Tag: moms

A Breastfeeding Cover with Built-in Fan? Take My Money

Hi, Bagong Nanay!

Kumusta? So habang nagpapadede ako sa gabi, I came across this ad on Instagram, and I thought it was genius. I tried it, and here’s what I think.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Cuddle Baby | Nursing Cover with Fan (@cuddlebabyph)

Full disclosure: Hindi ako fan ng nursing covers. Nawala ko kasi yung nag-iisang nursing cover na hand-me-down sa akin ng friend ko. So since then, hindi na ako bumili (as a matipid na mommy). Thinking, bakit kailangan kong takpan? We should normalize breastfeeding in public, yan ang naging mantra ko.

Also, madami na rin namang mga breastfeeding-friendly clothes, na nag-adjust for you. Tipong hindi mo na kailangang itaas ang buong t-shirt mo para lang maka-dede si baby. Mas bet ko yun, for the reason na mas efficient siya, dahil hindi ito mawawala gaya nang sinapit ng nursing cover ko.

However, medyo game-changer itong si Cuddle Baby. Ang claim to fame niya is that it’s a nursing cover with an integrated cooling fan, perfect nga naman for the Philippine weather. That’s why I gave it a try with my 10-month-old baby, and here’s our verdict.

Cuddle Baby Nursing Cover with Fan Review

1. Perfect siya for infants and even big babies.

Especially for the early months, mga first six months of breastfeeding, perfect ito, because it not only gives the mom privacy, but also comfort to the baby. Ito yung nursing cover na dadalhin mo during pedia check-ups and routine vaccines. Yung magagamit mo pag wala kang choice but to bring your baby in public places.

Medyo malaki na kasi ang aking baby boy, he’s 10 months old, pero kasyang-kasya pa din siya sa loob ng nursing cover.

Ang saya at kalmado niya sa loob. Hehe

“Bakit hindi nalang mag-Jisulife?” Pwede naman, but that will keep your hand busy, compared dito sa Cuddle Baby na built-in na yung fan. Secured ang fan with straps, at masinsin yung pagkakagawa. Yayakapin mo nalang si baby.

Secured ang fan sa loob.

Ramdam ko that Cuddle Baby was created with the best intentions to keep the baby cool and comfortable while nursing. So confirmed, it delivered its promise.

2. It’s a pinag-isipang baby shower gift.

I’m the kind of person who gives gifts for the moms tuwing baby shower. Give ko na sa ibang tao yung toka na magregalo for the baby, but I make sure that my gift is always for the mom-to-be. I remember giving these gifts to my expecting mom friends: a comfy set of pajamas, breastfeeding tops, and malunggay supplements. More than ever, need ng padede moms ng support.

Cuddle Baby now adds to my list of pinag-isipan and walang-kaparehong gifts for moms-to-be. Sobrang ma-a-appreciate nila ito. Just choose among the three colors of the nursing cover, para mas tailor-fit kay mommy: there’s pink, green, and beige.

Wearing the Cuddle Baby nursing cover with fan

Nakaka-proud i-gift yung ganito because you are also supporting a starting mom-led business vs. a booming multinational company, hehe.

3. Sulit for its price.

At its introductory price of P1,299, you would think ang pricey niya for a nursing cover. But when you see the actual product, sulit siya because of the materials – hindi tinipid and it’s lovingly made. The nursing cover is made of muslin cloth, which is lightweight at hindi mainit. The cooling fan looks like it’s good quality, and even has the cute Cuddle Baby branding.

Here’s the fan that comes with the nursing cover.

Hindi mukhang cheap, at ang ganda din ng pagkakatahi nung mga straps to keep the fan in place. Kumbaga, kita mong pinag-isipan at tinest ng madaming beses before they came up with the final product. Plus, it comes with a handy pouch para ipapasok mo nalang sa baby bag.

Cute pouch!

Not to mention that keeping your baby cool while breastfeeding is priceless. Yung natanggal mo na sa list of iisipin mo kung naiinitan ba siya or nakakahinga pa siya sa loob. Sus, take my money!

Best of all, it can be handed down to a mama friend, like how I received my first nursing cover, so sulit talaga siya for its price.

Bagong Nanay’s verdict on Cuddle Baby

For its price, design, and quality, I recommend Cuddle Baby for every Bagong Nanay who plans to and is breastfeeding their child. It’s a great baby shower gift for both mom and baby, and it’s made with the best intentions. This product makes a mom’s breastfeeding journey lighter (and cooler!) kaya naman we need support these kinds of products para mas tumagal pa and mas madami pang moms ang makagamit nito.

