Sorry na, nakalimutan ko gawin itong blog na ito. Hehehe.
Pang-justify lang ba ng mga nakakalimutang tasks ang #mombrain? O real talaga siya?
Tinanong ko ang mga Bagong Nanays on Instagram kung ano ang eksenang mombrain nila recently. At naloka ako sa mga sagot nila! 😅
Me, all the time
Apir!
Soap-as!
Na-disinfect din yung pasta haha
Saing naman…
Buti nalang
It’s asin
Pweh
Expectation vs reality
Wag kasi masyado mag-expect
Alamat ng Suklay
Hahahaahahaha
In chorus
Mamaaa x 3
Luhhhh
Padede moms know!
Best answer goes to Mommy Daisy Sanuco! You will receive a gift pack from The Bagong Nanay Shop, featuring its newest product: Mother Nurture Malunggay Coffee and Choco Mixes. Yey!
Order now at The Bagong Nanay Shop!
May eksenang mombrain din ba kayo recently, Bagong Nanay? Share mo na yan!
Probably one of our greatest fears as a Bagong Nanay is to be far away from our baby. I cannot imagine the pain and the longing of having to sleep without her by my side, or miss out on her milestones.
In our experience, my baby spent her first 20 days in the NICU, away from me. After visiting her and spending time with her in the hospital, my husband and I will go home to an empty house. Those were the hardest days for us. I asked myself: Why can’t we be with our baby? Did we do something wrong?
That’s why I live to share stories like this: a Bagong Nanay who had to be far away from her baby because of circumstances. I personally witnessed some of her struggles – because our daughters were born two weeks apart.
Here’s the #KuwentongBagongNanay of Marie Tzarina Go-Gaoiran, on how a mother’s love could be so patient and so kind and so enduring that even with the distance and the pandemic effect – she strives to find ways to show her love for her daughter. A love that is out of this world – to the moon and back.
Ilabas na ang tissue. Nanay tears will be shed.
1. What were the circumstances that led you to be in a long-distance relationship with your little one?
Two months before I gave birth to my daughter Dani in 2019, I flew from Singapore where I work – to my home in the Philippines on my obstetrician’s strict advice. At that time, I was approaching eight years as an S Pass holder in Singapore. Our long-distance situation with my dear daughter began after my maternity leave.
The Singapore government only allows non-residents to visit a maximum of a month, regardless of age, even for family members of S Pass holders. I asked about how to apply for a dependent, but I came out ineligible, after an assessment.
The solution I came up with was to bring Dani to Singapore in alternate months. In the months that she had to stay in Manila, I would fly back for a couple of days to be with her.
Dani’s First Christmas with Mommy Tzarina
But our situation worsened when the pandemic started in 2020, which led me to decide to come home to the Philippines for good.
2. How did you manage being far away from your baby? What are the three things that helped you cope with it?
Postpartum depression (PPD) + long-distance relationship (LDR) is the worst formula for a Bagong Nanay. I cried myself to sleep – every single night. My husband, who was with me in Singapore, was very supportive and understanding, and for that I’m grateful. We talked things through and came up with ideas that could help me cope.
Nightly video calls, sometimes even during office hours, made me feel as if I’m next to Dani. Before her bedtime, we read storybooks, which was so comforting. On weekends, calls were much longer. A couple of other stress busters in my routine are cooking and baking. I frequently sent photos of the dishes I made.
Thank God for technology. Dani and her mommy TzarinaStorytime!Loving Dani to the moon and back
Lastly, I put up Bunny Dani Dresses, where I sewed cute clothes and a quiet book for Dani. I surprised myself that I was able to make dresses for my little bunny.
3. What was it like when you finally hug her again after a long time of being far away?
My trip back home to the Philippines in November 2020 was unannounced. My parents and my friends didn’t know about it, except for my husband. It was nerve-wracking because it was my first time to make such a big surprise.
When I opened the door, my mom shrieked. She couldn’t believe that it’s me. Dani cried, wondering what made her Granny scream. My heart was beating fast, I thought I was going to cry, but I felt so much happiness. I was smiling the whole time. It was a joy to see Dani again after a long time.
Together, finally!
4. What activities do you enjoy doing together now that you have each other? List the top 3.
Somehow, the lockdown lets me spend more enjoyable activities with Dani. She’s my little helper in baking. When I tell her that we’re going to bake, she hurries to the kitchen and grabs the wire whisk, rolling pin, muffin pan, among other things.
Little baker DaniLike baking, if it takes patience and love..…It’s going to be good and sweet. 💜
I also enjoy bathing her in her mini tub. She imagines swimming in the pool with her rubber duckies and other toys.
And at bedtime, I tell her stories from when she was just a baby, sometimes about our family, and stories from her books.
Also mommy’s kitchen apprentice!
5. What can you tell moms who are currently living far away from their children?
When it comes to your children, nothing can be more important than being with them.
Tzarina Gaoiran for bagongnanay.com
I want to send a message to long-distance moms to follow their mother’s intuition. When it comes to our children, nothing can be more important than being with them. I had to battle my nagging fears for months, but my final decision to fly home to Dani was worth it. Regardless of your decision, don’t let anyone’s judgment burden you.
As of writing, Tzarina and her husband Don are now living together with their daughter Dani here in Manila. 💜
6. In only six words, describe what kind of Bagong Nanay you are.
I am more confident and contented.
I am Marie Tzarina Go-Gaoiran from Pasig.
I am the Bagong Nanay of Daniele Marina or Dani, who just turned 2.
