Bagong Nanay

Author: Bagong Nanay

  • Kung kanta ang 2020…

    Kung kanta ang 2020…

    Hello, mga #BagongNanay!

    Kung meron kayong Netflix sa bahay, siguro napanood niyo na ang singing contest na Sing On! Nakakatuwa itong palabas na ito, dahil ngayong panahon ng pandemic, isa sa mga nakakamiss na gawin ang pag-videoke with friends.

    Hindi pwede sa ngayon dahil paano ka magsosocial distancing sa liit ng mga videoke rooms? Bawal din kumanta kasi tatalsik ang droplets. Hay. Kaya virtual nalang muna. Nood nalang muna ng Sing On sa bahay.

    Kaya naman, tinanong namin ang mga #BagongNanay sa Facebook at Instagram: kung kanta ang 2020, ano ang lyrics nito para sayo at bakit?

    Mapapakanta ka sa mga sagot nila!

    🎤🎵And you’ll see me waiting for you, at our corner of the street. So I’m not moving. I’m not moviiiiing… 🎶 @mommyfaith.ph

    The Man Who Can’t Be Moved or The Family That Can’t Go Out? Haha. Sabi ni Mommy Faith, yan ang kanta niya dahil stay at home ang protocol habang nasa ilalim pa rin tayo ng community quarantine. Hanggang kelan? Hindi natin alam.

    🎤🎵You’ve made me stronger by breaking my heart… 🎶 @momofhyperkids

    Gusto ko ang perspective ni Mommy Honey. Sabi niya, “sa dami ng trials this year, naging matatag ako.” True naman! Kaya natin ‘to mga mamsh!

    🎤🎵I’ve got to break free. God knows, God knows I want to break free! 🎶 @mamafindsbliss

    Mapapakanta ka talaga dito sa lyrics ng rock band na Queen, na entry ni Mommy Missy. God knows, gusto na natin lahat lumabas at pumasyal with our babies!!! 2020, quota ka na talaga!

    🎤🎵Basta’t tayo’y magkasama, laging mayroong umagang kay ganda. Parang sikat ng araw, may dalang liwanag.. sa ating pangarap. Ooh… Haharapin natin. 🎶 @_katemorales_

    OPM naman ang entry ni Mommy Kate. Sabi niya ngayong 2020, mas lalo silang naging close at matibay ng family niya. Dahil naka-lockdown sila sa isang bahay, pagkakataon nga naman na mas makilala pa ang bawat isa.

    🎤🎵Let it go.. let it go.. Can’t hold it back anymore! 🎶 @mavicholics

    Napa-channel si Mommy Mavic sa kanyang inner Elsa! Sabi niya gusto na niya mag-let go sa community quarantine para makagala na with her kids. Relate na relate sa iba pang mga mommies.

    🎤🎵Lapit nang lapit, ako’y lalapit. Layo nang layo, ba’t ka lumalayo? 🎶 @guamdalisay

    Ito ang paalala ni Mommy Guammy sa ating lahat. “Pwede ba yung trending song dati na Kahit Ayaw Mo Na? Dahil lang sa lyrics nito na malakas maka social distancing. #6FeetApartPlease”

    Wala tayong choice sa ngayon but to stay home and keep ourselves safe from Covid-19. Always wear mask and face shield when you need to go out for essential activities. Eat healthy, and boost your immune system.

    Try our M2 Malunggay Okra Luya Tea from The Bagong Nanay Shop! May promo this October – avail na mga mamsh! Thanks to M2 Lactation Club and Grab Express for making this possible. Nuks!

    Ikaw, kung kanta ang 2020, ano ang lyrics nito para sayo at bakit?

  • Ulam with a twist

    Ulam with a twist

    Hello, mga #BagongNanay! Kamusta ang pagluluto ng 3x a day, minsan lampas pa kasi may merienda? Paggising ko sa umaga, iniisip ko na anong lulutuing breakfast. Pagkakain ng breakfast, ano namang lulutuing lunch. Anong merienda? Anong dinner? Repeat til fade.

    Isa daw ito sa laman ng ating mental health load bilang nanay. Nakatulong sa akin ang paggawa ng meal plan. Naglilista ako kung ano ang aking ipprepare na mga ulam for two weeks. Kaya lang, ang hirap mag-isip ng mga bagong maluluto ah! Todo research ako sa mga Facebook groups at sa Google ng Pinoy recipes.

