Tag: motherhood

  • Palo o Payo? Bagong Nanays Weigh In On How They Discipline Toddlers

    Palo o Payo? Bagong Nanays Weigh In On How They Discipline Toddlers

    Naging usapin sa Bagong Nanay Community on Viber kung paano nila dinidisiplina ang kanilang mga anak, particularly toddlers age 1-3. Yung tipong ang cute nila pero ang kukulit din nila. Naging healthy ang diskurso, kaya naman naisip kong dalhin sa Bagong Nanay Community on Instagram ang usaping ito.

    Tinanong ko ang mga Bagong Nanays on Instagram kung saang team sila panig: #TeamPayo o #TeamPalo. Maraming nag-share ng kanilang mga kuwento bilang bata, at mga paninindigan nila ngayong magulang na sila. At mula sa dalawa, nahati sa maraming teams ang mga nanays.

    Read more and let me know sa comment anong naging insight mo:

    Join the conversation on IG here.

    1. #TeamPayo: Based on my experience, palo didn’t work and I will not do it to my child.

    Sabi ni Mommy reginalynj, she’s against palo because she experienced it multiple times as a child. “It did gave me a bad memory/trauma. That created a gap between me and my parents. Ayoko maranasan yun ng kids ko. Besides, at the end of the day, our toddlers/children are still learning. Tayo din. Hindi man tayo perfect as parents to give advice to our children, but we are enough for them, sa simpleng pagintindi lang muna sa kanila.”

    Sangayon dito si Mommy empressanderithel, who said she grew up with all palo and bugbog without even explaining what she did wrong. “Kaya sabi ko kapag naging nanay na ako, I make sure na hindi nila mararanasan ito. Kaya ngayon more on payo ako. Tayong mga nanay, akala natin hindi tayo naiintindihan ng kid/s natin dahil nakatitig lang sila o kung minsan patay malisya. Pero they are like sponge. They absorb everything.”

    Sabi naman ni mommy_alexies na lumaki din sa palo at bugbog, na iniiwasan niya talaga makasakit dahil ayaw niya maranasan ng kids niya ang naranasan niya before. “Kinakausap ko muna siya pero minsan di talaga umuubra kaya napapalo pa rin, pero after naman non nag-so-sorry ako at kinakausap siya bat ko nagawa ‘yon. And then she always say sorry rin pagtapos namin magusap.”

    Sabi ni Mommy cybilmalipot, she also grew up with all palo. “It’s true that it has helped me toughen up, but its uncertain if it will have the same effect at my son. I think we cannot under estimate the capability of our children to understand. Naiintindihan nila tayo kahit those big round eyes just stare at us! Alam ko sa pit ng stomach ko na naiintindihan niya ako! Lol”

    Agree din si Mommy mrs.brightside_ph. “Payo. Kasi kahit ako noon, hanggang ngayon naman din mas nakakaintindi o natututo sa payo kaysa palo.”

    Si Mommy Sha of simplybabymnl din said she grew up with palo. “Until now I’m still dealing with issues. Kaya ngayong nanay na ako, pinipilit ko maging mindful and responsive parent. Ang hirap lang talaga minsan dahil sobrang kulit na. Madalas pa rin magakamali pero I stop at sigaw. Still not the right way but we’re human. Lagi ko na lang iniisip na yung behavior nya is developmentally appropriate sa age nya. We’re both learning.”

    2. #TeamPalo, pero depende sa situation and with reservations

    Ayon naman kay Mommy Chee, theintrosocial, “to be honest, okay din naman ang palo pero siguro mild lang tsaka nabasa ko noon dapat meron kang isang item na like stick or belt na gagamitin mo kapag paparusahan sya, hindi daw kamay. Kasi yun kamay, para yan sa touch of love. Para sakin, pag naulit na nya kahit ilan beses sabihan, need na ng punishment, with explanation.”

    Ayon naman kay Mommy Jemmalyn ng awfhmomslife, both. “Hindi kasi effective yung parating payo there are instances na need ng palo to set boundaries. Meron kasi talagang mga batang madaling kausap at pagsabihan. Meron naman na sadyang nanunubok like my toddler. Paulit-ulit ipipilit hanggang mapalo.”