I love watching Korean dramas and Netflix, and do some crafts when I am not busy with being Dani’s playmate, cook, and mom.
Are you in a long-distance relationship with your child too? Share your experience in the comments.
Trivia: Alam niyo ba na most of the recent Bagong Nanay Question of the Week questions ay hindi galing sa akin? Yes. Galing sila kay husband – si Bagong Tatay! Hehe.
Kaya nung pinost ko ang Bagong Nanay Question of the Week natin, natuwa ako! Parang napa-throwback ako sa testi days ng friendster! Parang nagkaroon ng outlet ang mga mommies on Instagram para i-recognize ang mga nanay influencers na paborito nila, at the same time, nirecognize din ng mga influencers ang mga nanay fans nila. Hehe.
Napili siya ni Mommy brendaaguilan dahil “very friendly, soft-spoken, God-fearing and laging nagsishare ng opportunity.”
Sabi naman ni inaybessie, “ang cute ng content niya pramis, busy lang ako kaya hindi ko pa napapakinggan ang podcast niya, nakaka-goodvibes ang videos niya.”
Follow Mommy Therese Cardenas aka thenurturingmomma as she aims to bring back sanity and self-care to nurturing mommas. Check out her podcast, Hello Momdays!
2. slayingmotherhood
Sabi ni mamatin.blogs, fina-follow niya si Mommy Babzee dahil “kalog! Fun and exciting parenting.” Si Mommy mayjowa_na, siya ang top 2 dahil sabi niya, “gustong gusto ko talaga yung mga nanay na may sense of humour sa mga post.”
Follow Mommy Babzee aka slayingmotherhood, if you want to see more of her “witty nanay” posts like this:
“Sobrang down to earth, hindi madamot sa opportunity, kaalaman, medyo mukhang masungit. Nanay na Nanay,” sabi ni mamatin.blogs.
Sabi ni mommyfarizza, “Yung words of wisdom niya super nakakainspire. Isa siya sa mga inspirasyon ko bakit pa tuloy akong nagpupursige maging isang ambassador.”
Follow mommypehpot, mom of five, dahil baka ikaw nalang ang hindi pa naka-follow sa kanya! She has 78.5k followers to date. Wow.
4. justcheespeaks
Eto, personal favorite ko din itong si Mommy Chee! Kaya naman isa siya sa mga ininvite ko na magsulat ng #KuwentongBagongNanay niya bilang isang nanay influencer. Read here, kung hindi mo pa nababasa ang story niya.
Agree si mommy_alexies, favorite din niya si Mommy Chee, “kasi gaganda ng content niya especially usapang content creator.”
Follow Mommy Chee Vicente aka justcheespeaks if you want to know best practices and Instagram hacks for content creators and brand owners.
5. mommypracticality
Sabi ni Mommy joannaguilalas, “love her contents! Super friendly at approaching pa.” Same sila ni mamatin.blogs, “love the content too! Mapagbigay ng opportunity at relate sa mga post.”
Follow Mommy Louise aka mommypracticality, and learn from her practical guide to mommy life.
6. chammagsaysay
Sabi ni mamajloncho, fan siya ni Mommy Cham dahil “I love her family! Nakakatuwa mga feeds nya, all about family and un mga twinnings nila ni Keia, wishing magkakababy girl din para makatwinning din like Mommy Cham and Keia.”
Si mommyjoannaguilalas din hanga sa kanya, “super idol ko to when it comes to juggling her time for work, her family and for herself. Plus her contents! Super gaganda and nakakaakit talaga!”
Follow Mommy Cham Estrera Magsaysay aka chammagsaysay, ang ganda nga ng feed niya!
7. karenclaudene
Sabi ni scofield.mom, favorite niya si Mommy Karen. “I don’t remember kung paano ko siya nakilala, pero out of the blue, na-inlove ako sa pagiging napaka-down-to-earth niya, tutulungan ka niya at isshare niya talaga sayo yung blessing niya. Kelan lang nasabi ko sa kanya, na nabibilib ako sa pagiging multiperson niya, (influencer, mother, wife and nag-aaral pa, plus may business ding hinahandle) kaya naman talaga #BeautifulWithAHeart.
Top 1 din siya ni Mommy rvlsjn.20, “Bakit? Dahil sobrang idol na idol ko siya since nakilala ko siya na isa pala siyang momfluencer. Ayun, kapag palagi kong nakikita IG stories niya or any post, nagrereact at nagcocomment talaga ako 😍♥️ Nakafavorites siya sa akin.”
“I love her for being a wais Mommy and mga tipid tips nya, syempre as a mom need natin maging wais sa mga decision lalo na financially,” sabi ni mamajloncho.
Agree dyan si Mommy joannaguilalas, “the best ang tipid hacks and tips. Very helpful!”
Follow Mommy Gracie aka tipidmommy for posts on grateful living, hacks, budget talks, and buhay nanay.
“She is very passionate on everything she does. Super love her contents, sharing every tips and good finds on her page!” sabi ni Mommy joannaguilalas. Isa din siya sa top 3 ni Mommy reinloves, “sila talaga ung nilu-look up kong mga momfluencer. To me they are family, truly an inspiration lalo na sa kagaya kong first-time mommy palang.”
Follow Mommy Dette Zulueta aka millennialmomsph, for good finds, tips & giveaways.