    Kaya naman tinanong namin ang mga #BagongNanay sa Instagram at Facebook kung ano ang paborito nilang lutuing ulam with a twist. Kumbaga hindi nakasanayan, creative. Nakakaloka at nakakatakam ang mga sagot nila!

    “Mixed seafood curry.” @mamee_aizy

    Mahilig daw si Mommy Aizy magluto pero wala pa siyang recipe na maituturing na kanya. Pero wag ka, patok na patok sa kanyang pamilya at maging sa mga friends niya ang mixed seafood curry na gawa sa shrimp, tahong, pusit and lots of veggies. Yummy!

    “Ginisang spinach na may condensed milk.” @thenicoledvillaran

    Eto ang twist na hindi ko maiisip! Iba talaga si Mommy Nicole na mahilig mag-explore ng iba’t ibang recipe para sa kanyang two boys. Ang mahalaga naman – edible at healthy, diba?

    “Adobo na may malunggay.” @ayessammy

    Kwento ni Mommy Ayessa, para hindi masayang ang nabiling malunggay leaves, at para hindi panay Tinola ang luto niya, nilalagay niya nalang ito sa kahit anong ulam! Tulad ng Pinoy classic na Adobo.

    Kaya naman meron tayo sa The Bagong Nanay Shop na Malunggay Powder, na pwede ninyong ihalo sa kahit anong pagkain – fried rice, pancakes, ulam, at kahit sa smoothie. Di niyo mapapansin na may gulay, pero andun ang phytonutrients ng malunggay.

    “Prata + homemade jam = Danish pastry.” @xingogaoiran

    Parang gusto kong masubukan itong instant merienda na ishinare ni Mommy Xin. Yung prata ay isang Indian flat bread na usually sineserve with curry. Pwede pala itong lagyan ng palaman like homemade jam or custard at meron ka nang pantawid gutom na soshal!

    “Sausage and lentil stew!” @rejjventress

    Isa pa itong recipe ni Mommy Rej – mahilig siyang magluto ng sausage in different ways! Check out her recipe here.

    “Ginisang kalabasa + all-purpose cream = squash soup!” @judiyamariya

    “Lahat ata ng ulam pwedeng lagyan ng all-purpose cream at magkakaroon ito ng kakaibang twist! Try niyo sa spaghetti sauce or kahit sa ginisang kalabasa!” Isa ito sa mga discoveries ni Nanay Judy ngayong quarantine. Pati rin si celebrity Nanay @chynsortaleza.

    :)

    Salamat sa lahat ng nag-participate sa #BagongNanayQOTW na ito! Lahat kayo ay tatanggap ng 10% discount to any The Bagong Nanay Shop products. Just send a screenshot of your answer when you order.

    Ikaw, meron ka bang ulam with a twist na kahit kakaiba ay paborito ng iyong pamilya? Share mo na yan!

  • Minsan nanay, madalas…

    Minsan nanay, madalas…

    What’s up, mga #BagongNanay? Nalula ako sa dami ng mga sumagot sa ating Bagong Nanay Question of the Week! Salamat sa inyong suporta at hindi pagiging KJ. Lalo ngayong panahon na ang dami na nga nating iniisip, dumagdag pa ang pa-white sand sa Manila Bay, join nalang tayo sa mga positibong usapan sa social media.

    Speaking of social media, kanina, napanood ko ang documentary na The Social Dilemma sa Netflix. Dito, pinakita ang dark side of social media – how it’s taking over our lives and why we should fight it.

    While the Internet enables us to access information, ito rin ang nagiging enabler ng fake news. While social media was initially envisioned to spread positivity through likes, nakaka-affect na pala ito ng bongga sa ating mental health, lalo na sa mga younger generations. While these platforms connect us to our loved ones across the world, these were also used as means to divide a country.

    Pardon the code-switching, ang hirap mag-Tagalog, aminin. Haha. Dami pa ako thoughts, pero dito nalang tayo mag-discuss if you want.

