Tag: baby

  • Jilianne Roylence Francia: Normalizing Breastfeeding Everywhere

    Jilianne Roylence Francia: Normalizing Breastfeeding Everywhere

    Hi, Bagong Nanay!

    August is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month, that’s why sobrang honored ako to feature the Kuwentong Bagong Nanay of Mommy Jilianne Roylence Francia, the mom behind the local nursing wear brand Valianne’s Trends.

    Mommy Jill and I worked together for Smart Parenting. But before that, when I was still starting my Bagong Nanay online shop, I saw her shop and got insecure why I should start my own, when she is already thriving in the same space. Eventually, we became friends online, and now I am one of Valianne’s Trends mom ambassadors!

    There’s no better person to share about normalizing breastfeeding in public than Mommy Jill. A proud padede mom, she has two daughters, and a baby boy on the way. Here’s how she is helping more moms breastfeed in style, and persevere through the help of products that she lovingly created.

    Why we should normalize breastfeeding in public

    I was a first-time mom in 2018 and I joined breastfeeding communities to get inspiration from other mothers. I try my best to pay it forward to my new mom friends and give them the support they need in their new motherhood journey. I share how it may be hard in the beginning, but it will be worth it.

    However, a few of them still don’t persevere in breastfeeding for a number of reasons. First, they lack of confidence. Second, people around them say they don’t have enough milk. Third, and the hardest, is the societal pressure. Of course, we respect how babies are all fed and we appreciate every new mother’s effort regardless of their choice. Still, I wanted to help normalize breastfeeding because it has been the most rewarding thing I’ve done as a mom. The bond between me and my child is unlike anything else.

    Mommy Jill breastfeeding her second daughter, PV.

    At Valianne’s Trends, we want to share photos and stories of normalizing breastfeeding in public. As a breastfeeding advocate, I want to share my story because I also drew inspiration and strength from the stories of other moms. I believe that if we won’t be brave and consistent in sharing our stories, we might lose the chance to encourage a mom who just needs a spark of hope to keep going.

    How Mommy Jill’s breastfeeding experience evolved

    One thing I am so proud of myself as a mom is that I was able to breastfeed my two children, and I will breastfeed my third child, too. I remember almost giving up when I experienced cracked, bleeding, and sore nipples because of wrong latch. I even unfollowed breastfeeding groups because I thought I couldn’t bear it, but the sleepless nights of educating myself about proper latch all paid off. I’m happy that I did not give up because, right now, my story has become someone’s source of inspiration, too.

    breastfeeding mom pregnant
    Mommy Jill is pregnant with her third child, a boy, and is determined to breastfeed him.

    I want to share to our community that more than just selling clothes, Valianne’s Trends supports them in their breastfeeding journey. We tell them that moms can become confident again after going through hardest days of the postpartum period, or the fourth trimester.

    Breastfeeding is hard work. If you think you can’t, you won’t persevere. Although it’s challenging, it’s a fulfilling journey. When you’re struggling, go back to your ‘why.’

    -Jilianne Roylence Francia

    What helped Mommy Jill in her breastfeeding journey

    Nursing clothes

    Clothes with nursing access has always been a life-changer for me. I remember using nursing cover when breastfeeding in public for the first time and my baby and I weren’t so comfortable with it. It took me a lot of courage to drop the cover and practice wearing our nursing clothes confidently.

    A strong support system.

    Having my elder sister as my number one supporter helped me a lot. She was the one who told me that I have enough milk when I thought I couldn’t produce any.

    The right mindset

    Feed your mind that you can do it. Breastfeeding is hard work. If you think you can’t, you won’t persevere. Although it’s challenging, it’s a fulfilling journey. When you’re struggling, go back to your ‘why.’

    About the Bagong Nanay: I am Mommy Jilianne Roylence Francia from Bacoor, Cavite. I am the Bagong Nanay of QV, PV, and VK. Outside motherhood, I’m a writer, goal-digger, and dreamer.

    Want to share your #KuwentongBagongNanay too? Comment below or send me a DM on Instagram.

  • Why a Bagong Nanay Needs a Scalp Care Day, ASAP

    Why a Bagong Nanay Needs a Scalp Care Day, ASAP

    If you are a new mom and you haven’t tried Meinas’ 7-Step Scalp Treatment, this is your sign to make time for it.

    Hi, Bagong Nanay! Kumusta? Ako, eto, busy-busyhan. Kaka-soft launch ko lang ng bagong business namin sa social media: Laro Tayo Kids! Inflatable and mobile play space rental siya, perfect for playdates, birthday parties, o kahit walang okasyon! Check it out here.

    Speaking of bago, last week, I tried the 7-Step Professional Scalp Treatment at Meinas Scalp Solutions. Kakaopen lang nila ng bagong branch nila sa SM Mall of Asia! May branch rin sila sa SM North EDSA Annex, kaya I tried their scalp treatment for the first time. All I can say is: TRY NIYO RIN.

    Bagong Nanay Reviews: Meinas 7-Step Scalp Treatment

    So yes, I’m here to convince you to try their 7-Step Scalp Treatment for yourself because you deserve it! If you are any or all of these Bagong Nanays, then go for it!

    1. Hindi ka nakakaligo every day.

    Gets kita, Bagong Nanay. Ako rin, before my treatment with Meinas, hindi ako daily naliligo. Ang excuse ko, walang time dahil may baby. Instead na maligo ako, mag-sulat na lang ako itutulog ko nalang. Lalo naman nung first baby ko. Inaabot ako ng 3-4 days na walang liguan, kasi pandemic, nasa condo lang naman kami, at wala kaming helper. Imbis na maligo ako, aalagaan ko nalang yung baby ko.