Sabi ni mommajoycekim, isa sa mga favorites niya i-follow si Kumareng Amor. “Super blessed ako nakilala ko sila napakababait nilang tao inspired na inspired ako maachieve yung goals ko lalo na sa pagiging momfluencer, dahil sa kanila mas lumalakas loob ko at nakafocus ako sa kung ano yung dapat kong gawin. Nagpapasalamat din po ako at mahal na mahal ko sila kasi nakakainspire sila ng mga mommies kagaya ko.”
Follow _mommamsyc aka Kumareng Amor to know how she inspires moms to become mombassadors too.
Maraming salamat sa pagsagot, Bagong Nanay! Na-notice tuloy tayo ng mga nanay influencers. Hehe. Dahil dyan, as promised, may one winner ng Nanayversary Gift Pack from The Bagong Nanay Shop!
First anniversary na kasi ng The Bagong Nanay Shop, kaya thankful ako sa mga Bagong Nanays for helping me achieve this achievement (any daw, sabaw at 4am). Salamat!
Congratulations to Mommy ms.agramirez! Will send you a message on how to claim your prize. :)
Love, Nanay Judy of Bagong Nanay (o, i-follow niyo din ako please, haha)
PS. May special prize si mamatin.blogs dahil nilagay niya ang Bagong Nanay sa Top 3 nanay influencers niya. Iba rin ang feeling! 🤭🤣 Salamat, Mommy Tin!
Katulad ko ba kayo na atat na atat mag-asawa noon dahil sabi ng society ay dapat mag-buntis na ang babae at a certain age? Or else, baka huli na ang lahat?
Share ko lang. I remember when I was still in my early 20s, I was very keen on getting married and have kids to the point na nagiging reason na siya ng awayan namin ng jowa ko. Pressure cooker ka ghorl because?
But it was partly because when I was only 17 years old, I had an abdominal ultrasound because I was complaining about stomach pain. The test didn’t find anything wrong with my organs though. But it showed an unexpected result: I had two masses on both ovaries. At 17 years old. The doctor told me and my father then that the only way to get rid of those is to get pregnant, and take them out when I deliver the baby.
I was like, WHAT?! I can’t explain how shookt my father was either.
Fortunately, both masses disappeared after a few years. I became a mom at 29 years old. Then my father asked me: “Are you sure kaya mo na alagaan si Lia?” I was like, “May choice ba ako Papa, syempre kakayanin. At matanda na ako no!”
Kahit ata 21 or 32 ako naging nanay, di ko masasabi kung kaya ko.
Our #KuwentongBagongNanay for today is the incredible journey of Mommy Cybil Malipot, a Bagong Nanay at age 39. Yes. 39.
I hope that her heartwarming story will inspire you that while age could only be just a number, being a parent goes beyond being physically and mentally prepared for your baby.
But is it worth all the pain, all the trouble, and all the wait?
Read on.
1. How would you describe your nanayhood journey?
It’s not perfect, but it has been the most amazing journey by far.
Four months past the birth of our son, and we still can’t believe that we have been blessed with this tiny, sweet, and beautiful baby.
I guess that’s what waiting and longing can do. No matter how tough the road ahead is or will be, because we have long imagined ourselves to be where we are now, we will embrace it.
Cybil Malipot, Bagong Nanay at age 39
Often, I’d find myself tearing up while staring at my son’s face, and I don’t know why. Not once have I complained to my husband about having sleepless nights, or the toe-curling pain of breastfeeding, or having my battle scars slowly healing and not allowing me to wear a bikini (as if!) anytime soon.
Now that we are here, there is no way but to welcome this adventure called parenthood. There is nothing that this whole journey can throw at us that will make us complain about every tough curve ball parenthood will bring.
I felt being chosen to bring this beautiful boy to this world; we cannot mess up. I still have my fears. Being a parent is scary especially that parenthood doesn’t come with a manual. To be given this chance to nurture another human being makes this experience so surreal. This baby completes us. Completes me.
Mommy Cybil with her son, Gian Elroi
2. What were the challenges that you encountered when you were pregnant?
I cannot say mine was the toughest, but what I can say was, I have been very blessed. I didn’t have morning sickness, no aversion to food. We thought I wasn’t pregnant which led to me taking the pregnancy test almost every day from my 8th to 10th week of pregnancy!
When we lost our second baby, first baby to my husband, my aunt told me to look for a Maternal and Fetal Medicine Doctor. The stars have aligned, I found one in VRP Medical Center, a tricycle ride away from where we live. She recommended I do an Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome (APAS) screening, which confirmed I was APAS positive. I developed gestational hypertension, my heart was enlarged, and the APAS might lead to deep vein thrombosis.
Everything had to be controlled from then onwards. The restrictions were overwhelming, which made me think that I wasn’t giving enough nutrients to the baby. From one cup of rice reduced to only ¼. Only one fruit per day. Low to no salt diet.
I guess the worst part of being APAS positive is the twice a day injection of Heparin – an anticoagulant to decrease the clotting ability of my blood so I can give enough supply to the baby. These shots had to be made at the belly area twice a day, by yours truly. For how long? The instruction was until I give birth.
Cybil Malipot
The first shot was terrifying. I remember having to go on a Viber video chat with my mom, a licensed nurse. She taught me virtually how to inject myself in the belly. The most painful part was when you run out of areas to inject, so there are spots where I need to inject into them twice or thrice. Ouch.
3. How do you find being a Bagong Nanay at a time like this?
My biggest worry was going back to work. Leaving my son at home while I work in the office was something that I wasn’t too open about, to be honest.
