Category: #BagongNanayDiaries

Hello, 2026: Bagong Taon, Bagong Nanay!

Hi, Bagong Nanay!

Kumusta?

I just wanted to write a quick post to do two things: 1) recap our 2025 in Bagong Nanay; 2) invite you to our first Milk Tea Meetup.

Bagong Nanay’s 2025, wrapped

I mentioned in a reel that my 2025 was a year of heartbreaks and breakthroughs. The first half of the year was the extension of my maternity leave. I gave birth to my second child via Caesarean section in September 2024, and went back to work in January 2025. I became a Bagong Nanay all over again, and I wasn’t prepared for the reset. I prayed and prayed for God to help me decide what to do next: I love my job, but my son needed me more.

That’s why in May, I decided to resign from my job as an editor at Smart Parenting.

July

In July, I restarted Bagong Nanay. I bought a new domain and hosting, and started writing for my own website. I was scared but also excited for what God has in store for me. And so I kept writing.

Bagong Nanay, new logo for 2025 relaunch

Before the month ended, my good friend and Bagong Nanay Roanne Duran Pascual wrote about how she’s raising her son to be a reader. It was the first Kuwentong Bagong Nanay of 2025.

Photo credits: Roanne Duran Pascual

August

The next month, God showed His plans for me.

In August, I signed my first brand partnership. The only milk brand I trust, HiPP Organic Kindermilk tapped Bagong Nanay to be one of their influencers. Not only did I found THE milk for my children, but they helped grow my mom community through their Mommy Meetups.

Having fun at the HiPP Mommy Meetup with my new Bagong Nanay friend, Gayle Dhillon. | Photo credits: HiPP Organic Kindermilk Philippines Facebook page

On the same month, another good friend and writer Jilianne Roylence Francia, who also owns Valianne’s Trends, shared how she started her advocacy to normalize breastfeeding anywhere.

Photo credits: Jilianne Roylence Francia

I also debuted the Bagong Nanay Biz section, where I feature moms and their businesses. For the first issue, Suzette Goc-ong of Sew Childhood shared how she built her clothing business from scratch.

Photo credits: Suzette Goc-ong

It was also in August when our family grieved the death of our 16-year-old dog, Lolo Panda. I knew I had to write about it, and it helped that I did.

I started showing up on TikTok too! Panindigan na natin ‘to.

September

It was during this month when I was busy preparing for my son’s first birthday. During his party, my husband and I launched Laro Tayo Kids, an inflatable slide and mobile playground rental business. It was my biggest move for 2025, and it took lots of prayers and sleepless nights to happen.

View this post on Instagram

I also featured a mom I found on Threads, who sells sweaters and onesies with handsewn prints: Yane Cuarto of Elisha and Eliana. Her story reached thousands, and it was the highest viewed story of Bagong Nanay to date.

Photo credits: Yane Cuarto

October

On my birth month, I finally had the courage to write a vulnerable post about caring for our mental health and staying alive.

I was grateful to also share the story of Ara Yeung, the Bagong Nanay behind Cuddle and Coo PH, on how her business helped her in so many ways.

Photo credits: Ara Yeung

November

The best is yet to come. In November, I had the pleasure of working with Bianca Gonzalez, and becoming part of one of the episodes in her Paano Ba To? The Podcast.

Screenshot from YouTube /iamsuperbianca

It was a dream come true, an answered prayer, and again, God showing how powerful He is. He makes all things new. I didn’t know it yet, but Bianca will invite me to a very intimate brunch in December! Watch it here.

I also received an email from a mompreneur who wanted to share her story on Bagong Nanay. Sobrang kilig ko when I read her message. Eds Nabong of Aimerie shared how she paused her career and built her cloth diapering business.