    Sabi naman ni Mommy Lan of mothernurture_main, payo muna, pero minsan need ng palo, pero dapat hindi galit if ever need mamalo. “In our family, as much as possible iniiwasan may masaktan. Kausapin muna in private, and if need na paluin, we explain why and in private din.”

    Ayon kay Mommy Stephanie aka thechinkymommy, she spanks her child but she has guidelines. Some of these are posted on her Instagram. “I never spank when I am angry. I spank in private. I will explain the reason why I spank them. I validate their feelings, hug and assure them that I love them, and then we say a prayer of confession to Jesus.”

    Si mommychriszy naman, may levels. “Depende sa nagawang kasalanan pag level 1-3 lang Payo. Pag level 4-10 na need na Palo. She also quotes
    Proverbs 13:24 from the Bible: “Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.”

    Ayon kay mommapearly, it depends also sa situation, but if may physical punishment, she prefers a little pinching or “kurot.” Then after a few minutes, talk to the child and explain why you did, what you did. I believe it is also important that an early age, a child should be aware about consequences para as they grow older, gradually, they can be careful also with their choices in life.”

    Dagdag pa ni Mommy Pearly, “I learned a saying that is usual daw in the US “small children, small problem, big children, big problem” so to prevent “big problems” prevent it early on. I also believe wala namang masama sa pagpalo, wag lang labis, alam naman natin na kahit anong labis/sobra ay masama at gawin lamang ito sa private, o sa sariling area at huwag sa harap ng madaming tao para hindi maramdaman ng bata na napapahiya siya.”

    “Pero I also believe na setting the idea of consequence at an early age keeps a healthy parent-child relationship, because you can be like a barkada kind of relationship but a higher respect and sense of authority will always be there. I know a few kasi hindi sila masyado napagalitan when they were younger and even in their teenage years, the result, they can manipulate their parents, na sila ang madalas masunod or mas parang sila pa ang may authority over the parents. I do not blame the parents perhaps it’s their dynamics at home talaga and that’s their way of love AND I am not saying too na this will always be the end result, but there will always be chances.”

    3. #TeamProperGuidance

    Eto naman ang pananaw ni Mommy C-ann aka hirayaaa, “Nakafocus ako sa pagbuild ng connection at tinatry ko na bawasan or huwag masyadong magfocus sa correction. Iniiwasan ko ang shaming at blaming o paninisi o paggawa ng something na makakasira sa self worth ng mga anak ko. Syempre hindi madali. Mahirap magpigil ng emosyon lalo na kapag traditional parenting ang kinalakhan natin.”

    Ayon kay Mommy C-ann, ang pagpapalaki ng mga bata ay more than just managing their behavior. “Para sa akin, importanteng ituring sila na mga mabuting tao at hindi i-label na “makulit” o “pasaway” dahil mga bata silang nageexplore pa lang ng mundo at ng kaya nilang gawin. Ang pag-focus ko sa pag-connect with them ay pagkilala sa kanila bilang mga buo nang tao na unti-unting nagbubloom. Andito lang ako bilang guide.”

    “I believe lessons reach them better when the connection is strong,” sabi rin ni Mommy ritalovesbranding.

    Sang-ayon din dito si Mommy ryam_rics. “I came from a dysfunctional family and all those physical/emotional abuse didn’t help for my well being as a child. In fact, it became worst. As a mother, I realized that proper guidance is necessary for my child. Shaming or hurting as form of discipline will just lead them to trauma. There’s no perfect mother same as our children, we are all learning and we can always practice patience and mindful parenting.”

    Dagdag pa ni Mommy xingogaoiran, “They are smarter than what you think they are. Naiintindihan nila ang mga sinasabi natin. Kailangan lang maayos ang pagpapaliwanag.”

    Yan din ang sagot ni Mommy joselleona, “Too unfair for toddlers to be expected to be as mature as adults. Non verbal pa sila mostly.”

    4. #TeamHelpMomsWithTheirNeedsSoWeCanBePatientWith OurKids

    Ayon kay Mommy Chesca of studiomaria.formamas, siya ay Team Payo din dahil ang mga toddlers ay wala pang impulse control. “Di sila nananadya, di lang pa talaga nila kaya kontrolin. (Tayo nga di natin makontrol minsan galit natin diba? At this age hehe).