Kasi aside from making sure na cool and comfy si baby while breastfeeding, it also gives mom the confidence to wear any top she likes without having to sacrifice her style. Take it from me, na paulit-ulit na naka-breastfeeding clothes lang pag umaalis ng bahay. This nursing cover gives mom the ability to wear whatever top she likes, kasi sagot na ng Cuddle Baby yung privacy.

BAGONG NANAY SPECIAL PROMO: Mention niyo lang that you’ve learned about Cuddle Baby through Bagong Nanay, and you can purchase the item for their introductory price of P1,299. That’s less P200 of the regular price of P1,499. Yes – a promo exclusive to Bagong Nanay.

Shop Cuddle Baby’s Nursing Cover with Fan on Instagram or through their website.

22.07.2025
Jo-an Liwanag: I’m a Mom, And I’m No Longer on Facebook and Instagram

Hello, Bagong Nanay!

When was the last time you posted a photo of your baby on Facebook or Instagram? Two hours ago? Last year? Never?

As first-time moms, it seems like we are compelled to post updates about our nanayhood journey – starting with a photo of our positive pregnancy test – to videos of the latest tricks our child can do. Some do it because “it ain’t official til it’s Facebook official,” and some do it “for the ‘gram” – wanting to feel some kind of high from the likes and hearts and wows that your post can get.

But for Bagong Nanay Jo-an Liwanag, things changed when the Covid-19 pandemic started in 2020. She shares, some of the social media sites that she used to love are no longer part of her new normal.

This is her #KuwentongBagongNanay, of logging out of Facebook and Instagram – and logging in as a more hands-on parent to her three kids.

1. What made you decide to stay off social media?

I love being on social media, to be honest. It’s where I share my day-to-day stories, updates about our family so that our friends and relatives who live far away can get a glimpse on how we are doing. There were a lot of times that I would go offline on social media just to take a break, but only during the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, around May 2020, that I decided to officially bid goodbye to the social media world.

I was pregnant with my third child then, and it was not easy. It’s the most difficult pregnancy I’ve ever had; I experienced vomiting, nausea, and I was put on bed rest for the entire first trimester because of hemorrhage.

I was 16 weeks pregnant when the pandemic started, and it made my experience even worse. Anxiety started to kick in, and then fear and panic. I even had to keep my pregnancy from my relatives and our parents, just so I can focus on keeping my baby healthy. I also experienced pre-term labor.

I couldn’t stand seeing my news feed filled with angry people. No matter how I try to manage my feed, bad news still gets to me. Some people would even post unverified news, and it adds fear to my underlying anxiety. It was a very stressful time for any pregnant woman. That made me decide to finally log out of my social media accounts – specifically Facebook and Instagram – for good.

How were the first days like?

I honestly felt better. I got to sleep better. No anxiety or whatsoever. I did not make any announcement to my contacts, I just went offline, and people did not notice it that much. Only my closest friends realized that I was missing in their social media accounts. Honestly, it was easier to let go that way. You leave them puzzled and allow them to think whatever they want to think. People are entitled to their own presumptions.

Mommy Jo-an Liwanag, with her kids Caitlin, Rafa, and Andres

2. What can you say are the top 3 pros and cons of a Bagong Nanay who is not on social media?

The top 3 pros for me are: increased productivity both at work and at home; more time for yourself and your family; and more time to connect with friends and family through private conversations.

I honestly think the cons are subjective. I think it depends on how easy or hard it is for you to leave social media. For me, the only consequence is that I don’t get to access the profiles of relevant suppliers, and I can’t browse through the marketplace for things I need for work and for my family.

3. Would you recommend having a social media timeout to other Bagong Nanays? Why or why not?

Yes, I highly recommend having a social media timeout, not just for Bagong Nanays, but for everyone. Going offline gave me the liberty to regain myself behind the keyboard and my phone screen.

Mommy Jo-an and Andres

It helped me regain my sanity. Our mental health is very important. Going offline gave me more time to reconnect with the people around me, and it gave me the opportunity to share ideas and opinions to my friends by having real, private conversations.

