bagong Nanay started (recap lang)
Ilang araw nalang, my firstborn will be turning six. Nakaka-senti kasi parang kahapon lang nung nag-break yung water bag ko at pumunta kami ni husband ng ospital, thinking baka hindi pa naman time. 33 weeks, 5 days palang kasi siya noon. Eh, sabi ng BabyCenter app, at least 34 weeks sana ang baby bago lumabas para ma-develop fully yung lungs niya. So ayun, nag-stay ng 3 days sa loob ng tiyan ko si Lia, until in-emergency C-section na ako ng aking OB-GYN na si Tita Ana Villaraza na kilala rin bilang si Dra. V sa Capitol Medical Center dahil ubos na ang aking amniotic fluid.
Si Lia, na dati ay 1.5kg lang noong lumabas, ay isang matalino at madaldal na Grade 1 student na. Ang bilis lang ng panahon. Kaya sabi ko, mabilis lang din naman lalaki si Titus, kaya susulitin ko na muna habang baby pa siya. Focus muna ako sa kanilang dalawa, at habang nasa school si Lia at nap time naman nung isa, makakasulat ako dito sa Bagong Nanay blog na sinimulan ko noong pang 2019. Naaalala ko pa, nasa shower ako noon, maternity leave ko. Hirap na hirap ako bilang first-time mom na nakabukod sa pamilya. Nakatira kami ni husband sa condo sa Quezon City, at walang ibang kasama. Sabi ko, “What if gumawa ako ng Instagram page kung saan pwedeng mag-crowdsource ng mga tanong about parenting? Tapos ako, bilang may communications background ako, icoconsolidate ko into a blog post para mas madaming makabasa at ma-share nila?”
What is Bagong Nanay?
So Bagong Nanay was born. Eventually, bilang unemployed ako nitong time na ito at pandemic, naisipan kong mag-try magbenta ng malunggay supplements. Ang lakas ng benta ko noon! Pano, ang business plan ko kasi ay mag-ship as needed ng mga malunggay tea and coffee, patok sa mga bagong panganak. Tipong nasa ospital pa sila, oorder sila at ipapadala ko ura-urada via Grab Express or Lalamove yung orders nila. Bilang gising ako halos buong araw, anytime delivery din ako. Kahit alas-5 ng umaga at kailangan nila ng pampalakas ng gatas, o gabi dahil yun lang ang time na pwede silang makalabas ng bahay, game ako.
Bagong Nanay, created in 2019
Gumawa din ako ng Viber group kung saan mga Bagong Nanay in different seasons of life ang members. Dito, free sila magtanong at mag-usap about anything under the sun. Pero nagsilakihan na din ang mga anak nila, kaya medyo naging inactive na ito. Nasa 90+ members ang Viber group, pero legit na mga nanay ito dahil by invitation link lang ang pag-join. Walang bots allowed.
Bakit may Bagong Nanay ulit?
Nag-resign ako sa SP dahil may company policy kami na two days report to office per week. Hindi ako maka-keep up dito dahil 1) hindi ko maiwan ang baby ko dahil breastfeeding kami at clingy siya; 2) ang layo ng office namin sa Mandaluyong, taga-Novaliches kami. Sabi ko, it’s for the best for now. Babalik nalang ako pag kaya ko na, dahil unfair din naman sa mga ka-officemate ko kung ako lang ang naka-work from home at sila ay pumapasok sa office. It’s the best for now because lahat ng oras at atensyon ko ay nakatuon sa aking mga maliliit na anak muna. Makakabalik din si Nanay sa work niya.
Long story short, gusto ko lang ituloy ang aking pagsusulat at pagiging nanay kaya binuhay ko ulit ang Bagong Nanay. Marami nga lang magbabago, kasi siyempre, natuto na tayo sa mga needs ng mga nanay. Naisip ko, sa dami ng mga content sa social media, ano ba ang kailangan nilang makita at mabasa? Bakit ako dadagdag pa sa mga isipin nila?
New and improved Bagong Nanay 2.0
As a Bagong Nanay of two, heto ang mga naisip kong magiging laman ng Bagong Nanay blog na ito at ng social media accounts natin.