Photo credits: Eds Nabong

December

To end the year, Ives Lim Esteban of Tickled Babies shared how she built her business during her tender season as a Bagong Nanay. She’s the mom who brought well-loved brands like HALO SleepSack, NoseFrida, and OXO Tot to the Philippines

Photo credits: Ives Lim Esteban

And the last Kuwentong Bagong Nanay of 2025 was the story of Tina Santiago Rodriguez, a media missionary and mother of six (plus one in Heaven). She shared what and who helps her do it all.

Photo credits: Facebook /Jewels Conference, Tina Santiago Rodriguez

Hello, 2026! Milk tea tayo, yes?

What a year that was. I didn’t know that all those things could happen, all I knew was I’ve chosen to surrender to God’s plans.

That’s why, to start the year, we’ll be having our very first Bagong Nanay Milk Tea Meetup this month! Yes, gusto lang naman nating mga mommies ay mag-me time habang umiinom ng ating dasurv na dasurv na milk tea. Start tayo sa South! Our venue is in Alabang, Muntinlupa. Babies are allowed! Gets na gets namin yan.

So far, may 10 mom members of our Viber community confirmed! Partner kami ni mother Chesca Susmerano of Studio Maria for the program. We want to make it special and meaningful for the Bagong Nanays!

If you want to join us, comment below or send me a DM on Facebook, Instagram, or Threads so I can send you the link to our Bagong Nanay Community Viber group. We’ll be having another one in the North and East soon!

If you made it this far, thank you so much for being here. You matter so much. I hope you remember that. God loves you!

My 2026 Surrender planner from my bestie Cherrie Julian

Here for you,

Nanay Judy

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31

13.01.2026
So this happened: Paano Ba ‘To? X Bagong Nanay
Hi, Bagong Nanay!

I just wanted to share a milestone for Bagong Nanay. I got the honor and opportunity to work with no less than my favorite interviewer and podcaster Bianca Gonzalez for an episode of Paano Ba ‘To? The Podcast.

For context, I love listening to podcasts. While my current fave is Dogshow Divas by Macoy Dubs and Baus Rufo, I’ve been listening to Bianca’s podcast especially during my early days as a Bagong Nanay. It was 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, and while I was washing dishes, cooking, or breastfeeding my firstborn daughter then, Bianca’s Legends Only series kept me sane.

Then, in 2022, I got the chance to interview Bianca for Smart Parenting about mom guilt and mom rage.

I was able to even attend a live event of Paano Ba ‘To? in 2023 and thought that was already the best things to happen as a fangirl.

I was part of the Paano Ba ‘To? Live 12 last Dec 2023, and it was the best!

But I really believe God listens to even our most tender prayers: I became part of a Paano Ba ‘To? episode!!!

In this episode, Bianca talked to Andi Manzano-Reyes, former DJ, and now a content creator and mom of three, who shared her thoughts about pursuing passion alongside motherhood (plus, money tips!)

View this post on Instagram

Watch it til the end, and you’ll see me asking Andi a question about why we should not feel guilty to buy something for ourselves sometimes.

I’ve made it!

Andi’s countdown: Top 3 mindsets to turn passion into something that will last
- Take that first step, and just keep moving forward.
- Be grateful, and don’t take today for granted.
- Have the right partner and support system.
Side note: I’m happy to be part of this episode because personally, I use RCBC as one of my banks. I opened one to organize my other sources of funds, and to be honest, ang dali mag-open ng account onsite (I remember bringing my daughter then). And online din, even when the bank transitioned to a new app (Pulz), I didn’t encounter any issues. Thanks for this episode, RCBC!

And who knows, Bagong Nanays? Someday, baka I’ll be the one Bianca interviews! I’ll be so ready for that.

Watch the full episode on YouTube here.

Listen to the podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcast.

Also, join the Paano Ba ‘To: SUPER Group on Facebook too.

Bagong Nanay, we have a Viber group for you. Comment below so I can send you the link.
07.11.2025
You are still here for a reason, Bagong Nanay
Trigger warning: mental health issues, depression, and death

I would say it’s a miracle that I still get to write this.

