Bagong Nanay

Tag: mom

  • 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.

  • Esther Ramonez-Lautiya: The Joys and Struggles of Moving to the Province

    Esther Ramonez-Lautiya: The Joys and Struggles of Moving to the Province

    Hello, #BagongNanay.

    I hope you and your family are well.

    As a Bagong Nanay who lives in the Covid-19 capital of the Philippines (Quezon City), I am fearful for my family’s lives. Palapit ng palapit ang Covid, close friends and family are getting infected, and we can only do so much. We pray and pray harder that the government response would improve, so that we can all feel safe again.

    That’s why I thought of sharing this #KuwentongBagongNanay story today. Amid the rising cases of Covid-19 in Metro Manila, there are towns in the Philippines that remain Covid-free.

    In this story by Bagong Nanay Esther Ramonez-Lautiya, she shares the trade-offs and the joys of moving from the city to the province with her family.

    May her story give you hope in this very trying time.

    1. What are challenges of moving to the province with your family?

    I feel as if we migrated to another country. It was not my choice, but an assignment we (together with my husband) agreed upon. Nearly three years ago after graduating from a ministerial course as a pastor, Sta. Ana, Cagayan Valley became our mission field. We mutually understood it was his calling, and as a wife, I submit.

    Sobrang nakaka-homesick! At kailangan namin mag-aral ng Ilocano language lalo na’t we are pioneering a church. But more than the challenges, we can testify that hindi kami nagkamali na sundin ang kalooban ng Diyos.

    2. What are the joys and rewards of living away from the metro amid the pandemic?

    Being in a coastal community with fisherfolks as church members, we are humbled as to how life can be so beautiful with the simpler things. We are learning to be content! Hindi nagkukulang ng anumang bagay ang Panginoon!

    And praise God, out of the many towns in Cagayan, as of now, Sta. Ana remains Covid-free. We are praying na manatiling ganito dito bagkus sana talaga mawala na ang virus na ito (gaya ng prayer nating lahat). There are protocols to adhere to, but generally our lives here seem the way as usual – which is definitely a blessing!

    3. Can you share what’s a typical day like in your home?

    Papa, my husband, is our handy man and also our laundryman twice week. Minsan sumasama sya mag-laot, while i take care of the kitchen and other errands. And together with my mom-in-law, we share time para alagaan ang aming 1.5 y/o na bebe boy. Our home is far from perfect, but it is filled with prayers and songs. There are difficult times, very difficult ones, but we overcome by God’s grace.

    4. As a Bagong Nanay, what do you think are the top 3 considerations before moving to a new location?

    Make sure to provide yung daily basic needs ng bawat miyembro ng pamilya, and an environment na mapa-practice ng mga bata yung kanilang mga karapatan.

    Esther Ramonez-Lautiya, on moving to a new location

    For me, it all boils down to maturity. Sana matured enough to be responsible sa mga decisions. In the first place, ito’y tumutukoy sa pagpapamilya (whether mag-stay or considering to move to a new location).

    Try to make sure to provide yung daily basic needs ng bawat myembro ng pamilya, and an environment na mapa-practice ng mga bata yung kanilang mga karapatan.

    5. What’s the biggest lesson that you’ve learned from the transitions in your life? Single to mother, living in the city to settling down in the province.

    Learning to be content! Be content with what the Lord gives! First, sa binigay Niyang husband ko, I am simply grateful for his life. And now our son!

    Nanay Esther and Rhen Zion. Sand, sea, and sun everyday!

    Second, from the mainstream to a very simple living dito sa tabing-dagat, be content! The Lord remains faithful and He’s not done yet.

    6. In only six words, describe what kind of Bagong Nanay you are.

    I am God’s work in progress.

    I am Esther Ramonez-Lautiya from Sta. Ana, Cagayan Valley. I am the Bagong Nanay of Rhen Zion, 1.5 y/o.

    When I’m not doing a nanay’s usual tasks or even while doing it I sing, sing, and sing, and I take lots of pictures to showcase God’s wonderful creations.

    Got a #KuwentongBagongNanay to share too? Send us an email or message us on instagram.com/bagongnanay.

  • Ericka Mercado: How To Be a Mama of Two

    Ericka Mercado: How To Be a Mama of Two

    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.