    But I am also team *help moms with their needs so that we have the headspace to be patient and understanding of our kids* ♥️ Kasi diba pag gutom, pagod, puyat, stressed ka, mas maikli pasensya mo.”

    Kung paano matutulungan ang mga strong moms na tinatawag, sumali sa conversation ng Studio Maria sa IG.

    Final note

    At the end of the day, walang panalo at talo sa mga nanay na ito. Wala ring hidwaan dahil lahat tayo ay mga work-in-progress. Personally, hindi ako napalo ng aking mga magulang, at ako ay nagtrabaho noon sa Bantay Bata 163 kung saan nakasalamuha ko ang mga batang nakaranas ng matinding physical abuse.

    Pero hindi nangangahulugan na hindi ko kailanman mapapalo ang aking anak. Ang aking anak na dinala ko ng siyam na buwan sa sinapupunan, ni hindi pinapadapuan ng langaw at lamok, at laging may binibilhan ng taho o Happy Meal. Mga nanay tayo na may hangganan din, at madalas, nasa sa atin ang control.

    Naniniwala ako sa lahat ng pananaw ng mga Bagong Nanays, pero nais kong i-emphasize ang sinabi ni Mommy Chesca. Bilang isang Maternal Mental Health advocate, napakahalaga sa atin na mag-observe ng mga habits kung saan magiging mas masaya, mabuti, at patient tayong mga nanay. [Kung paano maaachieve ito, pwede niyong basahin ang Mental Health Wellness activity book na ito ng Doctors Without Borders.]

    Self-care is not selfish

    Hindi kailangang drastic ang changes para maging healthy ka, Bagong Nanay. Pwedeng magsimula ka lang sa pagkakaroon ng self-care routine. Kahit 10 minutes lang for yourself everyday. Yan ang ikakampanya namin this Women’s Month, kasama ang apat pang mga nanays.

    We want you to #Take10Mama. Take 10 minutes for yourself, everyday. So that you can better care for others.

    Dahil kung tayo mismo ay malusog ang pangangatawan, damdamin at isip, mas makakapag-discern tayo ng maayos sa lahat ng ating gagawin, including discipline. Higit sa lahat, ieemphasize ko din ang paghingi ng tulong. Naiintindihan ko na mahirap maging healthy, pero kakayanin natin yan kung mayroon tayong tulong mula sa ating partner, pamilya, mga kaibigan, o support group. Higit sa lahat, sa Diyos.

    Uulitin ko, lahat tayo ay work in progress. Hindi ibig sabihin na kung pinapalo mo ang anak mo ay masamang magulang ka, at kung hindi mo pinapalo ay mabuting magulang ka. Iba-iba ang ating mga anak, iba-iba tayong mga nanay, at sa tingin ko, ang pinaka-nagkakaisa tayong lahat ay gusto nating magtulungan dahil hindi natin ito kaya mag-isa.

    Again, #BagongNanaysEMPOWERBagongNanays

    Sabi nga ni Mommy Victoria Dang sa kanyang book na “Go Momshie,” “real moms fix each other’s crowns.”

    Ikaw, Bagong Nanay, anong masasabi mo?

    Need another Bagong Nanay to talk to? Join the Bagong Nanay Community on Viber!

  • Collab ng Taon: Bagong Nanay Club Merch with Studio Maria

    Collab ng Taon: Bagong Nanay Club Merch with Studio Maria

    Hello, Bagong Nanay!

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

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

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

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

    Para organized ang thoughts ko, ganito ko nalang ikikuwento kung paano nagtugma ang lahat para mangyari ang collab na ito:

    • July 18, 2019: My Bagong Nanay moment. Naging literal na bagong nanay ako kay Therese Aurelia. 34 weeks palang siya, gusto niya na lumabas sa outside world! Siya ang pinakamagandang bata sa buong mundo.

    • September 11, 2019: Bagong Nanay was conceived. In one of my 5-minute showers, naisip ko “Juskolord. Bagong Nanay na ako. OMG. Paano ba ihahack ito? Napakahirap!” Boom! Nakatuwalya palang ako nun, gumawa ako ng Instagram account, and the rest is history. Ang initial idea is to make it a crowdsourcing hub for first-time moms on IG, kasi andun madalas nakatambay ang mga nanay.