I’ve lost count of how many times I told my husband that I no longer wanted to continue with my life because I felt useless, worthless, and hopeless. Ever since I’ve become a mother.

I know, I know. Becoming a mother is an honor, a privilege that not all women get to have. Pasalamat ako may anak ako, oo. Pasalamat ako na pwede akong mag-resign sa work. But there are days when it feels easier to give up than to fight, and it’s not our fault.

Sabi kasi nila, when you become a mother, it’s the best thing that will ever happen to you. But there’s a fine print: you might lose yourself in the process, if you try to do it all on your own.

My turning point

It was on October 9, 2021 when I took the brave step to consult a psychologist. Sabi ko, birthday gift ko na sa sarili ko. My daughter was only two years old then. May mga episodes ako na sa sobrang frustrated ko sa sarili ko, sa pagiging unemployed ko, at sa pandemic, na muntik ko na siyang masaktan. As a former Bantay Bata 163 reporter, alam ko ang effects ng physical abuse sa bata, kaya hurting my children was one thing I swore I will never do.

So when that moment came na I shouted at her and almost hurt her, I paused and said, “Hindi na ako ‘to. Something’s wrong with me and I have to fix it.”

I booked an online appointment with a psychologist, and I told her everything, down to the details. All of my thoughts and feelings. She confirmed I went through postpartum depression. Sobrang gaan ng pakiramdam ko after ko malaman na, ayun, it was depression taking over me. I was motivated to become better.

Fast forward to my second child, four years after, I thought I was okay, pero may times din na I feel, nagrerelapse yung depression ko, especially that I’m unemployed again. Pero nilalabanan ko, with faith and my support system, I am still here.

So here I am, taking this moment to share what I want other people to know.

Three things I want people to know

1. Please, yakapin ninyo ang mga Bagong Nanay.
Kahit ano pang sabihin ninyo, new moms are in the most vulnerable season of their lives. After giving birth, their hormones are all over the place, their body is recovering, and the pressure to figure it all out is just so hard. Thus, their mental health should be protected at all costs.

Please, don’t ever think that you’ve done everything to help them. Don’t ever think na sila ang may problema at hindi ikaw. Kasi they need help to transition from only thinking about themselves to suddenly caring for a tiny human being, and that’s not very easy.

Intindihin natin sila. Tulungan natin sila. Pasayahin natin sila. Love them. Tell them they are beautiful. Remind them that they are amazing. Let them know that they are seen, valued, and loved, not just their baby.

2. Bagong Nanays, you don’t have to do it alone.
Oo, nakaka-boost ng morale when you say “Wala kaming yaya,” or “Wala kaming help.” I get it. It feels like achievement mo that you are hands-on with your child. But when it gets hard, please. Ask for help. Kung hindi afford, baka may iba pang way. Exhaust all possible ways.

Let me break it to you: in the end, walang award for the mom who never asked for help. But your kids will remember you if you’re the mom who took care of herself. The mom who craves for me time and gets it. The mom who is filled with joy. Hindi ako nagpapa-manipedi type of mom. Pero pag gusto ko mag-meet with my friends, I tell my husband and we plan for it. We make a way for it.

We’re not meant to do this all alone, all to ourselves. We need a village. Nanay lang tayo, hindi tayo Diyos. And that means, we need the Lord. We must seek Him every day, in every decision, in every moment.

It’s okay to ask for help. Even the best fall down sometimes, sabi nga ni Howie Day.

3. Makakabalik rin tayo.
Minsan, mas madali tumingin sa mga wala tayo kaysa sa mga meron tayo. Wala nga akong work sa ngayon, pero meron akong time ihatid sundo ang anak ko, i-serve ang asawa ko, at mag-explore ng pwedeng pagkakitaan. Now more than ever, mas nakikita ko yung reason why kailangan ko munang mag-step back sa career para sa mga anak kong maliliit dahil gusto ko solid yung foundation nila bago ko sila i-expose sa mundo.