    Pero did you know that neglecting hygiene is a sign of depression? Iyan ang kinonfirm sa aking ng aking psychologist when I first consulted a professional for my mental health. Especially nung nakita ko kung anong status ng scalp ko dahil hindi ako naliligo, nakakadiri! May fungus, microbes, at chemical residue na pala sa anit ko! Huhu.

    Avail niyo na yung FREE scalp consultation ng MEINAS, and see it for yourself.

    Meinas offers free scalp consultation in their branches, kaya talagang makikita mo yung magiging difference after the treatment. Kaya go mo na ‘yan.

    My first scalp care treatment at MEINAS SM North EDSA Annex.

    2. Grabe ka mag-hairfall.

    Normal ang 50-100 strands of hair fall per day, ayon sa Healthline. Pero kung Bagong Nanay ka, i-expect mo na na mas marami ang hair fall because of postpartum hair loss, lalo na within the first six months after mong manganak.

    Hindi sa nirerecommend ko, pero noong first baby ko, sobra akong napikon sa hair fall ko, kaya nagpakalbo ako. Shinave ni husband ang aking hair. So in short, na-reset ang aking hair, pero that doesn’t mean na healthy ang scalp ko.

    My scalp before and after MEINAS Scalp Treatment!

    After one session at Meinas, naging healthy ang scalp ko! Naglabasan din daw yung small hair na hindi makalabas dahil clogged yung pores. Nakakatuwa.

    3. Kailangan mo ng me-time.

    Well, lahat ng nanay naman need nito. Pero if you are a Bagong Nanay na wala talagang time for yourself, yung 90-minute scalp treatment na wala kang kasamang kids, sobrang nakaka-recharge siya.

    Also, lagi ko sinasabi na need ko ng full-body massage. Pero hindi ko akalain na need ko rin pala ng sobrang malupit na head and scalp massage. First time kong ma-massage ng ganun, sabi nga ng friend ko, langit yung feeling. Parang natanggal lahat ng stress ko sa buhay. Haha.

    With Ms. Jane of Meinas Scalp Solutions

    Sulit siya for its price of P2,980. Meron ding packages where you can save up to P3530 if you buy 5 sessions. I’m telling you, it’s the spa we never knew we needed. And remember: Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp.

    Visit Meinas at SM North EDSA Annex (Lower Ground), Greenhills Mall (5th Floor), and SM Mall of Asia (2F North Wing Main Mall) or their website here.

    Watch my full video review of Meinas Scalp Treatment on TikTok and Instagram.

  • #BagongNanayReviews: Mega-Malunggay Capsules

    #BagongNanayReviews: Mega-Malunggay Capsules

    Are you also like me who is not fond of taking supplements in the form of capsules or tablets? I don’t know about you, but I don’t like the thought that I am taking medicines when I am perfectly fine. That’s why when I started breastfeeding, I prefer eating lactation treats or drinking malunggay as tea. You can read my review about my favorite malunggay tea here.

    But then there are days when I feel like my breasts are empty and my daughter’s about to feed, but I’m too tired or just too lazy to prepare a drink. That’s when – fine – these green, awkward-tasting malunggay capsules come handy.

    There are five reasons why I started taking Mega-Malunggay Capsules to help boost my breastmilk supply:

    1. It is widely used by moms.

    2. It doesn’t contain sugar.

    3. It is easy to take.

    4. It is cheap.

    5. It’s worth it.

    Not all hype

    A lot of celebrity moms and influencers have been promoting Mega-Malunggay capsules. I remember seeing a giant billboard of Bianca Gonzales promoting this VPharma product along EDSA.

    Photo credits: Bianca Gonzales’ Facebook account

    My favorite momma peg, Iya Villania-Arellano, also uses it, and promotes it on Instagram. I thought it was all hype, not until I used it myself.

    Photo from Iya Villania Arellano’s Instagram account

    Healthy option

    While it feels so good to give in to all the lactation treats available – tea, chocolate drink, coffee, cookies – name it, some moms just don’t like too much sugar. We Bagong Nanays are conscious about getting our prenatal body back. So a sugar-free lactation aid is always a good idea.

    Photo from VPharma’s Facebook page

    This is also the product preferred by pregnant moms who have been diagnosed to have gestational diabetes.

    No-frills malunggay

    Because of Mega-Malunggay, you don’t need to ask your husband to climb your malunggay tree, or ask your neighbor to spare you some leaves. You don’t need to go into the hassle of removing the malunggay leaves from the stems.

    Mega-Malunggay is made of pure malunggay leaves, and one capsule is already equivalent to 3/4 cup of malunggay leaves. You can also open the capsule up, and just sprinkle the malunggay powder to your food and drink!

    Photo from VPharma’s Facebook page

    Did you know that you can start taking Mega-Malunggay capsules on your 32nd week?

    Value for money

    For only 9.50php per capsule, it gives you the peace of mind that you can produce enough milk for your baby. Its effect varies per person, but based on my experience, taking Mega-Malunggay before bedtime gives me enough milk to put my baby to sleep. That’s of course complemented with unli-latch and enough rest and sleep.

    Mega-Malunggay has no approved therapeutic claims. But it is Halal-Certified and FDA-approved safe.

    Best in the market

    I used to take Natalac because it was readily available in drugstores. However, it only has 250g of malunggay. That’s why Mega-Malunggay is mega – it has the highest milligram available of malunggay plus 100mg of vitamin C.

    Photo: bagongnanay

    It works for me, and I hope it works for you too, Bagong Nanay. Would you like to try Mega-Malunggay? Comment below and I will give you a discount on your first order. You can also order your stocks at The Bagong Nanay Shop. Get it today.