Bagong Nanay, new logo for 2025 relaunch
Dati, Bagong Nanay served as a community of new and first-time moms, Bagong Nanay 2.0 is a safe space for mothers and their stories.
Kuwentong Bagong Nanay
Sa mundo na puno ng Chatgpt or AI-generated content, magpapakatao tayo. Ang kuwento ng bawat nanay ang bida dito. Tuloy pa rin ang mga Kuwentong Bagong Nanay, na sana one Nanay per week. May kuwentong Bagong Nanay ka ba? Send me a message and I will reach out to you. Read our past features:
Sa TikTok kung saan madaming nabubudol, tutulong tayo to make informed decisions. Tuloy pa rin ang Bagong Nanay Reviews, kung saan itetest ko personally ang mga bago o existing brands in a comprehensive article for every mom’s reference.
Bago naman ang Bagong Nanay and her Biz, kung saan iffeature ko ang mga mompreneurs at ang kanilang mga locally-made products for support and empowerment. (Haha, parang wordplay pala ng Beauty and the Beast, LOL). Open din ang Bagong Nanay for consignment or affiliate marketing! If you have a biz, hit me up at isulat natin yan.
Bagong Nanay Things
Eto ang excited ako. Gagawa ako ng isang page dito sa website kung saan makaka-download ang mga new moms ng mga files gaya ng proven and tested hospital bag checklist, postpartum depression test, at marami pang guides and how-tos. Syempre, para pa din ang lahat ng ito sa mga literal na Bagong Nanay.
Sa social media naman, expect affirmations, questions, and giveaways. Buhay pa rin ang Viber group natin, in case may gustong mag-join. Madami nang natulungan ang group to source breastmilk, brand recommendations, at event promotions. Active din ako sa Threads, kung andun din kayo.
Hanggang dito muna ang ire-reveal ko. Pero everything is possible with Bagong Nanay. Wala tayong hierarchy at burokrasiya dito, so feel free to share your thoughts on how we can help each other sa season na ito. Open ako diyan.
It’s for the best, for now.
Thank you sa pagbabasa, Bagong Nanay. It’s an honor to exist and write for you.
Love,
Nanay Judy
PS. Bagong Nanay is also a tribute to Dr. Maria Ana G. Villaraza, my dear tita and OB-GYN, who passed away in April 2024. May she rest in peace.
PPS. Sending a gift to Nanay Kyla Abrenilla Magbag (ky.mgbg) for commenting on my recent post. Yey!
This blog post is long overdue. Halos isang taon na since I published my last #KuwentongBagongNanay featuring Chesca Susmerano, a creative mompreneur and founder of Studio Maria for Mamas last March 20.
And on March 21, I will be celebrating my first anniversary as one of the editors of Smart Parenting. Mababasa ninyo ang halos lahat ng sinulat ko dito.
Napaka-surreal, to think na one year ago, hindi ko akalain na magkakaroon pa ako ng regular job bilang nag-resign ako to be a full-time mom in 2020, then the Covid-19 pandemic happened.
I also learned that I went through postpartum depression in 2021. Grabe the year that was.
But now, I’m here, explaining myself what happened to me. Getting my dream job – writing + parenting – and working with amazing teammates and mentors are just some of the biggest plot twists of 2022, and it’s all glory and thanks to God.
Hindi ko naman nagawa yun dahil magaling ako. Nagawa ko yun dahil nagtiwala ako kay Lord.
Hindi naman ako tumigil sa pagiging advocate ng maternal mental health at pagsuporta sa mga bagong nanay. Kumbaga, naredirect lang ako, pero ganun pa rin ang ginagawa ko. Nagsusulat, nakikipag-usap, nagbebenta ng malunggay, tuloy pa rin.
Buhay na buhay pa rin ang Viber group ng Bagong Nanays. Nag-out of town trips na kami ng ibang members na naging matatalik na kaibigan ko na. Sali ka dito kung wala ka pa doon.
Ang pinagkaiba lang, hindi na ako nakakapagsulat dito. Kasi naman, I’ve been writing daily for Smart Parenting. Stories of celebrities, parents, children, and inspiring people to raise healthy and happy families. I’ve been waking up every day with not just a deadline, but a purpose. And for that, thankful ako kay Lord.