Makakabalik rin tayo. Ngayon pa nga lang one year old yung anak ko, hindi na niya ako hinahanap pag lumalabas ako ng bahay. Nararamdaman ko na ulit na malapit na akong magka-free time. Paano pa kung nasa school na silang dalawa ng ate niya? Ano nang gagawin ko? Pwedeng bumalik sa workforce, pwede ring hindi na. Pwedeng magsimula ng business kung saan masaya ka sa ginagawa mo at hawak mo ang oras mo.

One night, my daughter told me, “You’re the best mom in the world because you’re my only mama and you are always free to be with me.” Grabe, I realized it was the only validation that matters.

@bagongnanay A friend asked me the other day, “Tama ba, housewife ka now?” Dati naooffend pa ako, pero ngayon, it’s an honor and a privilege. UP graduate, walang work? Haha. Please talk to my daughter. 🤭 #fyp #foryou #bagongnanay #sahm #momtok ♬ Little Things – Adrián Berenguer

Hindi mo kailangang magpa-pressure sa mga tao sa paligid mo, na dapat ganito ka kasi ganun sila. Stay in your lane. Focus on your finish line. Compete with yourself. Invest in yourself para pag dumating yung araw na sayong-sayo na yung oras mo, hindi ka mangangapa. Sabi nga nila, walang nanay ang nag-regret na niyakap niya, nakipaglaro siya, at binigay niya ang oras niya para sa kanyang mga anak.

If there’s one thing I know the Lord wants me to tell you, it’s this: You are still here for a reason.

Nabasa ko nga online, “This is not your practice life. This is all there is.” Insist on your joy.

Kung kailangan mo ng tulong, go. Kung gusto mo magpahinga, go. Say it. Ask for it. Demand for it. Work on it. Because you deserve it. You deserve to take up space just because you are you.

Yun lang.

And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Luke 12:7

Happy birthday to me. Praise God.

October is Mental Health Awareness Month in the Philippines. Listen to this podcast by Bianca Gonzalez with a psychologist.
28.10.2025
Dealing with Grief and Loss: Saying Goodbye to Our Dog Panda

On August 8, we lost a family member—our almost 16-year-old dog, Panda.

This morning, I caught myself staring at a gaping hole outside our home. It would have been the resting place of our dear Panda,who passed away peacefully in his sleep that day. It’s only been three weeks since he left us, but not a day goes by that we aren’t reminded of him.

That hole was my husband’s and my attempt to dig a grave for our beloved dog. When we found out that he’s dead at 11AM, our instinct was to dig—under the scorching heat, with the only tools we had at home: a small pick and shovel, and a lot of heart.

Hello, Panda

I first met Panda during my then-boyfrend, now husband’s birthday celebration at home back in 2009. He was still a tiny puppy, only a few days old. He had a white fur and black spots, easily, they named him Panda. Since then, we took care of him, and loved him as our family.

When his sister Pipay died a few years back from slug poisoning, we thought we’d lose Panda too. He showed the same symptoms, but thankfully, we rushed him to the vet at midnight and he was given medicine for his liver.

When Kevin and I got married and lived in Eastwood, Panda stayed under the care of our tenant in Tandang Sora. We would visit often, usually bringing liempo as his treat. During the pandemic, when our tenant moved out, we took Panda in because he was all alone. Together with our toddler daughter, we survived the lockdown inside our 24-sqm studio unit.

Our dear Panda.

We walked him at our condo’s parking lot, as we got our own dose of sunlight and exercise. And when we finally moved to our new home, he had the space to run free again.

Goodbye, Lolo Panda

We dug until we reached a rock we just couldn’t break. By then, I was already feeling dizzy, and my husband was drenched in sweat. He took a break from his work, telling his teammates, “I’ll just bury my dog.” My heart broke when I heard him say that. Our kind neighbor saw us and lent us his bigger shovel.

When Panda died, our instinct was to dig a grave for our dog.