    • November 8, 2019: Mommy Jersey dreams. Nangarap ako gumawa ng “mommy jerseys.” Four months palang ang baby ko noon, at naka-maternity leave pa ako. Na-inspire akong gawin ang idea na ito kasi lagi kong suot na ang basketball jersey ni Husband for easy access sa boobs. Hehe.

    • January 29, 2020: Transition. Nag-resign ako from my regular job as an Assistant Communications Manager to be a full-time nanay. Simula noon, sabi ko, kakareerin ko ang Bagong Nanay. Nag-start ako ng The Bagong Nanay Shop, etc.

    • August 2, 2021: Cold message. Na-discover ko ang Studio Maria for Mamas. Meron silang muscle tees na same ng na-envision ko for my mommy jerseys. Parang na-dishearten ako na may nakaisip na pala non. LOL. Pero what if pwedeng maki-ride nalang ako sa current na meron sila? So nag-DM ako sa Studio Maria for Mamas sa Instagram (around 3AM pala yun, haha) na “Would love to have a shirt that says, Bagong Nanay!” Try lang, diba. At nag-reply si Chesca, ng “Nice idea! I can include in future releases!” WOAH. Simula noon, nabuhayan ang pangarap kong mommy jerseys!

    • September 17, 2021: Bagong Nanay as Studio Maria Partner Affiliate. Nag-join ako sa free workshop ng The Social Media Rebel, at nag-promote doon si Chesca about Studio Maria. Nag-sign up ako to be a Studio Maria Partner Affiliate for extra income, at bilang aligned naman talaga siya sa goals ng Bagong Nanay. Nagka-chat kami ni Chesca on IG, at naalala niya na gusto kong makipag-collab. Di niya alam, halos maihi ako sa kilig!

    • December 9, 2021: Planning Eto na! Tuloy-tuloy na ang online planning, brainstorming, and execution for the Bagong Nanay Club Merch! Lahat via chat and email lang with Chesca! Haha. Nag-crowdsource kami ng content from Bagong Nanays, dahil para sa kanila ito.

    • January 15, 2021: Bagong Nanay Club Merch Launch. To God be all the glory.

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

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

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

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

    See you later at 6PM!

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

    Nanay Judy

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

    to get 15% off!

  • Paula Batalla-Remetio: Bagong Nanay in the New Normal

    Paula Batalla-Remetio: Bagong Nanay in the New Normal

    Hello, #BagongNanay!

    I am so happy that you are still here.

    Ang daming ganap ng 2021, ano?

    2021 tayo nagsimulang mag-share ng mga Kuwentong Bagong Nanay. From Mommy Ericka in Canada, who shared how she’s surviving being a mom of a little boy and a baby girl, to Nanay Esther who happily moved from Manila to Cagayan Valley with her little family.

    Si Mommy Freda in Rizal, inispluk ang secret to juggling three roles as a mom, employee, and entrepreneur. Si Mommy Chee in Laguna, nireveal naman ang perks and trade-offs of being an influencer.

    Andiyan din Si Mommy Rej in Antipolo, who emphasized the importance of taking care of our mental health. Just like Mommy Jo-an, na nag-log off sa lahat ng social media accounts niya for her sanity.

    Nakakainspire din ang kuwento ni Mommy Cy of Mandaluyong, who became a Bagong Nanay at age 39. At siyempre si Mama Mindy, who was inspired to become a postpartum fitness coach and help other Bagong Nanays.

    Eye-opening ang kuwento ni Mommy Erin of Parañaque about her five tattoos. Heartwarming naman ang kuwento ni Mommy Tzarina, who chose to leave her work in Singapore to be home with her daughter in Pasig. At tear-jerking naman ang story ni Mommy Honey of Quezon City, on how it’s like to be a mom of hyper kids.

    And for our last #KuwentongBagongNanay for 2021, Mommy Paula Batalla-Remetio shares what it’s like being a Bagong Nanay in the New Normal.

    Be inspired by her story of constant worry and fear, and also endless love and hope for her dear son, Lati. Lati is the Hiligaynon term for “new moon.”

    May her story inspire you to believe in new beginnings and look forward to a better year ahead. ✨

    Maraming salamat, Bagong Nanays, for sharing your stories that empower other Bagong Nanays.