Until one day, sabi sa akin ni Chesca, willing daw ba akong makipag-collab ulit sa kanya for Women’s month. Baka daw busy ako kaya siya nagtatanong muna. Siya pa nagtanong, eh malapit na siya manganak noon! Nanganak na siya, and na-launch pa rin niya ang collab namin. Ganun siya kagaling.
So ano bang point nitong blog post na ito? Aside from giving a life update, invite ko na kayo to join our statement shirt contest! Your witty idea could be printed on shirts and be worn by moms in the Philippines and all over the world. Gustomoyorn
Hindi alam ng mundo ang hirap na dinaranas mo. Hindi nakikita ng lahat kung gaano kasarap sa puso maging nanay.
Simple lang ang mechanics, punta ka lang sa link na ito or basahin mo hanggang dulo and you will know what to do. Then, start thinking about your ideas then write it down on your notebook or phone muna. You know, the best ideas come to us while we are in the shower or washing dishes. Tapos alarm ka ng March 18, isubmit mo entries mo on that day. Yun lang.
Why are we doing this again? Studio Maria and Bagong Nanay believe that moms matter. And through these shirts, we can raise more awareness on what first-time moms and even moms of multiple children go through. Kesyo pa-joke o seryoso, we should make a stand while we can.
Hindi alam ng mundo ang hirap na dinaranas mo. Hindi nakikita ng lahat kung gaano kasarap sa puso maging nanay. Through these shirts, kahit papaano, we are giving the people around us a glimpse of our lives. A snapshot of what we stand for.
Yung tipong pag suot ko yung t-shirt ko na Studio Maria na nakalagay “Moms matter,” para akong tumatayo para sa lahat ng nanay na akala nila wala na silang kwenta simula nung naging nanay sila.
Every day mom
Tuwing suot ko yung shirt ko na “Bagong Nanay Club,” napaparamdam ko sa makakasalubong ko na kapapanganak pa lang na hindi siya nag-iisa.
Lam mo yun, simpleng t-shirt pero ang laki ng impact. Nagsuot ka lang ng damit, pero nakabuo ka ng araw ng ibang tao.
Paano pa kung ang nakasulat sa tshirt na susuotin mo at irarampa sa mall eh, “kaMAhal-MAhal ka.” O di kaya, “Gets ko yang mombrain mo.” Diba, ang sarap mabasa? Ang sarap malamang hindi ka nag-iisa? Teka, entries ko yan ha.
O siya, inaantok na ako at ayokong nagpupuyat dahil ikakagrumpy ko ito bukas. Sana nagets mo yung point ko, na itong mga ganitong pagkakataon para magsalita, o manindigan para sa mga nanay ay napakahalaga.
What if ikaw ang inatasan ni Lord na makaisip ng next statement na ilalagay sa Studio Maria x Bagong Nanay shirt? Click mo na ito, sige na.
PS. Kamusta ka, Bagong Nanay? Comment below kung umabot ka dito, at baka may ipadala ako sa’yong surprise.
PPS. Chescagurl, congrats sa pagiging bagong nanay ulit. Salamat kay Lord at pinagtagpo tayo, 2 collabs in this lifetime, hindi biro yun ah? Salamat sa tiwala, mamsh.
This woman – she’ll never know how much impact she has created – with every shirt, every wisdom she imparts to moms online. I remember her posting this – and immediately – I immediately believe that I can dream again.
And when we worked together for Bagong Nanay Club, I’ve never felt so alive and so inspired to keep doing what I’m doing.
When another mom inspires you to dream, you just got to keep doing whatever you can to support her. Here I am, sharing her story with you, so that she can inspire you to dream again, and make it happen too.
Here’s Chesca Susmerano, everyone. A strong mama who supports other strong moms, and admits that she needs support, too. This is her Bagong Nanay story.
1. Can you briefly share your “How it started” vs “How it’s going” story as a Bagong Nanay to Likha and to Studio Maria? Highlight your top 3 milestones, and recognize what/who helped you achieve them.
How I started as a mom – newlywed, new career milestone and suddenly pregnant.
I was enrolled in an 11-month master’s degree program in 2018 when we got pregnant.
Mommy Chesca to-be!
I started #momlife learning how important a village is not just to raise kids but to help moms achieve their dreams.