    Anyway, mabalik. Nagtanong kami sa Instagram at Facebook kung ano ang iba’t iba pang role ng nanay sa kani-kanilang bahay. Yes, may sumagot na sa Facebook this time! Haha. At nag-promise ang Bagong Nanay to award the wittiest answer – hindi lang ang honor na ma-feature dito sa blog, but with a surprise gift na ang winner lang ang makakaalam! Yey.

    Eto na nga ang mga sagot nila sa #BagongNanayQOTW:

    Tribute to Mama Mary din ang #BagongNanayQOTW na ito. Happy birthday, OG Bagong Nanay! :)

    “Peacekeeper. Lalo na pag nag-wa-warla ang mga bagets.” @mommyfaith.ph

    Good job si Mommy Faith! Wag po tayong kunsintidora. Hehe.

    “Tech support ngayong new normal.” @orangepopsicle18

    Ayon kay Mommy Sam, isa siyang multi-faceted nanay. Siya rin ay: “Personal assistant sa mga activities, photographer, videographer, documenter, lifetime banker/pawnshop/loanshark na di naman babayaran, debater rin since magaling mag-reason out ang bata, cheerleader, prayer warrior, psychologist, nurse, doctor, and more.”

    “Guidance counselor.” @mommycheespeaks

    At least hindi na-pi-Principal’s office ang mga kids!

    “Taga-hanap ng mga bagay-bagay sa bahay (kahit hindi naman nawawala).” @sahmnimia

    Sabi ni Mommy Jea, di daw niya alam anong tawag sa taong ganito. Lost and found desk? Imbestigador? Forensic expert? Charot. Ano nga ba?!

    “Janitress.” @thenicoledvillaran

    Totoo po. Sana may promotion or salary increase, ano ho?

    “Minsan photographer, singer, dancer,(talented ka?!)” @slayingmotherhood

    True ito! Minsan kailangang aliwin si baby para kumain, or hindi umiyak. Hahaha. Kakapagod rin po ano. Haha.

    “All-around yaya, manager, mayordoma, accountant, personal assistant, driver, cook, baker, at madami pang iba.”
    @mylifefae     

    Sana all ng role may payroll.

    “Dakilang tutor.” @mavicholics

    Lalo na ngayong online na muna ang school, ayon kay working Mommy Mavic, siya ang dakilang tutor ng kanyang anak na si Zac.

    “Struggle is real sa online schooling, mamsh. Bukod sa nakatabi ka sa gilid niya during online discussions ako pa din taga-turo. Or minsan ako na gumgawa ng assignments, seatworks at projects! Pero enjoy naman, para akong bumalik sa pagiging student,” share niya.

    “Ako si “Catrionanay.” @guamdalisay

    Winner itong sagot ni Mommy Guammy! “Dahil kahit haggard na ko sa mga gawaing nanay, ako parin daw ang Ms. Universe ng mag-ama ko. At sila naman ang #SilverLining sa buhay ko. And I, thank you!” May nanalo na! Hahaha.

    “Ako si “Kenyubay.” Jinky Santos

    Para sa akin, ito ang pinaka-witty! Ayon kay Mommy Jinky, siya daw si “Kenyubay.” Bakit? Dahil ito daw ang bukambibig ng kanyang anak na si Dean: “Mommy, can you buy <insert lahat ng makikita ni Dean sa tv>).” Hahahahahahahahahah. Buti nalang hindi pa nagsasalita ang anak ko. :P

    Congratulations, Mommy Jinky! I-pi-PM kitak ung ano ang iyong surprise gift from Bagong Nanay. :)

    Maraming salamat sa lahat ng sumali! Nakakaaliw na ang dami nating hats na iwiniwear bilang nanay, ano? Siguro kahit anong lista ang gawin natin, hindi tayo matatapos. Ang pagiging nanay ay hindi biro. Pwede kang mag-break, pero hindi ka pwede mag-leave. Hindi ka din pwede mag-resign. Kaya saludo ako sa bawat isa sa inyo, mga Bagong Nanay. Kung iniisip mo palang na may iba ka pang role bukod sa pagiging nanay, ibig sabihin nun na isa kang mabuting nanay.

    Lagi’t lagi naming ipapaalala sa’yo, we see you, Nay. Everything that you do is valued and appreciated. Mahalaga ka, Nay. Kaya kapit lang.

    Ikaw, ano pa ang title mo sa bahay bukod sa pagiging Nanay?