4. Have you noticed changes in you or in your outlook in life with you not being in social media anymore?

Definitely! I finally learned how to accept the things I cannot change and to celebrate my small wins and big wins privately. I also realized that you don’t need other people’s validation or aim for self-gratification just to make yourself happy. I learned to live simply, and to stop comparing myself to others.

I finally learned how to accept the things I cannot change, and to celebrate my small wins and big wins privately. I also realized that you don’t need other people’s validation or aim for self-gratification just to make yourself happy.
Jo-an Liwanag for Bagong Nanay

5. Where do you spend your time on – now that you’ve saved a lot of time from not being on social media?

Happy and healthy kids of Mommy Jo-an

I spend my time on taking care of my health and the health of my family, which is very vital in this time of pandemic. I focus on taking care of my body, and when I can, I squeeze in a 30-minute or a 1-hour workout.

I spend my time on taking care of my health and the health of my family, which is very vital in this time of pandemic.
Jo-an Liwanag for Bagong Nanay

I learned to listen to my body. I don’t workout to regain my pre-pregnancy body. I never workout for vanity. I do this because I want to be strong and healthy for my family, so I can keep up with their demands.

I try my best to keep our family healthy by providing them the nourishment that they need, especially at a difficult time like this.

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

I don’t go overboard. No fuss.

I am Jo-an Liwanag from Parañaque City.
I am the not-so-Bagong Nanay of Caitlin 11, and Rafa 10, but a Bagong Nanay to Andres, who is 11 months old.

When I’m not busy working, washing dishes, cleaning the house, or feeding four bellies that never get full (including husband’s), I workout or binge-watch on Netflix.

(Hey, it’s the only thing we can do for now since it’s pandemic, but I would love to travel again with family and start to create more core memories with them again).

Want to share your #KuwentongBagongNanay too? Send me a message, and let’s talk about it.

26.07.2021
4 tips to cope with daily nanayhood struggles

I have to say – nakakaloka na ang mga turn of events. Mag-iisang taon na tayong naka-quarantine dahil sa Covid-19 pandemic. Parating na ang mga bakuna, pero ang bagal ng usad. Dagdag pa diyan, hindi nauubos ang chores natin bilang mga nanay. Shoutout sa mga walang yaya o kamag-anak na kasama sa bahay katulad ko, minsan, hindi ko na alam kung saan pwede humugot ng sanity.

Nakaka-pressure rin pala no, na ang tingin ng society sa mga nanay ay mga superwoman. May nabasa akong meme kanina, natawa nalang ako. Kasi nakakarelate ako.

Credits: Close to Classy

May mga araw na para bang ayaw mong magpaka-nanay. Yung sana pwede lang humilata sa kama at magpahinga. Pero hindi, babangon at babangon tayo dahil nanay tayo. Nanay na tayo.

Kaya naman, naisipan ko magtanong sa mga kapwa ko nanay sa Instagram kung ano ang mga recent discovery nila para makapag-cope sa nanayhood struggles na nararanasan natin everyday.

Bilang isang development worker, naniniwala ako na bilang nanay, kailangan holistic ang pagtingin natin sa health natin. Na hindi lang dapat healthy ang katawan at ang kinakain natin. Dapat kasama rin ang emotional, mental, at spiritual health natin. Kundi, hindi tayo totoong okay. Hindi natin maseserve ang mga pamilya natin kung tayo mismo ay hindi okay.

Tip #1: Move.

Siguro mag-aagree kayo na isa sa pinaka-challenging sa sitwasyon natin ngayon ay yung bawal lumabas. Mga social creatures tayo eh. Yung panay punta ng mall kahit wala namang bibilhin. Tatambay sa labas ng bahay para makapag-chikahan sa kung sinumang nasa labas. O pupunta ng Starbucks para makipag-catch up sa friends.

Napakahirap na limited ang galaw natin. Hindi tayo makahinga. Kaya sana makahanap tayo ng way para igalaw ang mga katawan natin. Gaya ni Mommy Chee. Sabi niya, “Recent discovery ko is mag-bike kapag madami na akong iniisip. Lalo na sa mga area na may mga puno.”

Nakakamiss mag-Zumba. Yung naka-social distancing kayo para hindi magkatamaan sa pagsayaw. Pero pagkatapos nun, kakain kayo sa tapsihan. Pwede pa rin naman mag-Zumba sa bahay, gaya ng kwento ni Mommy Rej dito sa blog niya.