Chesca Susmerano for BagongNanay.com
I was always the “strong independent woman” type and because of that, my weakness is also asking for help. Being pregnant, I felt some shame when I had to ask people to make some considerations for me because of my situation. I couldn’t join some of the fieldwork, so I overcompensated by doing extra work for the class. I couldn’t join late nights to overtime on papers because I was always tired. I had to ask my parents if we could stay with them. I had to give birth and I had to ask professors to consider a two-week absence. After giving birth, I had to attend daily classes, catch-up on requirements and finish my thesis. I thought I wouldn’t be able to make it but I did, and I brought my newborn daughter on stage the day of graduation.
Mama made it!
This experience has really changed my mindset about independence and success in life. From being so hard on myself to achieve personal goals, I learned to be softer, be more vulnerable and be open to ask for help. I started #momlife learning how important a village is not just to raise kids but to help moms achieve their dreams. I thank my village of kind people from school, work, my own family and my husband for allowing me to dream.
How’s it going – enjoying the journey
Fast forward to today, I have embraced being vulnerable and I’m still working on having the courage to seek the help I need to pursue my dreams for our family. Studio Maria is the embodiment of embracing vulnerability while being open to ask for help. Transitioning to entrepreneurship required me to lean on my husband and extended family for stability while I pursue my craft and turn it into a small business. I had to be vulnerable enough to put my work out there and get rejected if no one buys from me. I had to be open to relationships in the mom community online, share my own struggles, find joy in our shared motherhood experiences and discover more meaning everyday.
Ask us about our dreams and passions and inspire us to achieve them.
Chesca Susmerano on how people can support strong moms
Chesca wears many hats for her business – I mean, all hats!Her superpower is to make shirts for mamas to wear so that they can be seen
Motherhood is still not easy but with being open to receive help from the village that I am continuously intentionally building around me, I am enjoying the journey more.
2. Why is it important to support strong moms? List three things that people can do to support them.
1. See us and validate our dreams. There are a lot of us moms who feel that they are no longer seen when the baby comes. It is suddenly all about the baby and we are in the background forgotten. We need validation that in this season of our life we focus on the kids and the family, but we will also realize that season of following our dreams in God’s perfect time. Ask us about our dreams and passions and inspire us to achieve them.
We’d gladly receive help if it comes without any judgments.
Chesca Susmerano on what strong moms need help with
2. Offer help without judgments. Even the strongest of moms are sensitive to comments about our kids and our parenting. We already know that we are not perfect so there is no need to point out where we lack or talk about us behind our backs. We’d gladly receive help if it comes without any judgments. Nakakalat yung mga laruan? Pwede mo na rin iligpit kung gusto mo. 😊
3. Let us know if we are doing a good job. Us strong moms, we are also our own worst critics! We suffer from mom guilt no matter how hard we try to juggle all of our responsibilities. We often forget to appreciate our own hard work. If you see us doing something well, please let us know. It means the world to know we are doing something right.
3. This year, what are three things you want to be strong at, and what help do you need to achieve them?
Being present. I’ve noticed that I am a human doing instead of a human being. To be able to be more “being”, I need some time everyday to just be alone and attune myself to my emotions. As a multitasker, it often becomes overwhelming the amount of things I need to do in the day that I forget what matters – my relationships with the people around me, my connection to God. I need time to be alone so I can always step back and check my priorities.
Grit. They say the key to success is grit – having the perseverance and persistence for very long term goals. For this, I need a community of believers who will cheer me on but also mentor me in the paths I’ve taken. I have moms who I can turn to for motherhood or parenting advice, entrepreneurs who I ask for business advice, and coaches for business and life goals.
Balance. I need to be better at balancing responsibilities with fun and growth. I want to be a good role model to my family in terms of health, work ethic, relationships and so on. All of these require a lot of work and the key is balancing them and making it work together.
4. Who is your female role model and why?
I don’t have to look very far. I am who I am because of my mom. She is kindness, warmth, grace, beauty and peace – all that I aspire for as I grow older. If I can make my relationship with her be like my relationship with my daughter, I would know that I am already a good mom.