We have been very blessed that my work allowed me to stay home and be with my son. I feel lucky because not all moms have the same opportunity – to still witness the small and big milestones of our son at the comfort of our home.
Of course, I am still very paranoid. Our groceries are done online. We disinfect everything. Groceries, fruits, vegetables, everything in our house. It has made me appreciate technology even more because we really don’t go out except when we have a doctor’s appointment, but other than that we just really stay home.
The pandemic may have made me paranoid but it has also made me more cautious about physical and mental health. My self-discovery was that I can be a home body, which I thought I couldn’t. I had to be creative to find ways to purchase our needs despite the restrictions, or how to entertain myself and the baby at the confines of the four corners of our home.
But more than anything, the time that I spend with my son is the best reward this pandemic brought to us. We enjoy every bit of it while we still can.
4. Do you think that the age you become a parent actually matter?
I am neutral on this. I was told that a woman’s prime years are between 25 to 29. I was 26 when I had my first baby. I lost my baby two days after I gave birth. I was in my supposed to be prime years.
I got pregnant with my second baby when I was 38, and lost it. I then gave birth to my third at 39. To someone who has lost two, we never expected our baby to survive. I was prepared for the worst.
Cybil Malipot
The downside of being a parent, at this “stage” of my life, is centered towards the fact that physically, there are noticeable limitations. I kept telling my husband a woman’s system is not like men’s that even at 70 they can still procreate. Our body is not designed to give birth at 70 – we have a “deadline.”
I regret not to have tried having a baby sooner. In the first few years of our marriage, we agreed to put aside baby plans until we were ready. We got pregnant, I wasn’t ready still. I was just forced to be ready because I was already in the situation.
On the upside, while waiting for my turn to be a mother, I felt like I’ve had all the time in the world to learn from all the mothers around me. This motivated me even more to be one.
Cybil Malipot, Bagong Nanay at 39
Now, I can say that we have a clear vision of how we want to be as parents. I have the advantage of technology where tips on how to be a parent is readily available. And now that I have experienced motherhood, it’s the most beautiful thing in the world, becoming a mom. It has made the wait even more worthwhile.
Family of three
5. What can you tell women who say that they are already too old to be a mother?
There is no limit in age in becoming a mom or a parent. Anybody can be a mom – no matter how old they are. It’s the readiness of being one that is more crucial for me.
Cybil Malipot
I have seen from friends and family where they became parents at a young age and aced it even as a first-timer. I have also seen a “veteran” mom who wasn’t very good at being one in so many levels.
Also, being a mom isn’t always gender sensitive for me. I have witnessed my father become both my mom and my dad at the same time and it didn’t bother me, because my mom was too far away to be one for me. He wasn’t perfect, but he was fantastic at it.
It made me see parenthood at a different level – that one must have the strong desire to be a great parent to be called a mother or a father to their children.
Cybil Malipot, Bagong Nanay at 39
6. In only six words, describe what kind of Bagong Nanay you are.
I’m the “guilty type” of Nanay.
I am Cy, a true bisaya. Born in Cebu, grew up in Bohol, and lives in Mandaluyong.
I am the Bagong Nanay of Ramon Gabriel (+), 2 days old; Unborn Child (+), 8 weeks old; and Gian Elroi, 4 months old.
When I am not breastfeeding or changing nappies, I am always nesting (rearranging my son’s cabinet!), and a huge Instagram, Netflix and youtube person.
I love kdrama and I am still waiting for my Hogwarts letter to arrive because I believe I am no muggle. I love Harry Potter and his friends. The whole movie series is my favorite, my antidepressant.
Alin ka dito: yung simula nagka-baby eh panay post na ng pictures niya sa social media, o hanggang gallery lang talaga ang mga selfies niyo?
For our #KuwentongBagongNanay, tinanong ko si Mommy Chee Vicente, isang nanay na introvert, kung paano nga ba maging isang katulad niya na content creator at influencer. She has over 7,000 followers and counting sa kanyang page na Mommy Chee Speaks. Worth it nga bang i-set to public ang iyong buhay nanay?
Read more and know the perks and trade-offs of being an influencer nanay.
1. What made you decide to go public in posting your nanayhood journey?
When I started my Instagram account, I only thought about myself. I wanted to use it as platform to speak what’s on my mind. It will be an outlet for my creative juices. It’s where I could share my learnings from reading articles, watching videos, and my personal experiences.
Some of my friends, who were then my first followers, started thanking me for my posts. They said that my posts were something that even they themselves cannot bravely express, and they find it inspiring. That was the time when I set my Instagram account to public.
I believe that some women, especially moms, need someone who can speak on their behalf – probably because of their fear of being judged and humiliated.
I feel grateful when women and moms share their thoughts on the comment section of my posts. I also learn from them.
My Instagram page then became a platform not only for myself, but also for other women, especially moms.
2. What are the perks of being an influencer nanay? Can you share your top 3?
When my outputs are recognized, it is a more fulfilling experience than receiving free products.
Chee Vicente, influencer nanay
First, I found new acquaintances when I became an influencer nanay. Daming communities pala ng nanay na hindi ko alam, kasi prior to building Mommy Chee Speaks, I’m not active in social media nor part of mommy groups. I am an introvert type of person kasi.
Second, I am learning a lot. From photo/video editing to caption writing to content strategy, I try to improve day-by-day. I also learned a lot from other influencers kasi may nakilala akong influencers who are willing to share their knowledge and skills by replying to my questions via direct message or DM. Haha.
I also learn from my followers through their comments, and some of them share their personal experiences with me through DM too.
