Bagong Nanay

Tag: motherhood

  • “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.

    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.

    Talk to someone. Photos from MSF Philippines

    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

  • #BagongNanayReviews: Mega-Malunggay Capsules

    #BagongNanayReviews: Mega-Malunggay Capsules

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

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

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

    1. It is widely used by moms.

    2. It doesn’t contain sugar.

    3. It is easy to take.

    4. It is cheap.

    5. It’s worth it.

    Not all hype

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

    Photo credits: Bianca Gonzales’ Facebook account

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

    Photo from Iya Villania Arellano’s Instagram account

    Healthy option

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

    Photo from VPharma’s Facebook page

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

    No-frills malunggay

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

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

    Photo from VPharma’s Facebook page

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

    Value for money

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

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

    Best in the market

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

    Photo: bagongnanay

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

  • Manager noon, nanay ngayon

    Manager noon, nanay ngayon

    #BagongNanayQOTW: Anong work mo bago ka naging #BagongNanay?

    Around this time last year, I was wrapping up meetings and presentation decks, completing my clearance requirements, and thinking twice if I would really quit my job. I was part of the communications team of a non-profit organization for six years. It was my dream job. Prior to that, I was a news writer and a field reporter.

    I submitted my resignation letter on January 29, 2020, and I thought it was one of the bravest things I’ve done in my life.

    I realized that what’s braver and more courageous is the ability to put up with that decision everyday. Before being a full-time nanay, I worked jobs that required me to travel a lot, multitask a lot, and do everything in a rush. Now, I am home 24/7 taking care of my 19-month-old, doing routine tasks like cleaning and cooking. The pandemic isn’t helping, so it’s harder because we can’t go out.

    Grabe ang transition, right? I still can’t believe that I’ve been a full-time nanay for almost a year now. There are moments when I would daydream about work and meetings, but then again I wake up to the sound of my little boss, saying, “Nanay, Nanay.”

    So I thought of asking our full-time nanay followers on Instagram what their past jobs were. It was fun knowing their answers!

    #BagongNanayQOTW posted on Bagong Nanay Instagram account on Feb 12, 2021

    “Manager sa isang international fastfood chain at events organizer.” momofhyperkids

    I can imagine kung gaano ka-extra ang mga birthday celebration sa family nila Mommy Honey!

    “Restaurant supervisor.” evrydaymomslife

    Ano kayang mas mahirap i-supervise, Mommy Jemma? Restaurants o kids? 🤔😆

    “Isa po akong laundry staff.” daisy_sanuco

    Puro damit muna ng pamilya niya ang lalabhan ni Mommy Daisy.

    “Hospital nurse.” mommycheespeaks

    According to Mommy Chee, hindi na niya pinursue ang nursing profession dahil maliit ang sahod. Noong dalaga pa siya, option niya sana mag-abroad, pero now, hindi na niya gusto dahil mahal daw mag-process ng papers. #SanaAll may nurse na mommy!

    Thanks to everyone who shared their answers! Whether you are a full-time nanay, or a working nanay, saludo ako sa’yo, #BagongNanay. The Bagong Nanay life is tough, but you are tougher!

    Should you need someone to talk to, 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 work mo before ka naging full-time nanay? Share mo naman!

  • #BagongNanayReviews: M2 Malunggay Tea

    #BagongNanayReviews: M2 Malunggay Tea

    As a #BagongNanay, one of our greatest concerns post-partum is our ability to feed and nourish our child.

    In my experience, I attended seminars when I was still pregnant, and I was fully committed to breastfeeding my child. But sometimes, no matter how prepared we are, we become faced with challenges that would alter our plans and test our faith.

    As for me, I gave birth six weeks earlier than expected. I didn’t know what went wrong: I had complete check-ups, took my vitamins, and ate healthy. But then it happened. My water bag broke when my baby was still 33 weeks and 5 days in my womb.

    Thus, I had to undergo an emergency C-section. This caused my first breastmilk to only come out after three days of trying and pumping. You can read the full story here.

    I’m happy that I didn’t give up, and I am still breastfeeding until today. My daughter is almost two years old. One of the things that helped me through my breastfeeding journey is the first product I would write about here in #BagongNanayReviews.

    Breastfeeding is not easy. It is wonderful, but sometimes we could use some help.

    Here’s why Bagong Nanay highly recommends the M2 Malunggay Tea:

    1. It is healthy.

    2. It is delicious.

    3. It is very convenient.

    4. It is affordable.

    5. It works.

    Healthy beverage

    First things first – M2 Malunggay Tea is FDA-approved as a nutritional beverage, unlike other supplements that have no approved therapeutic claims. Thus, you are sure that it is genuinely healthy, and not just a placebo.

    M2 Malunggay Okra Luya Tea is a product of NaturEarth Corporation. Visit their website here: naturearthph.com

    Just read up on the nutrient content of malunggay, then look up okra and ginger. You can thank me later.

    It’s not only good for lactating moms, but also for husbands and kids 1 year old and up.

    Surprisingly delicious

    I won’t judge you if at first you would hesitate to try this tea simply because you read that it’s made from malunggay, okra, and ginger.