We took a break for a while because there seems to be no luck in digging anymore. My husband thought, how about we have him cremated?

On Facebook, we found a pet aftercare provider. When I picked up my daughter from school, I told her what happened. That afternoon, we didn’t play any music during the ride home. We were just quiet.

They picked up Panda’s remains that same afternoon and gave us a short time to view him before cremation. At around 4 PM, they arrived—just after our 6-year-old daughter saw him and said goodbye.

By 6 PM, I received a text from telling us we could schedule a viewing at 9 PM. It was an hour’s drive from our home, but it was worth it.

There, we saw Panda lying on a soft bed surrounded by flowers. Immediately, the tears we’d been holding back poured. It was heartbreaking to say goodbye to the dog who had been with us for nearly 16 years.

Thank you, Panda.

When I got pregnant with my first child, Panda knew. He sniffed me often, and appear so clingy because he thought we’d love him less. Whenever he escaped from our house, we’d scour the village non-stop just to find him. I remember looking for him in our village while carrying my three-year-old daughter, holding an umbrella, at noontime. Only to find him resting calmly under a parked truck. He never really left us, but we always feared losing him, because he was family.

Dealing with the grief of losing a family member

Reflecting on Panda’s death, here are a few things that help us cope as a family.

1. Feel your feelings.

Allowing ourselves to sit with the sadness and grief helped. So did telling others we needed time to grieve. I had to refuse from a task that day because I told them we lost a family member. Digging that grave was our way of processing our emotions together. And being able to see Panda one last time, at peace, helped us prepare to say goodbye.

2. Talk about him.

He will never be forgotten. Whenever I see a dog, I think of him. In our home where he was a constant, Panda will always have a special place. Having his ashes with us brings peace—we know he’s still home.

3. Know that it’s not your fault.

On the day he died, I was very sorry that I wasn’t able to save him. I cried, and I was guilty that I could’ve done something to extend his life. However, I realized how blessed we are to be able to spend almost 16 years with Panda. We were his only family, and he gave us unconditional love. For that, we will always be grateful.

Our last family photo, before I gave birth last September

If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever.

Run free now, Panda. We love you so much.

In loving memory of Panda Aladin

November 2009 – August 8, 2025

Thank you Precious Paws Aftercare Services for our beautiful send-off to our beloved Panda.

29.08.2025
It’s been a while, Bagong Nanay.

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.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bagong Nanay | bagongnanay.com (@bagongnanay)

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.

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A post shared by Studio Maria | Mom Statement Shirts 💗 (@studiomaria.formamas)

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.

bit.ly/studiomariaxbagongnanay

Babalik ako dito palagi. Sana andito ka pa rin.

Nanay Judy

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.

To God be all the glory.

10.03.2023
Collab ng Taon: Bagong Nanay Club Merch with Studio Maria
Hello, Bagong Nanay!

Kumusta ka? Sana okay ka lang despite the rising number of Covid-19 cases dahil sa Omicron na yan.

It’s 2:23AM, pero hyped na hyped ako dahil mamaya na ang launch ng Bagong Nanay Club Merch!!! AHHHHHHHHH!!!

So basically, magda-dump lang ako dito ng mga thoughts and feelings ko dahil sobrang overwhelmed ako sa collab na ito.

I remember one of my bestfriends saying, “Paano mo malalaman na will ni God for you ang isang bagay?” And the answer we concluded was, “Pag hindi pilit, at smooth lang ang bagay-bagay.” Kumbaga, iyo talaga yan. Ina-allow ni God yan for you. Hindi ka na Niya papahirapan.