Involve mo din si LO sa paggalaw para masarap nap niya

No excuses tayo, mga nanay. Kasi according to Mama Mindy, kahit 6 weeks post-partum ka palang, pwede ka na mag-balik alindog program! Depende sayo kung ano ang gagawin mo para gumalaw basta gumalaw ka. Kasi ako sa totoo lang, sinasayawan ko nalang yung Cocomelon at Pororo.

Tip #2: Communicate.

Madami satin na sasabihin na mayakap at makiss lang tayo ng mga anak natin, pawi na ang pagod natin. Pero minsan, may iba pa tayong kailangan para naman maboost ang emotional health natin.

Sabi ni Nanay Daisy, “Ako po nadiscover kong magbasa ng mga iba’t ibang stories ng mga kapwa ko nanay.” Bilang mga Bagong Nanay, nangangapa tayo minsan. At okay lang yun. Kaya mahalaga ang pag-share ng mga kuwento natin gaya ng sabi ni Mommy Daisy. Abangan: #KuwentongBagongNanay this Saturday!

Kailangan din natin ng kausap tungkol sa mga feelings natin. Kasi kung yung anak lang natin ang kausap natin, baka maloka tayo. May phase sa buhay ko (bago pa ko magkaron ng anak) na parang mas gusto ko mag-open up sa mga strangers kesa sa mga taong malapit sakin. Wala lang, parang no judgment lang. Bagong perspective ba. Isa sa mga apps na nakatulong sa akin noon ay ang 7 Cups. Pwede niyo siya itry – lalo na sa mga panahong kailangan niyo lang talaga ng makakausap.

Ito rin ang dahilan bakit ko naisip gumawa ng Viber group ng mga Bagong Nanay. Napakalaking bagay yung may makakausap ka na naiintindihan ka, at magrereply sa tanong mo. Kaya kung hindi ka pa kasali, join ka na sa Bagong Nanay Community. Dito, may nanay na gising para sumagot sa mga tanong mo. Kahit ano pa yan – from paano magpaputi ng kili-kili to anong pakiramdam ng naglalabor na.

Lagi ko itong ippromote hanggang sa sumali ka na

Tip #3: Find your peace.

Taas kamay kung katulad ko – na-a-anxious kayo araw-araw sa kung ano ang lulutuin almusal, tanghalian, at hapunan? Grabe pala maging adult no? Lahat yan iisipin mo kasi ikaw na yung nanay ng pamilya. Kaya kesa mastress ka sa araw-araw kakaisip, ang ginagawa ko ay nag-pi-prepare na ako ng plano ko for tomorrow.

“To-do lists are lifesavers,” sabi ng mga taga-Parkwood Playschool. Napakalaking bagay sakin na nakaplano na ang araw ko, para wala akong makakalimutan at yung may sense of achievement ka at the end of the day dahil naaccomplish mo ang tasks mo. Kahit gaano pa kaliit yan. Actually, the more specific ang tasks na isulat mo, mas mataas daw ang chance na magawa mo ito.

Naka-sale na yung planners ng Mommy Mundo! Check it out

Tip #4: Believe.

If you know me, baka di kayo maniwala but I (try to) start my day by reading the Daily Scriptures. Kasi minsan, feeling ko pag may problema ako, may sagot na agad si Lord/Allah/Universe bago ko pa itanong. Lalo na at a time like this, kailangan natin ng kakapitan na hindi kakalas sa atin.

Isa rin sa mga recent discoveries ko ay ang Daily Wellness playlist ng Spotify. Nakakapag-meditate ako at the end of the day – pagtapos na ko magchores at manood ng K-drama. Nakaka-relax siya, at the same time, eto na yung pinaka-me time ko.

Mix siya of talks and songs – sana naka-Premium ka; ako hindi

Dahil minsan, hindi naman kailangan ng manicure o pedicure to feel that you are taking care of yourself. Minsan, sapat na yung huminga ka lang. Inhale, exhale. Inhale, exhale. After all, nanay tayo. Nanay na napapagod, nangangapa, nadadapa, pero sa huli, nagpapahinga. Humihinga. Dahil while we breathe, we hope.

Mahirap maging nanay. Given na yun. Kaya let’s take it one day at a time lang.

One last tip: When you feel super down or tired, hug your little one. Feel every tiny part of their body. And realize how that tiny little thing could give you so much love. How that small human can inspire you to be superhuman. Yes, babalik tayo sa yakap nila.

We got this, Bagong Nanay. One day at a time.

Nanay Judy

05.03.2021