    Okra is one of the vegetables that most people don’t like to eat because of its texture. But surprisingly, the M2 Malunggay Tea tastes like the house-blend iced tea of some popular fastfood and restaurants.

    Pro tip: Squeeze a slice of lemon or calamansi to make it more refreshing.

    I love my M2 Malunggay Tea iced and with lemon.

    Easy to prepare

    If, like me, you are not that lucky to have a malunggay tree in your backyard, you would know that malunggay is a rare item in supermarkets.

    And how many times would you cook tinolang manok just to use up all the malunggay leaves that you bought? Not to mention how daunting it is to remove the malunggay leaves (my husband is very particular, and doesn’t like to see stems in his tinola).

    Imagine the time and effort saved by just drinking M2 – pour a little of the concentrate on your tumbler, add water, pop some ice cubes, and you’re ready to go!

    Very affordable

    When you are a breastfeeding mom, there is nothing more stressful than thinking that your breastmilk supply is not enough for your child.

    If you buy a one liter concentrate of M2 Malunggay Tea at 280php, you can already use it to prepare up to 17 glasses of tea. That’s approximately 16php per serving. As for me, I drink two servings per day – one during lunch and then one during dinner.

    M2 Malunggay Iced Tea and Lumpiang Togue for merienda!

    For only 32php a day, you can already see the results. You would feel your breasts welling up milk, and you will be more confident that your child will have enough breastmilk for the day.

    Proven effective

    I can only speak from experience. I am breastfeeding my child for almost 19 months now. I attribute this success to the following factors: letting her latch whenever she wants, getting six to eight hours of sleep, and drinking M2 Malunggay Tea.

    Yes, I believe that this product has greatly helped me in my breastfeeding journey that it is as important as unli-latch and sleep. I believe in it so much that I became an authorized reseller of the product since August 2020. Since then, I’ve been helping other Bagong Nanays in their breastfeeding journey as well – all thanks to M2.

    M2 works for this mommy too! Happy to help.

    If you want to try this product, send me a message here, and tell me that you found out about it by reading this blog. I will give you a discount on your first order. :)

    So that’s it for the first of many #BagongNanayReviews! Comment down if you have anything to say about M2 Malunggay Tea too!

    Nanay Judy

  • Mga apps na APP-roved by Bagong Nanays!

    Mga apps na APP-roved by Bagong Nanays!

    Under quarantine pa rin ho tayo, mga #BagongNanay.

    Dahil bawal lumabas kung hindi non-essential ang gagawin, mas napapadalas ang paggamit ng technology to keep us sane.

    Kaya naman, nagtanong kami ng mga #BagongNanay sa Instagram at Facebook kung anu-anong mga web/mobile applications o apps ang gamit na gamit nila ngayong panahon ng pandemya.

    Napaka-helpful ng mga sagot nila!

    To connect: Facebook Messenger

    Messenger – Text and Video Chat for Free - Apps on Google Play

    @guamdalisay I use this to stay connected sa aking family and friends. Unli-chika and kamustahan, plus may pa-“watch together” pa. Kahit ito lang ang app sa phone ko, buhay na ako.

    @mommycheespeaks Messenger and IG pang-chika!

    @ceoooo Messenger and Messenger only!

    @evrydaymomslife Messenger to catch up with friends and family!

    To entertain: Netflix and YouTube

    Netflix releases ten educational documentaries on YouTube for free amid COVID-19, Entertainment News | wionews.com

    @rejjventress Ngayon ko gamit na gamit ang YouTube! For Zumba and for yoga!

    @evrydaymomslife Netflix for movie mood, YouTube for motivating and How To videos.

    @mommycheespeaks YouTube for watching inspirational videos.

    @mavicholics Gamit na gamit po sa akin ang Netflix, Viu at YouTube. Kakapanood ng movies, series, anime, vlogs, at xmpre K-drama. Hehe! Opo, K-drama is life talaga!

    To meditate: Headspace

    Guided Meditation and Mindfulness - The Headspace App

    @rejjventress Super helpful for meditation, para makatulog.

    @marge.antonio Headspace, a meditation app.

    To ship: Grab Express

    Download our App: Car, Taxi & Carpool Service | Grab PH

    @rejjventress Grab, for all my essential deliveries.

    Shoutout sa Grab Express PH, dahil ang The Bagong Nanay Shop is a Madiskarteng Boss Club Member. Talaga namang lahat ng deliveries ay nakakarating – thanks to our Madidiskarteng Kuya and Ate Grab Riders!

    Do you have a business? Join Madiskarteng Boss Club today!

    Other apps to try!

    @evrydaymomslife Coins.ph and GCash for bills payment and cashless transaction; Microsoft Teams, and WhatsApp for work!

    @marge.antonio Duolingo – to push myself to learn a new skill (not for everyone); the fabulous – to help me build good habits; and Skill Skout – for my kids to look for new things they want to try.

    @judiyamariya Viber to sell; Google Sheets to organize my mind and life; and Canva to create easy collats!

    PS. Salamat kay Mommy Rej na nag-suggest ng #BagongNanayQOTW na ito! Read her blog post on apps that keep her sane and make her life more bearable, here.