5. What is your advice to Bagong Nanays who think they can do everything on their own?
Build your own village. Sometimes we think we have to do everything on our own because there is no one else to listen to us or help us. There are two scenarios:
1. We do have a village but we’re just afraid of being vulnerable and ask for help. Look around you, Mama. Are there people in your life who are willing to help but we don’t let them? Communicate your needs and let the people you trust in your life to help you.
This was me. I was suffering 5-6 hours on the road everyday going back and forth to work. I desperately wanted to be with my daughter for the early years of her life but I also didn’t want to depend on anybody for money. But then finally, I swallowed all my pride and communicated my desire to resign and start a small business from home to my husband and brother and they supported me all the way since then.
Communicate your needs and let the people you trust in your life to help you.
Chesca Susmerano
2. We don’t have a village and we have to seek them out. Sometimes we just haven’t found the right people we need in our side. Sometimes, we have to seek them out. And now that we have online communities, we can find the tribe we need for us to bloom to like Bagong Nanay.
This is also me. When I started Studio Maria, I was not part of any mom community and I didn’t know any mom entrepreneurs. But slowly I started opening up and joined community events, talked to fellow moms and mom entrepreneurs and just slowly built relationships with other moms. I super appreciate how other moms in this community show support through encouraging words, advice and even just a listening ear.
6. In only six words, describe what kind of Bagong Nanay you are.
Artsy mama who will make everyone a statement shirt.
I am Chesca Susmerano from Las Pinas. I am the Bagong Nanay of Likha, 3YO. When I’m not being a mom and working on the small biz, I meditate and paint flowers.
Naging usapin sa Bagong Nanay Community on Viber kung paano nila dinidisiplina ang kanilang mga anak, particularly toddlers age 1-3. Yung tipong ang cute nila pero ang kukulit din nila. Naging healthy ang diskurso, kaya naman naisip kong dalhin sa Bagong Nanay Community on Instagram ang usaping ito.
Tinanong ko ang mga Bagong Nanays on Instagram kung saang team sila panig: #TeamPayo o #TeamPalo. Maraming nag-share ng kanilang mga kuwento bilang bata, at mga paninindigan nila ngayong magulang na sila. At mula sa dalawa, nahati sa maraming teams ang mga nanays.
Read more and let me know sa comment anong naging insight mo:
1. #TeamPayo: Based on my experience, palo didn’t work and I will not do it to my child.
Sabi ni Mommy reginalynj, she’s against palo because she experienced it multiple times as a child. “It did gave me a bad memory/trauma. That created a gap between me and my parents. Ayoko maranasan yun ng kids ko. Besides, at the end of the day, our toddlers/children are still learning. Tayo din. Hindi man tayo perfect as parents to give advice to our children, but we are enough for them, sa simpleng pagintindi lang muna sa kanila.”
Sangayon dito si Mommy empressanderithel, who said she grew up with all palo and bugbog without even explaining what she did wrong. “Kaya sabi ko kapag naging nanay na ako, I make sure na hindi nila mararanasan ito. Kaya ngayon more on payo ako. Tayong mga nanay, akala natin hindi tayo naiintindihan ng kid/s natin dahil nakatitig lang sila o kung minsan patay malisya. Pero they are like sponge. They absorb everything.”
Sabi naman ni mommy_alexies na lumaki din sa palo at bugbog, na iniiwasan niya talaga makasakit dahil ayaw niya maranasan ng kids niya ang naranasan niya before. “Kinakausap ko muna siya pero minsan di talaga umuubra kaya napapalo pa rin, pero after naman non nag-so-sorry ako at kinakausap siya bat ko nagawa ‘yon. And then she always say sorry rin pagtapos namin magusap.”
Sabi ni Mommy cybilmalipot, she also grew up with all palo. “It’s true that it has helped me toughen up, but its uncertain if it will have the same effect at my son. I think we cannot under estimate the capability of our children to understand. Naiintindihan nila tayo kahit those big round eyes just stare at us! Alam ko sa pit ng stomach ko na naiintindihan niya ako! Lol”
Agree din si Mommy mrs.brightside_ph. “Payo. Kasi kahit ako noon, hanggang ngayon naman din mas nakakaintindi o natututo sa payo kaysa palo.”