    1. What were the top 3 challenges you faced as Bagong Nanay during a pandemic?

    First, my family and I got COVID on my 7th month of pregnancy. I didn’t get severe symptoms but even though I was recovered already, it took a while before my RT-PCR came back negative. I was so afraid it will affect my baby in any way or that I will have to give birth in a COVID building. Thank God that on my 36th week (after 3 RT-PCRs), my results came back negative and I was given clearance to be admitted in the non-COVID wing.

    Second, working full time. After my maternity leave, I tried the WFH setup for a while and it was really difficult. I get really guilty that I’m at home and yet, I’m working instead of being in the other room taking care of my baby. Then even when I came back to work on site, I got really “baby-sick” I just miss my baby so much more. 

    It has been 4 months since I came back to work and I’m still adjusting to not being present 24/7.

    Finally, it’s not being able to share your baby to your loved ones. I come from a big family where we are all very close. When I got pregnant, I imagined that once I deliver my baby, I’ll have all my titos and titas and ates and kuyas waiting for me on the hospital room. But of course, it wasn’t possible.

    Mommy Paula and her baby Lati

    It may sound cliche, but I really prayed every single day of my pregnancy. I had a miscarriage before so I was really scared and anxious about getting pregnant again so fast.

    Paula Batalla-Remetio for BagongNanay.com

    2. What’s it like being a Bagong Nanay living in the new normal? Share a day in your life.

    I am very lucky that I have my mom with me. We were like a tag team when Lati was born. We would take turns in taking care of Lati — she’d let me catch up on sleep while she gets  Lati for paaraw. I’d wake up and prepare Lati’s bath. While I feed Lati, she’d wash all of Lati’s clothing. Then she gets Lati for a nap so I can wash and sterilize bottles, then clean up our room. We have developed some sort of routine where in a day, we get to attend to all of Lati’s needs while also doing the laundry, cleaning the room, and ironing all of Lati’s clothing, etc.

    Looking back, I don’t know really how we managed to do everything daily with little to no sleep, but we did.

    3. What are your 3 tips to pregnant moms or those who are planning to give birth at a time like this?

    • If you are not vaccinated yet against COVID, please consider getting the vaccine. Make sure to check with your OB though. I was on my 40th week when I got my COVID vaccine schedule so my OB asked that I postpone until after I give birth so there wouldn’t be any problem with my hospital admission in case I get fever.
    • Join online communities. I for one subscribed to Baby Center app. Like with everything, stay informed through reliable sources so you don’t give yourself unnecessary worries.
    • Pray. It may sound cliche, but I really prayed every single day of my pregnancy. I had a miscarriage before so I was really scared and anxious about getting pregnant again so fast. Praying calmed me, healed me, and allowed me to believe and trust that my heart’s desire is God’s will.

    4. What apps/hacks helped you go through your Bagong Nanay journey?

    1. Baby Center – the best!
    2. Calendar
    3. Glow Baby (at least during the 1st 2 months when I record everything from feeding time/amt to count of pee and poop to duration of sleep/nap)

    5. What are you most excited about 2022 for you and your child?

    Lati be like, “2022, I’m coming for you!”

    With the ease of restrictions, we’re finally able to visit our hometown for the Christmas holidays where my baby was able to meet our relatives. So I’m looking forward to more opportunities like this where I can share to my loved ones my little bundle of joy. Haha!

    Also, we haven’t brought Lati to any amusement park yet because I’m still anxious about visiting public attractions, but hopefully we can this 2022.

    He’ll also be celebrating his 1st bday on 2022 so I’m excited to start planning already.

    Excited for what 2022 has in store for you, Mommy Paula and Lati!

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

    By-the-book but also somewhat laid-back mom

    I like to read and observe, then bombard my son’s pedia with questions on our next visit (if I haven’t already asked on Viber hahaha). Knowing calms me so I don’t freak out easily when I notice something out of the ordinary.


    I am Paula from Mandaluyong.
    I am the Bagong Nanay of Lati, 7 months old.
    When I’m not being a doting mama, I binge-watch on Netfix or catch up on office work that I didn’t get to finish because I was either checking Lati on the baby cam/video calling him.