Finally, what that I like about being an influencer nanay is that I gained opportunities to showcase my talents through working with brands, guesting in live streams & podcasts, and other collaboration projects. When my outputs are recognized, it is a more fulfilling experience than receiving free products. 😂
Mommy Chee and her son, Tian
3. What are the top 3 trade-offs of having a public profile on social media?
Having a public profile on social media is a daily risk.
First, our privacy (including my immediate family) is somehow compromised. I sometimes post pictures including them and we don’t know if some bad person might grab these pictures and use them for selfish reasons. So for our safety, I don’t post everything about our lives unless I want my readers to gain something from it, or the brand requires it.
Having a public profile on social media is a daily risk. It also exposes me to a high risk of mental stress.
Chee Vicente, influencer nanay
I take time to read the comments of my followers, respond to them, and learn from them so I can plan what content I should post next. Because I treat my followers as my community, I spend time responding to their comments and DMs.
Being out in the public exposes me also to a high risk of mental stress. As an introvert, hindi ako sanay sa maraming tao. Plus, having a larger audience means having a diverse set of thoughts and beliefs.
I’ve met some influencers and non-influencers who almost made me stop this page. Glad that I was able to learn to compose myself, and be able to let go of those unhealthy stressors.
4. If you can go back to your first Instagram post, what would you have done differently?
We say that we have to change what we did before to make it better. But for me, I wouldn’t change anything. That’s the process that I had to go through.
Follow Mommy Chee on Instagram and Facebook: mommycheespeaks
As per my first post, it will always be a reminder of how far I have gone being an influencer and a content creator. My first post is my stepping stone to where I am right now.
5. What is your dream brand collab and why?
This question is a bit hard for me. Pero I dream of working with Puregold or Super8. Haha.
Since most of my followers ay simpleng nanay din, mas madaling gawan ng content yun mga ganito, yung abot-kaya, yung feasible, ‘di ba? I’m having a hard time creating content kapag yun brand is hindi naman affordable ng karaniwang tao, especially ngayon na pandemic. And honestly, I am not an “into brand” type of person, so kung ako rin ang mag-eengage sa posts ng iba, doon ako sa products na kaya kong bilhin.
6. In only six words, describe what kind of Bagong Nanay you are.
I am a Bagong Nanay with faith, confidence, motivation, and love.
I am Chee Vicente from Laguna.
I am the Bagong Nanay of Tian, a 9-year-old boy.
When I’m not busy with my job and household chores, I ride my bike, play with dogs, and watch movies and tutorials.
Got a #KuwentongBagongNanay story to share? Email us at bagongnanayshop@gmail.com
Tayong mga #BagongNanay, best foot forward tayo lagi sa mga anak natin. Siyempre, first time natin eh. Natatakot tayong magkamali, ma-judge, o masabihang bad mom. Kung kailangang hindi matulog o hindi maligo para lang mabantayan si baby, gagawin natin ‘yun. Lahat ng atensyon, kay baby napupunta. Paano naman ang sarili natin?
Guilty ako dito. May time na wala akong pakialam sa itsura ko na pumayag akong magpakalbo dahil sa post-partum hairloss ko. Sa totoo lang, isa sa mga dahilan kung bakit ko yun ginawa kasi madalas kong nakikita na nakapulupot sa kamay ng baby ko noon ang mahabang hibla ng buhok ko. Yun pala minsan ang dahilan kung bakit umiiyak siya. Siyempre, ayokong masaktan siya. Kaya goodbye, long hair.
Pero na-realize ko na napakaimportante na inaalagaan din natin ang sarili natin. At hindi naman pala ganun kahirap mag-self-care, o magbigay ng pansin sa kalusugan natin. Pwedeng sa maliliit na bagay, napaparamdam mo na pala ulit sa sarili mo na mahalaga ka. At kung inaalagaan mo ang sarili mo, mas maaalagaan mo ang ibang tao.
Ayon sa World Health Organization (WHO), ang self-care ay ang “kakayahan ng mga indibidwal, pamilya at pamayanan upang maitaguyod at mapanatili ang kalusugan, maiwasan at makayanan ang sakit at kapansanan na mayroon bagama’t kulang o walang suporta ng isang propesyonal na taga pang-alaga ng kalusugan.”
SOURCE: MSF PHILIPPINES
Kaya naman, tinanong ko ang mga #BagongNanay sa Instagram kung ano ang kanilang “self-care routine.” Gagamitin ko ding reference ang mga posters mula sa Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) Philippines na pinost nila sa kanilang Twitter, Instagram at Facebook in time for International Women’s Day.
Ayon kay Mommy Rej at Mama Mindy, exercise ang kanilang self-care routine. “Exercise: depends on my mood and energy level. Sometimes I feel like [doing] yoga, for stretching and peace of mind. Sometimes I want to dance, so I do Zumba,” shares Mommy Rej. “Sometimes I want to feel strong and powerful so I do weights or core exercises,” dagdag pa niya.
Kelan ka last nag-exercise? Photos from MSF Philippines
For meditation, sabi ni Mommy Rej, “Spotify lang OK na! There are guided meditations on Spotify. There are also nature sounds or white noise for sleep and relaxation. But there are also free apps like Headspace and Smiling Mind.”
Walang time mag-meditate? Subukan mo itong breathing technique na ito! Photos from MSF Philippines
Pamper yourself
Ayon naman kay Nanay Claire, “I am making sure that I am putting my skincare routine daily. Kahit I am a widow now, but I am [practicing] self-care and self-love.”