Si Mommy Sha of simplybabymnl din said she grew up with palo. “Until now I’m still dealing with issues. Kaya ngayong nanay na ako, pinipilit ko maging mindful and responsive parent. Ang hirap lang talaga minsan dahil sobrang kulit na. Madalas pa rin magakamali pero I stop at sigaw. Still not the right way but we’re human. Lagi ko na lang iniisip na yung behavior nya is developmentally appropriate sa age nya. We’re both learning.”
2. #TeamPalo, pero depende sa situation and with reservations
Ayon naman kay Mommy Chee, theintrosocial, “to be honest, okay din naman ang palo pero siguro mild lang tsaka nabasa ko noon dapat meron kang isang item na like stick or belt na gagamitin mo kapag paparusahan sya, hindi daw kamay. Kasi yun kamay, para yan sa touch of love. Para sakin, pag naulit na nya kahit ilan beses sabihan, need na ng punishment, with explanation.”
Ayon naman kay Mommy Jemmalyn ng awfhmomslife, both. “Hindi kasi effective yung parating payo there are instances na need ng palo to set boundaries. Meron kasi talagang mga batang madaling kausap at pagsabihan. Meron naman na sadyang nanunubok like my toddler. Paulit-ulit ipipilit hanggang mapalo.”
Sabi naman ni Mommy Lan of mothernurture_main, payo muna, pero minsan need ng palo, pero dapat hindi galit if ever need mamalo. “In our family, as much as possible iniiwasan may masaktan. Kausapin muna in private, and if need na paluin, we explain why and in private din.”
Ayon kay Mommy Stephanie aka thechinkymommy, she spanks her child but she has guidelines. Some of these are posted on her Instagram. “I never spank when I am angry. I spank in private. I will explain the reason why I spank them. I validate their feelings, hug and assure them that I love them, and then we say a prayer of confession to Jesus.”
Si mommychriszy naman, may levels. “Depende sa nagawang kasalanan pag level 1-3 lang Payo. Pag level 4-10 na need na Palo. She also quotes Proverbs 13:24 from the Bible: “Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.”
Ayon kay mommapearly, it depends also sa situation, but if may physical punishment, she prefers a little pinching or “kurot.” Then after a few minutes, talk to the child and explain why you did, what you did. I believe it is also important that an early age, a child should be aware about consequences para as they grow older, gradually, they can be careful also with their choices in life.”
Dagdag pa ni Mommy Pearly, “I learned a saying that is usual daw in the US “small children, small problem, big children, big problem” so to prevent “big problems” prevent it early on. I also believe wala namang masama sa pagpalo, wag lang labis, alam naman natin na kahit anong labis/sobra ay masama at gawin lamang ito sa private, o sa sariling area at huwag sa harap ng madaming tao para hindi maramdaman ng bata na napapahiya siya.”
“Pero I also believe na setting the idea of consequence at an early age keeps a healthy parent-child relationship, because you can be like a barkada kind of relationship but a higher respect and sense of authority will always be there. I know a few kasi hindi sila masyado napagalitan when they were younger and even in their teenage years, the result, they can manipulate their parents, na sila ang madalas masunod or mas parang sila pa ang may authority over the parents. I do not blame the parents perhaps it’s their dynamics at home talaga and that’s their way of love AND I am not saying too na this will always be the end result, but there will always be chances.”
3. #TeamProperGuidance
Eto naman ang pananaw ni Mommy C-ann aka hirayaaa, “Nakafocus ako sa pagbuild ng connection at tinatry ko na bawasan or huwag masyadong magfocus sa correction. Iniiwasan ko ang shaming at blaming o paninisi o paggawa ng something na makakasira sa self worth ng mga anak ko. Syempre hindi madali. Mahirap magpigil ng emosyon lalo na kapag traditional parenting ang kinalakhan natin.”
Ayon kay Mommy C-ann, ang pagpapalaki ng mga bata ay more than just managing their behavior. “Para sa akin, importanteng ituring sila na mga mabuting tao at hindi i-label na “makulit” o “pasaway” dahil mga bata silang nageexplore pa lang ng mundo at ng kaya nilang gawin. Ang pag-focus ko sa pag-connect with them ay pagkilala sa kanila bilang mga buo nang tao na unti-unting nagbubloom. Andito lang ako bilang guide.”
“I believe lessons reach them better when the connection is strong,” sabi rin ni Mommy ritalovesbranding.