    Need another Bagong Nanay to talk to? Join the Bagong Nanay Community on Viber and on Telegram. Send me a message for the invite link.

  • Nanays give advice to Bagong Nanays who live with their mother-in-law (MIL)

    Nanays give advice to Bagong Nanays who live with their mother-in-law (MIL)

    Hello, #BagongNanay!

    Kamusta ka? Tapos mo na ba ang Hometown Chachacha? Ito ang question of the week para sa akin eh, hehe.

    Pero grabe, intense ang ating Question of the Week! Tinanong ko lang naman kung ano ang advice ng mga nanay para sa mga Bagong Nanay who are living with their mother-in-law (MIL).

    Nakakatuwa marinig ang iba’t ibang opinyon nila, at meron pang nagpadala ng kanyang response anonymously!

    Choose your battles

    Same goes with friends and family who give unsolicited advice on how to be a parent diba?

    Compromise is key

    Eto ay kung makikipagkumpromiso din siya.

    Second mom

    Ang tanong: paano mo ba tinatrato ang mom mo?

    Listen. Only.

    Iwas gulo ito. Hehehe.

    Two words.

    Ah pwede naman palang pag-usapan muna. Hehe. Basta si husband ang makikipag-usap!

    The art of deadma

    A wise nanay once said… haha!

    Kiliti

    In fairness!

    The bottomline is…

    Kanya-kanya tayong opinyon, and iba-iba ang experiences natin.

    MIL in Heaven

    Siguro most of us nanays will become MIL din in the future. How do we want to be remembered by our children? How do we want our in-laws to treat us? Reflect din tayo on this pag may time.

    As for me, get to know your MIL and her love language. Baka sakaling magkaintindihan kayo. Talk to your husband if you feel uncomfortable with your setup. And if all else fails, ask God for guidance. Hehe.

    Ikaw, anong advice mo sa Bagong Nanays who are living with their mother-in-law? Share mo naman!

    Want to talk to other Bagong Nanays? Join the Bagong Nanay Community on Viber.

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

    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.

  • Gawaing Bahay, But Make It Bago!

    Gawaing Bahay, But Make It Bago!

    Hello, #BagongNanay!

    Nangyari na ba ito sa’yo:

    ‘Yung magtitimpla ka lang ng kape – tapos nakita mo hindi pa pala hugas yung tasa mo. Kaso ubos na pala yung Joy, need na i-refill, so pagtingin mo sa stock room, nakita mo na malapit na pala mag-expire yung isang delata. Kaya kumuha ka ng can opener para kainin mo na at hindi na masayang, kaso pagbukas mo ng drawer, nakita mo na may mga langgam! 🐜🐜🐜

    So tinrace mo kung saan sila nagmumula at napaupo ka sa sahig. Nakita mo na may mga mumo pala ng kanin sa sahig, so kumuha ka ng walis, napawalis ka ng kusina, sinama mo na yung buong sala, nakarating ka na sa kwarto, tapos sabi mo maliligo ka na at isasabay mo na ang paglinis ng banyo. 🚽🪠

    Tapos tsaka mo naalala na iinom ka lang pala ng kape. 😅

    Bilang nanay, ang dami nating workload na akala ng iba ay maliliit lang. Pero i-ignore lang natin ang isa sa mga yun, ang laki na ng impact sa buong bahay!

    Buti nalang may mga chores na kahit na sa paningin ng iba ay mahirap o nakakatamad gawin, ang tingin natin sa kanila, ME TIME! Kanya-kanyang mindset nalang kasi no choice naman tayo eh. 🤣

    Ayon sa mga Bagong Nanay sa Instagram, eto ang kanilang mga paboritong gawaing bahay:

    Maglinis ng banyo

    Ayon kay Mommy Cybil, paborito niya ang paglilinis ng banyo. Kasi daw, iniimagine niya na yung kinukuskos niyang sahig o inidoro ay ang mukha ng taong kinaiinisan niya! 🤣

    Source: Pinterest

    Si Mommy Sam rin, ito ang paborito at ginagawa niyang “me time” ito. “Napaka-fulfilling na makakita ng malinis na banyo, at alam kong ako ang naglinis. Yung parang may imaginary sparkles in my mind!” sabi niya.