Agree ako dito. Nakaka-tempt yung kesa mag-cleanse, tone, and moisturize ka ng skin, eh itutulog mo nalang. Pero yung simpleng makapaghilamos ka lang, minsan sapat na yun para ma-refresh ka.
At syempre, while you’re at it, i-compliment mo din ang sarili mo habang nakatingin sa salamin. Sabihin mo na maganda ka, noon at ngayon, and you are enough.
You are enough, Bagong Nanay. Photos from MSF Philippines
Keep your body clean and healthy
Gaano katagal ang pinakamatagal mong paligo since naging #BagongNanay ka? Kung dati may time pa tayong maglagay ng hair spa treatment, ngayon, wala pang one minute, banlaw na ang conditioner. Pero madalas, ang pagligo ang pinaka-me time ng mga Bagong Nanay.
Fun fact: Naisip kong gawin ang Bagong Nanay habang naliligo ako, isang araw noong September 2019.
Sabi nga ni Mommy Daisy, “Hindi po dapat nawawala ang self-care natin, sa kabila ng mga busy nating buhay. Ako po ang aking self-care, sa umaga pa lang makaligo na, tapos hilamos at toothbrush sa gabi bago matulog. Yan lang ang aking simpleng self care. At siyempre kumain ng masustansyang pagkain.”
Mas mainam ang home-cooked meals. Safe at tipid! Photos from MSF Philippines
Destress and sleep
Kung anumang bagay ang pwedeng magbigay sayo ng ngiti o magpatawa sayo, gawin mo ito. Kahit kasing simple ng paglalaro ng Candy Crush, or panonood ng K-Drama, pag-browse ng Facebook, deserve mo yun, Bagong Nanay.
At usually, ginagawa natin ito pag tulog na ang mga bata.
“Self care routine ko is watching at least one series/movie per day after work, pagtulog na lahat, bago ako matulog. Most of the time kasi lalo ngayon WFH, nawawala na yun me-time at boundaries natin eh,” sabi ni Mommy Chee.
Eto yung tinatawag ng mga experts na ‘revenge bedtime procrastination.’ Habang isang way ito para mag-destress tayong mga nanay, bilin ng mga eksperto na matuto tayong i-balance ang schedule natin para hindi tayo masanay na laging napupuyat dahil dito.
Tulog-tulog din tayo! Photos from MSF Philippines
Be spontaneous
Hindi natin kailangang magpaalipin sa ating routine. Why not shake things up a bit? It won’t hurt kung minsan, umorder ka ng paborito mong take-out food kesa mag-spend ka ng oras sa pagluluto. Mag-screentime kayo together ng anak mo for a few minutes? What if bumili ka ng dishwasher para hindi ka na palagi maghuhugas ng plato?
Do something different today! Photos from MSF Philippines
Wala namang perpektong nanay. Wala namang nag-ge-grade sa atin kung gaano tayo kagaling na magulang. Give yourself a break, Bagong Nanay. And when you do, you will be more focused, more energized than ever.
At kung hindi mo talaga kaya…
May mga panahon na kahit maghilamos hindi natin magawa dahil sa dami ng kailangang gawin. Yung tipong lumamig na pala yung kape mo, hindi mo pa natitikman. Okay lang yun. Ang mahalaga, alam mo ang gagawin kung sakaling maramdaman mo na parang may nag-iba sayo.
Kung gusto mo ng makakausap na mga kapwa Bagong Nanay, join the Bagong Nanay Community on Viber. Dito, walang pagalingan. Walang payabangan. Usap-usap lang. Damayan lang. Dahil at the end of the day, #BagongNanaysEMPOWERBagongNanays.
On this year’s International Women’s Day, I’m happy to share the very first #KuwentongBagongNanay.
This series aims to tell stories and experiences of new and modern nanays so that they can inspire and empower first-time moms.
Our first featured Bagong Nanay is Ericka Mercado from Canada. I asked her to share how she is raising a preschooler (5yo) and a newborn (1mo) in their home. And I’m amazed that she sent her responses before the deadline! Wow. What a wonder woman! I honor you!
Read on to know some of her struggles, ultimate nanayhood hacks, and essentials that she swears by.
1. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received as a Bagong Nanay, and tell us why you value it.
Never compare your kids or yourself to others.
This applies to my kids and my journey as a Bagong Nanay. God created us uniquely, and our journeys are all different. Sabi nga nila, comparison is the thief of joy, and there were times when I am not able to stop myself from doing it. This is especially true when people around you would do the comparison. Ending: you feel bad about yourself, and you feel inadequate as a parent.
This advice actually came from my husband. It is more of a constant reminder. It resonates with me a lot, and I value it because it has allowed me to be conscious of my choice of words and thoughts when I talk to my kids, when I talk to others about my kids and their kids, and most importantly when I look at myself and my journey as a Bagong Nanay. I am at my happiest when I focus on our own progress, and stopped comparing our lives with others.
2. Share a Bagong Nanay hack that you recently discovered that helped make your nanayhood journey a little bit easier (could be a new gadget, app, or tipid tip).
For the Nanays:
Two words. Pelvic physiotherapy. I recently went to a wellness clinic to prepare for Eden, my second child’s birth. I had a pelvic floor assessment. I had pelvic exercises and once a week sessions with the physiotherapist. This has helped me shorten my labour and delivery time, as well as recovery time, not to mention it helped minimize tearing.