Para organized ang thoughts ko, ganito ko nalang ikikuwento kung paano nagtugma ang lahat para mangyari ang collab na ito:
- July 18, 2019: My Bagong Nanay moment. Naging literal na bagong nanay ako kay Therese Aurelia. 34 weeks palang siya, gusto niya na lumabas sa outside world! Siya ang pinakamagandang bata sa buong mundo.
- September 11, 2019: Bagong Nanay was conceived. In one of my 5-minute showers, naisip ko “Juskolord. Bagong Nanay na ako. OMG. Paano ba ihahack ito? Napakahirap!” Boom! Nakatuwalya palang ako nun, gumawa ako ng Instagram account, and the rest is history. Ang initial idea is to make it a crowdsourcing hub for first-time moms on IG, kasi andun madalas nakatambay ang mga nanay.
- November 8, 2019: Mommy Jersey dreams. Nangarap ako gumawa ng “mommy jerseys.” Four months palang ang baby ko noon, at naka-maternity leave pa ako. Na-inspire akong gawin ang idea na ito kasi lagi kong suot na ang basketball jersey ni Husband for easy access sa boobs. Hehe.
- January 29, 2020: Transition. Nag-resign ako from my regular job as an Assistant Communications Manager to be a full-time nanay. Simula noon, sabi ko, kakareerin ko ang Bagong Nanay. Nag-start ako ng The Bagong Nanay Shop, etc.
- August 2, 2021: Cold message. Na-discover ko ang Studio Maria for Mamas. Meron silang muscle tees na same ng na-envision ko for my mommy jerseys. Parang na-dishearten ako na may nakaisip na pala non. LOL. Pero what if pwedeng maki-ride nalang ako sa current na meron sila? So nag-DM ako sa Studio Maria for Mamas sa Instagram (around 3AM pala yun, haha) na “Would love to have a shirt that says, Bagong Nanay!” Try lang, diba. At nag-reply si Chesca, ng “Nice idea! I can include in future releases!” WOAH. Simula noon, nabuhayan ang pangarap kong mommy jerseys!
- September 17, 2021: Bagong Nanay as Studio Maria Partner Affiliate. Nag-join ako sa free workshop ng The Social Media Rebel, at nag-promote doon si Chesca about Studio Maria. Nag-sign up ako to be a Studio Maria Partner Affiliate for extra income, at bilang aligned naman talaga siya sa goals ng Bagong Nanay. Nagka-chat kami ni Chesca on IG, at naalala niya na gusto kong makipag-collab. Di niya alam, halos maihi ako sa kilig!
- December 9, 2021: Planning Eto na! Tuloy-tuloy na ang online planning, brainstorming, and execution for the Bagong Nanay Club Merch! Lahat via chat and email lang with Chesca! Haha. Nag-crowdsource kami ng content from Bagong Nanays, dahil para sa kanila ito.
- January 15, 2021: Bagong Nanay Club Merch Launch. To God be all the glory.
Sketches of my mommy jersey dreams way back in 2019

Isa ito sa mga pangyayari sa buhay ko na nagpprove na, God’s delays are not denials. May mga bagay na pangarap natin, tapos maffrustrate tayo dahil hindi siya nangyari based on how we envisioned it, pero yun pala, may better plan for us.

God’s detour. A collab with Studio Maria for Mamas!

Chesca Susmerano, a creative mompreneur, has her own shirt printing business, at sobrang high-quality ng shirts at print niya. Pang-alta! Hindi ka mapapahiya ipangregalo! Haha. Ako naman, I’m building an online community for first-time moms. Nag-swak ang mga bagay-bagay, kaya nangyari ang collab na ito. Ang smooth, diba?

Kaya naman, 3AM na. See you later on Instagram Live at 6PM for the Bagong Nanay Club merch launch!!! We’ll be launching FOUR (4) SHIRT DESIGNS na crowdsourced from real Bagong Nanays. Nakakakilig talaga. Thank you Lord for Chesca and for this project! Please please support us and share this to your mommy friends!

See you later at 6PM!

May this collab empower more Bagong Nanays. You are not alone.

Nanay Judy

Shop now at studiomaria.art, and use the code, BAGONGNANAY

to get 15% off!
15.01.2022
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

30.08.2020
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
19.03.2020
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…
23.01.2020