    Magluto

    Ayon din kay Mommy Sam, paborito niya magluto kasi natutuwa siya makita na nagugustuhan ng anak niya ang luto niya. Subalit, pag hindi naman daw ito nagustuhan, vocal din ang anak niya dito. 😅

    Source: Pinterest

    Sina Mommy Erin at Mommy Lou naman, mahilig din magluto kaya lang with reservations. “Magluto [ang paborito kong gawaing bahay] pero ayaw ko kumain,” sabi ni Mommy Erin.

    Si Mommy Lou naman, “madali akong nabubusog pag ako ang nagluluto.”

    Kung pareho tayong nagluluto nang tatlong beses sa isang araw, meal planning is key talaga. Minsan, igu-Google ko nalang kung ano ang pwedeng gawing recipe depende sa kung anong merong ingredients sa ref. 💯

    Maglaba

    Si Mommy Daisy, paborito ang paglalaba. “Gustong gusto ko ang maglaba. Ayaw ko kasing nakatambak na ang labahin eh. At pagtapos maglaba, maglinis naman ng CR, para mainam tingnan,” sabi niya.

    Sa paglalaba naman, bilang limited ang space sa aming bahay at walang area for sampayan, nag-invest talaga kami sa washer-dryer combo na washing machine. Yung tipong pagkatapos ng 2 hours, itutupi mo nalang. Ang tanong: sulit ba sa halaga niya? Gagawa ako ng review ng LG Front Load washer namin soon. 💯

    Source: Pinterest

    Mag-“dish-watching”

    Ako ang paborito kong chore noon ay ang maghugas ng plato sa gabi, habang nanonood ng K-Drama. 😅 Kaya lang, binilhan ako ng husband ko ng Maximus Tabletop Dishwasher, kaya tuloy bihira nalang ako maghugas ng plato. 🤣 Choosy ka pa, mamsh?!

    Pero seryoso, ang dami mo pang ibang magagawa kung ipapasa mo nalang sa dishwasher ang trabaho, lalo na kung no yaya ka din tulad ko. 💯

    Hehehehehe

    O siya, salamat sa mga sumagot sa ating #BagongNanayQOTW! Sa susunod na ulit at magluluto pa ako. Teka, kailangan ko muna maghugas ng plato. Bago yun, mag-CR muna pala ako. Ay, hindi pala ako makatayo dahil dumedede pa ang anak ko. 😅

    Ikaw, anong paborito mong gawaing bahay?

  • 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.

  • “Self-care routine, nakakain ba ‘yun?”

    “Self-care routine, nakakain ba ‘yun?”

    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.

    Exercise and meditate

    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.

    Kung kakapanganak mo palang at palagay mo ready ka na to get your pre-Bagong Nanay body back, i-check out mo ang Instagram ni Mama Mindy. Isa siyang certified post-partum core rehab specialist. May back stretches for breastfeeding mamas, early post-partum babywearing workouts, and more.

    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.”

    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.

    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.”

    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.

    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?

    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.

    Ikaw #BagongNanay, anong self-care routine mo?

  • #ChooseToChallenge, Bagong Nanay.

    #ChooseToChallenge, Bagong Nanay.

    Happy International Women’s Day, #BagongNanay!

    Noong March 8, nakiisa ang Bagong Nanay sa pagsaludo sa lahat ng mga kababaihan sa buong mundo. Nuks, lakas maka-SEC registered org? Haha.

    Ang theme ng #IWD2021 ay #ChooseToChallenge. Ang ganda nito, dahil bilang isang bagong nanay, magandang pinipili nating i-challenge ang mga mindset, pananaw, o mga kinagawian na ng society. In short, madami tayong kuda.

    Maraming mga stigma sa mga bagong nanay, na kesyo dapat ganito o ganyan tayo. Isa lang ang masasabi ko. Sabi nga ni Les Brown, never let someone’s opinion become your reality.” Yes, kakanood ko lang ng Start-Up, at #TeamGoodBoy all the way ako. Hehehe.

    Kaya naman, tinanong ko din ang mga Bagong Nanay sa Instagram kung anong mga negatibong pananaw ukol sa pagiging baguhan sa larangan ng parenting ang gusto nilang i-challenge. At bumilib ako sa mga sagot nila.