  • “Di ko naman pala kailangan…”

    “Di ko naman pala kailangan…”

    Hello, mga #BagongNanay! Sorry, medyo na-late ang blog post na ito. Minsan kasi, ang sarap sulitin ng weekend kasama ang pamilya. Pero pagkagising mo ng Monday, parang weekend pa rin naman pala. Walang aalis para pumasok, dahil work-from-home. Yun nga lang, hindi pwedeng pumunta ng simbahan para mag-simba, or mall para pumasyal.

    Nagtanong kami ng mga Bagong Nanay sa Instagram kung ano ang habit o routine nila noon – bago pa mag-lockdown – na na-realize nilang kaya naman pala nilang hindi gawin ngayon.

    At eto ang mga sagot nila:

    “Kaya ko pala na hindi bumili ng bagong damit.” @sahmnimia

    Ayon kay Mommy Jea, noong dalaga pa siya, monthly siya kung mamili ng damit. Nung nag-asawa na siya, naging madalang na. At ngayong nagka-pandemic, hindi naaaa! Puro kay baby and necessities nalang. Isang malaking RELATE, mamsh!

    “Kaya ko naman palang hindi magpa-mani and pedi every month.” @evrydaymomslife

    Sabi naman ni Mommy Jemma, kaya niya naman palang hindi magpa-manicure and pedicure every month, pero ang hindi niya talaga kaya i-give up ay ang back massage. Wow. Ang sarap! Nakakamiss.

    At dahil di na siya laman ng nail spa, ano na kaya ang kinahihiligan ni Mommy na pagandahin? “I spend a lot of time decorating and improving my daily budget journal. Ang dami ko nang highlighters and pens. Since pandemic, I realized na need mag-improve ng savings. Three (3) months cushion is not enough pala.”

    Very well said, mommy. At least nakatipid din sa mamahaling Orly nail polish at tip! :P

    “Kaya ko palang hindi magpagupit nang six months!” @rejjventress

    Kung dati ay onting tubo ng hair, set appointment sa salon, tila nag-iba ang ikot ng mundo para kay Mommy Rej. Ang dating high-maintenance na pixie cut, wala munang choice kundi pahabain ngayon.

    “Kaya ko palang hindi mag-staycation every two months.” @eringaloso

    Say it with me, mga mamsh. SANA. ALL. Nakaka-staycation every two months. HAHA! Don’t worry, kapatid ko siya. Hehe.

    Bukod dito, sabi ni Mommy Erin, na malungkot siya dahil na-realize niyang kaya pala niyang hindi magpagupit sa salon, gaya ni Mommy Rej.

    Ako nga mga mamsh, isinuko ko nalang kay Husband ang aking buhok. Bumili siya ng hair clipper sa Lazada – at sa akin niya itinest. Panoorin niyo itong pag-ahit niya sa ulo ko!!!

    Dahil libre ang gupit, sinulit ko na!

    “Kaya ko palang hindi mag-complain.” @guamdalisay

    Ang ganda ng entry ni Mommy Guammy. “Kung dati hindi maiwasan magreklamo at ma-stress over the little things, ngayon lagi nalang akong thankful at #FeelingBlessed basta walang sakit ang buong pamilya.” Eto. Eto lang naman talaga ang mahalaga sa panahon ngayon. Wala nang iba.

    Napakaraming pagbabago ang dala ng pandemic, ano? Imagine, it took a pandemic for us to realize what matters to us most. Nakakalungkot isipin na ang mga bagay na nagbibigay aliw at saya sa atin noon – manicure, pedicure, spa, mall, salon – ay humaharap ngayon sa isang hamon. Bilang mga Pilipino tayo, nagiging mapamaraan para lamang makamtan ito, nang hindi i-co-compromise ang ating health and safety.

    Ikaw, Bagong Nanay, ano pang napagtanto mong hindi mo naman pala kailangan?

  • Dudo

    Dudo

    I can still remember how hard I tried just to express breastmilk for Lia.
    Since she was born six weeks earlier than expected, she had to stay at the NICU. When the visiting hours are up, I would go back to my room, trying to pinch my breasts for any sign of milk. I asked Kevin to buy me an electric pump to help me.

    On the 3rd day of continuous trying, I produced my first ever colostrum. It was embarrassingly little – not even 1mL. I used a syringe to collect it, placed it in a bag, and went down to NICU to hand it over. It was 10PM.