Sang-ayon din dito si Mommy ryam_rics. “I came from a dysfunctional family and all those physical/emotional abuse didn’t help for my well being as a child. In fact, it became worst. As a mother, I realized that proper guidance is necessary for my child. Shaming or hurting as form of discipline will just lead them to trauma. There’s no perfect mother same as our children, we are all learning and we can always practice patience and mindful parenting.”
Dagdag pa ni Mommy xingogaoiran, “They are smarter than what you think they are. Naiintindihan nila ang mga sinasabi natin. Kailangan lang maayos ang pagpapaliwanag.”
Yan din ang sagot ni Mommy joselleona, “Too unfair for toddlers to be expected to be as mature as adults. Non verbal pa sila mostly.”
Ayon kay Mommy Chesca of studiomaria.formamas, siya ay Team Payo din dahil ang mga toddlers ay wala pang impulse control. “Di sila nananadya, di lang pa talaga nila kaya kontrolin. (Tayo nga di natin makontrol minsan galit natin diba? At this age hehe).
But I am also team *help moms with their needs so that we have the headspace to be patient and understanding of our kids* ♥️ Kasi diba pag gutom, pagod, puyat, stressed ka, mas maikli pasensya mo.”
Kung paano matutulungan ang mga strong moms na tinatawag, sumali sa conversation ng Studio Maria sa IG.
Final note
At the end of the day, walang panalo at talo sa mga nanay na ito. Wala ring hidwaan dahil lahat tayo ay mga work-in-progress. Personally, hindi ako napalo ng aking mga magulang, at ako ay nagtrabaho noon sa Bantay Bata 163 kung saan nakasalamuha ko ang mga batang nakaranas ng matinding physical abuse.
Pero hindi nangangahulugan na hindi ko kailanman mapapalo ang aking anak. Ang aking anak na dinala ko ng siyam na buwan sa sinapupunan, ni hindi pinapadapuan ng langaw at lamok, at laging may binibilhan ng taho o Happy Meal. Mga nanay tayo na may hangganan din, at madalas, nasa sa atin ang control.
Naniniwala ako sa lahat ng pananaw ng mga Bagong Nanays, pero nais kong i-emphasize ang sinabi ni Mommy Chesca. Bilang isang Maternal Mental Health advocate, napakahalaga sa atin na mag-observe ng mga habits kung saan magiging mas masaya, mabuti, at patient tayong mga nanay. [Kung paano maaachieve ito, pwede niyong basahin ang Mental Health Wellness activity book na ito ng Doctors Without Borders.]
Self-care is not selfish
Hindi kailangang drastic ang changes para maging healthy ka, Bagong Nanay. Pwedeng magsimula ka lang sa pagkakaroon ng self-care routine. Kahit 10 minutes lang for yourself everyday. Yan ang ikakampanya namin this Women’s Month, kasama ang apat pang mga nanays.
We want you to #Take10Mama. Take 10 minutes for yourself, everyday. So that you can better care for others.
Dahil kung tayo mismo ay malusog ang pangangatawan, damdamin at isip, mas makakapag-discern tayo ng maayos sa lahat ng ating gagawin, including discipline. Higit sa lahat, ieemphasize ko din ang paghingi ng tulong. Naiintindihan ko na mahirap maging healthy, pero kakayanin natin yan kung mayroon tayong tulong mula sa ating partner, pamilya, mga kaibigan, o support group. Higit sa lahat, sa Diyos.
Uulitin ko, lahat tayo ay work in progress. Hindi ibig sabihin na kung pinapalo mo ang anak mo ay masamang magulang ka, at kung hindi mo pinapalo ay mabuting magulang ka. Iba-iba ang ating mga anak, iba-iba tayong mga nanay, at sa tingin ko, ang pinaka-nagkakaisa tayong lahat ay gusto nating magtulungan dahil hindi natin ito kaya mag-isa.
Again, #BagongNanaysEMPOWERBagongNanays
Sabi nga ni Mommy Victoria Dang sa kanyang book na “Go Momshie,” “real moms fix each other’s crowns.”
Ikaw, Bagong Nanay, anong masasabi mo?
Need another Bagong Nanay to talk to? Join the Bagong Nanay Community on Viber!
Bagong Nanay 