I know it is not a hack, but if you are pregnant or knows someone who is, and you have access to a pelvic physiotherapist, please do yourself a favour and use it.
For the babies:
Gripe Water. Both my babies were gassy babies, or are all babies gassy? Anyway, for my firstborn Elon, I didn’t use anything. I burped him and did bicycle exercises and waited to let it pass. Eden’s gas is something else. I learned about Gripe Water, and on the first day of using it, I already saw the difference. She indeed slept like a baby. One teaspoon of this stuff, and it worked wonders for her. Now she sleeps even longer.
Just make sure you check with your pedia of course. It’s not a hack, but I think it’s been around for ages. If you find yourself needing help with your babies being gassy, this might be it.
3. What’s one truth about your nanayhood journey that you want everyone to know but you were too scared or embarrassed to share?
I love being a Nanay, and I always share these feelings of love and joy. But it didn’t start that way. My first child was not planned. We were married, but we were not expecting to get pregnant so fast.
When I had Elon, the first month was TOUGH. I was so tired. I love my son, but because of the lack of sleep and being tired physically, there were days I wished I could have my old life back. The first few weeks were truly a test. But then one day, it just got better. The first few weeks seemed like a dark phase that has already passed.
Ericka and her son Elon
The truth is, having these thoughts doesn’t mean I love Elon any less. These feelings were part of my process into this wonderful nanayhood journey. It is not all rainbows and butterflies everyday. Sometimes it is rough, and it’s okay to feel frustrated and wanting a break. Admitting you need a break is okay. And sometimes putting yourself first before your kids is an important part of being the best nanay for your kids.
4. What’s the best part so far of being a Bagong Nanay of two?
“Best part of being a Bagong Nanay of two is [finding out] how much love you are actually capable of feeling and giving. This actually surprised me as I always had the question of “do parents have a favourite child?””
Ericka Mercado, mom of two
Pre-Eden, I believed that there is no way a parent can really love their kids equally. When I had Elon, I gave him my 110%. Everyday, I made sure he felt loved and cared for. So I always tell my husband that I am not sure how to love a second child the same when we do have one. But then I had Eden, and it’s as natural as when I had Elon. All the love just came rushing in.
Bagong Nanay Ericka with Elon (5yo) and Eden (1mo)
It’s true what they say, your heart just gets bigger with each additional child. Your heart becomes enlarged with so much love that it naturally flows for both of your kids. So yung 110% that I gave to Elon, ngayon meron na akong another 110% for Eden. I answered my question, there are no favourites, and it is possible to love your kids equally (there is so much love to give and share!).
5. What are the top 3 Bagong Nanay essentials that you swear by?
Infant baby carrier. It doesn’t matter if it is a sling, wrap, or structured carrier. Carriers are life savers. Moms and dads can either wear the babies and stay hands-free. The best thing is your baby is so close; it’s an instant snuggle too!
Kering-keri!
Stroller and car seat. Don’t feel like wearing your baby? Then there’s the stroller. We use the stroller for walks with the car seat (when it’s stroller accessible). It’s easy because you don’t have to carry anything, you just push it while the baby is safe and sound in the carrier. Instant snoozefest for both of my kids! They love bumpy walks. Plus is, I get to exercise outside the house while they sleep.
Diaper changing mat. How many poop blowouts did Elon and Eden have? Many. Can’t count them. Having the changing mat allows for an easier change of clothes and clean up. Not to mention, it helps you change diapers anywhere that has a flat and safe surface for your baby.
PS.
If you are breastfeeding, get a good nursing bra and lots of V-neck shirts para madali hilahin! Hehe!
6. In only six words, describe what kind of Bagong Nanay you are.
I am a “wear my heart on my sleeve” nanay. So all my emotions are out, felt, apparent and obvious.
I am Ericka from Canada! I am the Bagong Nanay of Elon, 5 yrs old and Eden, 1 month old.
When I’m not changing diapers, burping, cleaning, cooking, making baon, reading bedtime stories, I usually enjoy hiking, yoga, Kdrama, and photography.
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.
#BagongNanayQOTW: Anong hack mo to manage both work and family?
Last week, we focused on our full-time nanays – what their past jobs were before they chose to stay home and put their family first. This week, mga working nanays naman ang bida.
Being a #BagongNanay is a tough job already, and to have a full-time job means you need another set of superpowers.
I remember having a home-based job right after I quit my full-time work. Namiss ko kaagad yung daily grind, kaya nag-apply ako sa onlinejobs.ph as a communications manager for a Canada-based health company.
We didn’t have a yaya or anyone else to help us with taking care of my then 9-month-old baby. So my schedule was crazy and unhealthy that I lost a lot of weight and I felt like the stress affected my breastmilk supply.
So after four months of full-time work + full-time Nanay, I decided to quit. My husband supported me on my decision. Of course, I wanted to still contribute financially and not really stop working. But without anyone to help me, I was killing myself. So I just opted to do freelance work and started a reselling business instead.
My boss was shocked that I had to leave that early. We enjoyed working together, but I told her, we are in the business of health and wellness. But your employee is turning into a zombie. Wag ganun, mamsh.
So I thought of asking our working nanay followers on Instagram how in the world they are able to manage both working and taking care of their family. I am so happy with the hacks they shared!
“YouTube Kids.” rejjventress
Mommy Rej shared that sometimes, walang choice kasi minsan, lahat sila need mag-work. They would resort to letting her child watch YouTube Kids to keep him entertained.