    Thank God, my Ate Erin went ahead and posted on Facebook that Lia needs breastmilk donation. Thank God for Emee, who responded and shared half of her precious milk stash for Lia. I will forever be grateful.
    Time came when Kevin and I had to leave the hospital. It was the hardest part – going home without our baby.

    Whenever we reach home, I would feel the emptiness. I would religiously pump, every 2 hours, so that I can bring some bags for her the next day.

    Every day we would go to Capitol, and I would stay there to breastfeed Lia, sometimes from 9 to 9. I would hold my pee and my hunger just so I won’t have to let go of her. Just so I can feed her, so she can reach the needed weight, so we can bring her home.

    Finally, after 20 days, we brought her home. And since then, I never left her again. My boobs – which were non-essential for 29 years haha – finally had a purpose. They were Lia’s bestfriends. Haha. Every day and every night, she would look for them. For comfort, for nourishment, for security that Nanay is just here.

    There were days when I doubted my breasts when Lia doesn’t gain much weight. When we go to our monthly pedia check-ups, I would summon all the angels and saints just so the weighing scale would tip. I’ve been waiting for Lia’s pedias to say it – “You are not producing enough milk that’s why she isn’t gaining weight. It’s time for Lia to supplement.” But God is good, they never did.

    There were also nights when I would wake Kevin up and tell him that my breasts are engorged. Nothing’s coming out but they are swollen. He would tell me to pump, to take a hot shower, and our last resort: wake Lia up and let her latch. Those were the toughest nights – I would cry because of the pain, and also because of the possibility that just like that my milk’s gone.

    But we keep pushing, taking in malunggay in all its forms – leaves, powder, capsule, pasta, chocolate and tea drink. I made my own rolled oats with chia, flax seeds, and yogurt. God is so good, we are still at it. Still exclusively breastfeeding to date. Thank God for Kevin, for he never doubted me.

    I remember those days when I would sit outside the NICU, reading a tarpaulin with signatures of doctors and staff saying breastmilk is the best milk.

    I remember those days when I would patiently pump at the clinic in our office, excusing myself from meetings, just so I can bring home something for Lia.

    I remember that one day when, for the first time, Lia latched on my breast.
    It felt like I found my purpose. I felt like my life mattered.
    Someone depends on me. Someone needs me.

    More importantly, someone loves me.
    This afternoon, Lia and I were having fun while she feeds.
    She would pinch my nipple or dudo, and when milk comes out, she will squeal and laugh.

    God, I love her so much.

    #AugustisWorldBreastfeedingMonth

  • “Kaya ko pala!”

    “Kaya ko pala!”

    Tinanong namin ang mga #BagongNanay sa Instagram kung anu-anong bagong skill o kakayahan ang na-discover nilang kaya pala nilang gawin ngayong nakasailalim ang Metro Manila sa community quarantine sa gitna ng Covid-19 pandemic.

    Nakakaaliw ang mga sagot nila!

    “Kaya ko pala magluto ng 3x a day.” – @judiyamariya

    Taas-kamay ng mga nanay diyan na kunwari nalang may Top Chef o Master Chef challenges para lang mapakain ang pamilya ng iba’t-ibang ulam per day. Napakahirap po mag-isip ng lulutuin, ano? Buti nalang andyan ang Panlasang Pinoy. Haha!

    Check out Nanay Regina’s blog for certified yummy at madaling i-prepare na Quarantummy recipes!

    “Kaya ko pala manahi.” – @xingogaoiran

    At ang galing niya! Check out ang mga dresses na tinahi ni Singapore-based Mommy Xin para sa kanyang little bunny daughter Dani. <3

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CCi_d0lJj5b/
    Follow @bunnydanidresses on IG

    “Kaya ko pala maging mom-preneur!” @guamdalisay

    Dahil halos lahat ngayon ay nagsstay at home para iwas-Covid, dumarami ang mga nagbebenta online. PM is the key, ika nga! Si Mommy Guammy ay nagbebenta ng malunggay tea drink online para sa mga #BagongNanay na tulad niya! PM niyo na siya! :)

    “Kaya ko pala mag-WFH-gawaing bahay-at mag-alaga ng toddler.” @ayessammy

    Hands down, Super Nanay Ayessa! Sinong relate na mas mahirap pa ang mag-work-from-home kesa pumasok sa office?