    “Walang alam”

    Ayon kay Mommy Chee, isa sa mga negatibong pananaw na gusto niya i-challenge ay ang pag-judge sa mga Bagong Nanay na wala tayong alam. “Wala daw alam, makinig lagi sa sasabihin ng mga matatanda kasi yun daw lagi tama.” Meron bang pinanganak na marunong na agad maging nanay?

    While it is important to listen to what our parents say, we have to be discerning because every child is unique. Hindi pwedeng kung ano ang nag-work kay Baby A ay yun rin ang magwowork kay Baby B. Kung noon, gumagamit sila ng mansanilya para sa kabag, at sinabi naman ng pedia mo na hindi maganda yun, as a mother, ikaw ang may final say. Kasi in the end, whatever happens to your child, ikaw ang accountable doon.

    Para sa mga nakatatanda, bigyan naman natin ng chance ang mga Bagong Nanay na matuto at magamit ang diskarte nila. Hindi pwedeng ipilit ninyo ang gusto ninyo sa apo o pamangkin ninyo dahil hindi niyo po sila anak.

    “Wag ka na mag-work”

    Gusto naman i-challenge ni Mommy Marie Cris ang negatibong pananaw na “pag natapos na ang maternity leave and need na bumalik sa work, guilt trip sa mga bagong nanay instead na suportahan sila, for sure they would want to stay at home with the baby pero no choice ang iba but to work.”

    Sad reality, pero malayo pa ang tatahakin natin para maging supportive ang mga workplace to first-time mothers. Sometimes, wala na sa kamay natin to choose if we work or stay home. Lalo na ngayong may pandemic. We do what we need to survive. Nasa survival mode tayo. Kaya please, I call on companies, to be extra kind to your employees who are also moms. They are facing a different kind of battle. Please default to empathy, until the pandemic is over.

    “Wag mo masyado i-baby”

    Bilang Bagong Nanay, syempre best foot forward tayo sa mga anak natin. Pero madaming nagsasabi na huwag daw masyado i-baby ang baby. So paano, i-adult agad ang baby? Haha.

    Sabi ni Mommy Erin, “I can recall na madami nakikialam how I am very protective of my child, and masyado daw bini-baby or kinakarga. Well, once they grow up, you’ll miss those moments din talaga. “Your child, your rules,” and do everything with love, sabi nga nila and you’ll know what needs to be done.”

    Do everything with love – dyan magaling ang mga Bagong Nanay. Kaya naman please, when you see us sacrificing our sleep just to watch our babies sleep well, bigay niyo na sa amin. They grow up so fast. Let us cherish the moments.

    “Wala ka namang ginagawa”

    Eto ang gusto ko ring i-challenge na pananaw ng mga tao eh. Agree ako kay Mommy Daisy. “Yung masabihan kang, “wala ka namang ginagawa sa bahay.” Eh, ano pala yung pag-aalaga mo sa mga anak mo? Pag-aasikaso sa asawa mo? At sa buong bahay? Very challenging yang ganyang mga salita na yan nung nagsisimula pa lang kami ng buhay namin bilang mag-asawa. But as time goes on, ginawa ko siyang challenge. Hindi ko siya minasama, pero pinakita ko sa kanila na kaya kong maging nanay at the same time magampanan ang pagiging asawa.”

    Some women had to quit their job to become a full-time mother sometimes not by choice but by circumstance. Either walang makuhang yaya, or need tutukan si baby, or dahil nga may pandemic. While other people think that being a stay-at-home mom is “maswerte” dahil hindi ka nga nagwowork, well, if you’ve never tried to be one, you’ll never know.

    Stay-at-home mom depression is real. And it is important that we create safe spaces for Bagong Nanays to express their emotions and exhaustion. This is something I would like to stand for and challenge. Because it is happening to me. And I know I’m not alone.

    If you want someone to talk to, join the Bagong Nanay Community in Viber. You can personally message me, and we can talk.

    As Bagong Nanays, we already have our own crosses to carry. We hope the people around us don’t add to the load, and help us instead.

    Let’s continue to #ChooseToChallenge, and also, choose to be kind to one another. We are living in extraordinary times, and I hope that we don’t add to someone else’s burden.

    #BagongNanaysEmpowerBagongNanays

    Nanay Judy

  • 4 tips to cope with daily nanayhood struggles

    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