In one of the webinars by Mommy Mundo that I attended last year, a pediatrician said that giving screentime is not bad. It’s all about setting limits and making sure that the content that your child is watching is fit for their age. A tip that she shared is to check on your child once in a while, engage him/her with what they are watching so that there is still interaction happening.
“Music!” arkaydee
Mommy Rachel says playing a lot of music and dance helps her manage work and nanay life. It’s a good way to bond with your child too!
Sometimes, when I need to cook or do something, I put my child on her high chair, give her crayons and paper, and then play Cocomelon or nursery rhymes on Spotify. Her eyes are not locked on the screen, but she is happy coloring while listening to her favorite rhymes. Win-win!
“Work when they are asleep.” eringoesgaga
For Mommy Erin, she works on graveyard shift. She works at night when her kids are asleep, and sleeps a bit in the day. She said, “the trick is to talk to them and let them understand why you need to work so they try and don’t disturb you. She adds, mahirap pero wala namang mahirap sa willing, and kakayanin naman.”
Grabe talaga ang super powers ng mga nanay. I wonder how many hats a mother could wear. Salute!
“Have a detailed daily routine.” fredaagustin
According to Mommy Freda, “mas okay if alam ng anak mo yung daily routine niyo para both kayo ma-manage yung expectations per day. Better if detailed talaga yung routine with time and activity.”
I think this is a really nice hack that moms can follow, once their child can understand setting expectations and following routines. I can’t wait for my toddler to understand that I have to work! Haha. Pero cherish ko muna ang moment ngayon.
“Train them to do their school work.” mamee_aizy
Check out this hack from Mommy Aizy: “Been working at home for seven years kaya sanay na sila na they cannot disturb me during work hours. I trained them to do their school work as [early] as four, and daily routine schedule works for us.”
Ayun! Like Mommy Freda, daily routine schedule is key. Ang galing lang na kayang mag-cope ng mga kids once they understand why their mom needs to work, at the same time, ang galing na kinakaya ng mom to work despite the hardships that they experience.
Thanks to everyone who shared their answers! Whether you are a full-time nanay, or a working nanay, saludo ako sa’yo, #BagongNanay. Walang hindi kakayanin para sa mga mahal natin.
Should you need someone to talk to – mag-rant about work or mag-ask about nanayhood experiences, join us at the Bagong Nanay Community on Viber. It aims to be a safe space for first-time and modern moms to talk about motherhood, life, and anything under the sun. From one nanay to another. No judgment.
Ikaw, #BagongNanay? Anong hack mo para kayanin maging working mom? Share mo naman!
#BagongNanay, how was your experience shopping for newborn essentials?
When I was pregnant with my daughter, I was both anxious and excited to complete THE list. My fellow #BagongNanay friend Rej shared an Excel file of baby stuff with me! It’s better than those available online because she vetted the checklist based on what’s really essential based on her experience. I had a phase wherein I would obsess on the list. I would ask my husband to go to the mall so we can buy this and that.
Want the full list? Comment below or email me at bagongnanayshop@gmail.com and I can share it to you!
I will always remember that moment when we finally went to the Baby Section in SM. We went straight to where the white stuff are. We were both shy at first to ask the saleslady what we need. We both teared up a little when it dawned upon us that legit – we’ll be having a baby! We got a set of tie-sides – sleeveless, short sleeves, and long sleeves. Towels, bibs, and blankets.
It was all fun until – we couldn’t find a set of mittens of the same brand. Of course, we’d want the complete set for our baby! Sadly, the saleslady said “Out of stock po ang mittens, Ma’am.” Noooooo! My pregnancy hormones went wild.
So we weren’t able to buy a set of mittens and booties yet. “Hanap nalang tayo sa ibang SM.” It took us a few trips to different SM stores – but we ended up buying mittens and booties from a different brand or else my baby will have none.
Why did we scrimp on our baby’s first clothes anyway? Why did we settle for what’s in the mall? I realized just now. If I could turn back time, I would have looked for a better brand where I can buy the complete newborn stuff set, and spare me the headache and anxiety.
Last month, I was lucky to receive a free gift from a mom I met in a mommy group im Viber. She is giving away a batch of Beginnings Baby gift sets! I know every #BagongNanay loves to receive freebies – especially if it’s a twinning mommy and baby shirt!
Beginnings Baby is an all-white infant apparel brand, created specifically for babies 0-12 months. It carries a full range of baby apparel needs! Tie-sides, shorts, pajamas, bibs, and yes, mittens and booties!!! What’s best is you can buy individually or the complete set – ONLINE.
Order by the bundle from their website!
Yes. No need to go to the mall and look for the stuff yourself. Especially in this time of pandemic, a #BagongNanay needs to stay home. Don’t be shocked with the price of their bundles though – I don’t want to spoil it for you but – baby’s clothes are more expensive than our clothes!
They didn’t ask me to write a review here in my blog, but the free stuff they gave me – a mommy shirt and a pack of sando for my baby – were the coolest stuff we’ve worn! I had to write about it!
Super soft fabric!
The fabric is cool because it’s soft and breathable. I’m actually wearing it right now. I feel like I’m a baby too.
Hands down comfy
The size is also comfy for both of us! So comfy and breathable that my toddler wants to go inside my shirt to breastfeed!
I love it! I’d definitely get my next baby’s stuff from them! (Hopefully after three years!)
Head on to their website beginningsbaby.com and check out their all-white baby stuff. Start your baby right. You can thank me later. :)
Have you tried Beginnings Baby? What can you say about it? Comment below!
Bagong Nanay 