    “Kaya ko pala makatapos ng K-Drama in one day!” @mavicholics

    Eto namang si Mommy Mavic, na-break ang kanyang record sa panonood ng K-drama! Kung dati inaabot pa siya ng 2 days, natapos niya panoorin sa Netflix ang The King: Eternal Monarch ng isang araw lang! Winner! Nirerecommend niya ito dahil “high-class ang production plus Lee Min Ho, of course!”

    Anong K-drama ang pinapanood niyo, mga #BagongNanay?

    “Kaya ko pala tumayo sa inidoro nang hindi naghuhugas ng pwet… kasi biglang pumasok si baby!” @thenicoledvillaran

    ITO TALAGA ANG SKILL! Hahaha. Kabog ang lahat ng skills namin sayo, Mommy Nicole! Hahaha. Ang hirap nga naman mag-CR in peace lalo na pag extra clingy ang ating mga babies!!!

    Sa panahon ng pandemya tulad ngayon, hindi naman required na may matutunan tayong bagong gawain. Pinakamahalagang task natin ngayon bilang mga #BagongNanay ay panatilihing safe, healthy, at buhay ang ating pamilya. Yun ang hindi matatawarang skill natin bilang mga nanay. <3

    Kaya natin to, mga mamsh! Kapit lang!

    Ikaw, #BagongNanay, anong skill ang na-discover mong “Kaya mo pala?”

  • How to be a #BagongNanay in the time of Covid-19

    How to be a #BagongNanay in the time of Covid-19

    This morning, I woke up the moment my husband was about to go to bed. I asked him, “Anong oras na?”

    “Ah, 4:30. Ano ba ngayon, Wednesday? Hala, Thursday na pala.”

    Uncertain. Our life has been like that every day, for four days now, since government ordered both public and private companies to let their employees work from home amid the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

    My eldest sister who works in the BPO industry said it best: this is unprecedented. In her 14 years on the job, they were never asked to stop going to the office and just work from home. Not even during the worst typhoons. It’s never been done before. This is some serious sh*t.

    Anxiety due to this uncertainty hits me every time. I recently quit from my job, after ten years of working, to become a full-time nanay. The thought hasn’t really sunk in yet, as the decision was beautiful and harrowing at the same time. Here’s what I’ve been doing to cope with this uncertainty:

    1. Focus on what matters most.

    With the threat of Covid19 just lurking outside our door, I am striving to be like a swan – cooking our meals, washing the dishes, preparing her bath, breastfeeding her every two hours, reading to her, playing with her, watching nursery rhymes with her, putting her to sleep – but breaking down underneath. Focus on what you need to do, and keep going.

    Your most important task during these times is to keep your family safe and healthy. Don’t pressure yourself to do a lot of things just because you feel you aren’t doing anything. It’s okay. Just keep your home the safest place to be.

    2. Take a break.

    Recently, I’ve been having engorged breasts. Perhaps my baby is not latching well, or probably because I am so stressed. Why was I stressed that night?

    Our President just finished his speech, announcing that there will be an Enhanced Community 1uarantine or ECQ in Luzon. After that, my husband and I watched 93 Days on Netflix, a film about ebola. On top of that, I am unemployed, and anxiously waiting for the results of my applications for home-based jobs. And yes, I need to do everything in my power to keep my family alive and try to keep my sh*t together.

    Everything is messed up, so give yourself a chance to breathe. Take a social media break, watch the daily news but with caution that there are things you cannot control, so do things that you have control. Read a book, write on your journal, or declutter your room. Rest.

    3. Take it one day at a time.

    Dealing with this kind uncertainty is hard, especially for a first-time mother. How long before I can take my child to the park? Or, will we ever be able to go to the park again?

    Find comfort in knowing that the only way we will overcome this, is to survive one day at a time. For now, staying at home is the best that we can do. So we make the most of our hours at home. One day, we will look back on these days and miss these, I bet.

    4. Find an outlet.

    The mental load of a first-time mother at the time of Covid-19 is freaking heavy. You are in-charge of another person’s life now.

    That’s why to cope, I try to write so I can finally let all my thoughts and emotions out. If I leave this post unfinished, and save it as another draft, it will keep haunting me. I also find comfort that when I write down things, there will come a time that I will read them again and think “Ooh, so that happened before and now everything is better.”

    Maybe take this time to finally meditate or workout, bake or cook, whatever that suits you. Nothing fancy, just focus your energies to doing something else instead of worrying and being anxious. It’s hard, but we need to be in-charge of our mental health to better care for others.

    So what else can you do when things are uncertain?

    • Focus on what truly matters
    • Consider sending private messages to people you care about, instead of posting rants publicly.
    • Don’t add to the burden that others are already carrying by spreading negativity or false news.
    • Have faith that this, too, shall pass.
    • In this time of crisis, be like a swan, but think like a wolf. Take charge of your pack.

    And oh. Find comfort in this promise from today’s readings:

    “All depends on faith, everything is grace.”
    —Rm 4:16

    #bagongnanay

  • First Day Low: When maternity leave ends

    First Day Low: When maternity leave ends

    Here’s the thing about maternity leave – it ends.

    Today is my first day back to work, after more than four months of leave after giving birth to my firstborn daughter Lia. Last night, I prepared my breast pump accessories, unearthed my non-maternity clothes, and the documents I need to submit to HR in exchange for the 115-day maternity leave I cherish the most. More importantly, I prepare myself for a major sepanx with Lia.

    Throughout my leave, there was only a day (yes, just one) that I had to leave Lia with a caretaker (who was my Ate, never a yaya) for hours. I had to attend the wedding of one of my best friends in Cavite and back. When I arrived home after being 10 hours out, my breasts were engorged and in pain. They wanted Lia.

    Now, I know that going back to work will be tough. Here are the few things I did that helped me:

    1. Plan your day ahead.

    To help me stay sane with this transition, I planned out my day in the office. I will just be there for a couple of hours, so I will make every minute count.

    • Show up in the office
    • Submit documents to HR
    • Experience pumping milk
    • Check some emails (pretend to work lol)
    • Go home after at least an hour in the office :P

    I will just continue working from home, since my work laptop is also in Cebu (excuses!).

    2. Prepare everything before you go.


    So earlier, I woke up at 5AM with an engorged right breast since Lia didn’t want to feed last night. I put her to bed at 11PM after singing to her a Christmas song while carrying her in my arms. I thought to myself, LUH, she grew up! I looked at us in the mirror, and my 34-weeker preemie baby is gone. She’s replaced with a big girl, who loves to cling to her Naynay in her very specific way. I love her so much.

    Anyway, so I put on a Haakaa on my engorged boob and went back to sleep since Lia was still down. At around 6AM, I woke up, and saw Lia moving out of her swaddle. She woke up crying, so I changed her diaper and then fed her. She was hungry and she consumed all the milk from my then engorged right boob. She gulped and gulped, then gave a sweet sleepy smile. She finally dozed off.

    I got up, with no more excuse not to, and prepared to go. My clothes from before pregnancy still fit! The thing I forgot about was my shoes. I used to wear those non-slip preggo shoes to work and I don’t want to wear them anymore. I also prepped Kevin’s clothes for work, and realized he’s got no more clothes left. We are trying to be minimalist in our clothing, so Kevin only has a few black and gray shirts for work. I just found out that all of them are still in the hamper! Okay, maybe I will just stay home. Not!

    3. Just GO.



    I thawed a frozen milk bag for Lia, and finally had to go. As I was about to leave my husband and daughter for work for the first time in four months, I had to take their photo, and silently step out. That’s when Kevin’s alarm rang. I was worried that Lia would wake up, and I will not go to work because I will just choose to take care of her, but she didn’t. She just moved a bit, then went back to sleep. I didn’t kiss them. God I already miss them so much.

    So I finally left our home, went out of our building and greeted Kuya guard a good morning, just like how I used to, before Lia. I went up the overpass and down, and saw my ride coming. I rode the e-jeep, and reminisced that I used to sit down at the priority area. I found a seat, and I knew I had to write everything down about this day.

    I only have Lia in my mind and my heart. It’s just 7AM. God knows how badly I want to go home.

    Can you still recall how you felt the first time you left your little one to return to work? Share it below, Nanay. I feel you.

    #BagongNanay

    What I need every day…