    Ikaw, anong app ang gamit na gamit mo sa mga panahong ito? Share mo naman!

  • Minsan nanay, madalas…

    Minsan nanay, madalas…

    What’s up, mga #BagongNanay? Nalula ako sa dami ng mga sumagot sa ating Bagong Nanay Question of the Week! Salamat sa inyong suporta at hindi pagiging KJ. Lalo ngayong panahon na ang dami na nga nating iniisip, dumagdag pa ang pa-white sand sa Manila Bay, join nalang tayo sa mga positibong usapan sa social media.

    Speaking of social media, kanina, napanood ko ang documentary na The Social Dilemma sa Netflix. Dito, pinakita ang dark side of social media – how it’s taking over our lives and why we should fight it.

    While the Internet enables us to access information, ito rin ang nagiging enabler ng fake news. While social media was initially envisioned to spread positivity through likes, nakaka-affect na pala ito ng bongga sa ating mental health, lalo na sa mga younger generations. While these platforms connect us to our loved ones across the world, these were also used as means to divide a country.

    Pardon the code-switching, ang hirap mag-Tagalog, aminin. Haha. Dami pa ako thoughts, pero dito nalang tayo mag-discuss if you want.

    Anyway, mabalik. Nagtanong kami sa Instagram at Facebook kung ano ang iba’t iba pang role ng nanay sa kani-kanilang bahay. Yes, may sumagot na sa Facebook this time! Haha. At nag-promise ang Bagong Nanay to award the wittiest answer – hindi lang ang honor na ma-feature dito sa blog, but with a surprise gift na ang winner lang ang makakaalam! Yey.

    Eto na nga ang mga sagot nila sa #BagongNanayQOTW:

    Tribute to Mama Mary din ang #BagongNanayQOTW na ito. Happy birthday, OG Bagong Nanay! :)

    “Peacekeeper. Lalo na pag nag-wa-warla ang mga bagets.” @mommyfaith.ph

    Good job si Mommy Faith! Wag po tayong kunsintidora. Hehe.

    “Tech support ngayong new normal.” @orangepopsicle18

    Ayon kay Mommy Sam, isa siyang multi-faceted nanay. Siya rin ay: “Personal assistant sa mga activities, photographer, videographer, documenter, lifetime banker/pawnshop/loanshark na di naman babayaran, debater rin since magaling mag-reason out ang bata, cheerleader, prayer warrior, psychologist, nurse, doctor, and more.”

    “Guidance counselor.” @mommycheespeaks

    At least hindi na-pi-Principal’s office ang mga kids!

    “Taga-hanap ng mga bagay-bagay sa bahay (kahit hindi naman nawawala).” @sahmnimia

    Sabi ni Mommy Jea, di daw niya alam anong tawag sa taong ganito. Lost and found desk? Imbestigador? Forensic expert? Charot. Ano nga ba?!

    “Janitress.” @thenicoledvillaran

    Totoo po. Sana may promotion or salary increase, ano ho?

    “Minsan photographer, singer, dancer,(talented ka?!)” @slayingmotherhood

    True ito! Minsan kailangang aliwin si baby para kumain, or hindi umiyak. Hahaha. Kakapagod rin po ano. Haha.

    “All-around yaya, manager, mayordoma, accountant, personal assistant, driver, cook, baker, at madami pang iba.”
    @mylifefae     

    Sana all ng role may payroll.

    “Dakilang tutor.” @mavicholics

    Lalo na ngayong online na muna ang school, ayon kay working Mommy Mavic, siya ang dakilang tutor ng kanyang anak na si Zac.

    “Struggle is real sa online schooling, mamsh. Bukod sa nakatabi ka sa gilid niya during online discussions ako pa din taga-turo. Or minsan ako na gumgawa ng assignments, seatworks at projects! Pero enjoy naman, para akong bumalik sa pagiging student,” share niya.

    “Ako si “Catrionanay.” @guamdalisay

    Winner itong sagot ni Mommy Guammy! “Dahil kahit haggard na ko sa mga gawaing nanay, ako parin daw ang Ms. Universe ng mag-ama ko. At sila naman ang #SilverLining sa buhay ko. And I, thank you!” May nanalo na! Hahaha.

    “Ako si “Kenyubay.” Jinky Santos

    Para sa akin, ito ang pinaka-witty! Ayon kay Mommy Jinky, siya daw si “Kenyubay.” Bakit? Dahil ito daw ang bukambibig ng kanyang anak na si Dean: “Mommy, can you buy <insert lahat ng makikita ni Dean sa tv>).” Hahahahahahahahahah. Buti nalang hindi pa nagsasalita ang anak ko. :P

    Congratulations, Mommy Jinky! I-pi-PM kitak ung ano ang iyong surprise gift from Bagong Nanay. :)

    Maraming salamat sa lahat ng sumali! Nakakaaliw na ang dami nating hats na iwiniwear bilang nanay, ano? Siguro kahit anong lista ang gawin natin, hindi tayo matatapos. Ang pagiging nanay ay hindi biro. Pwede kang mag-break, pero hindi ka pwede mag-leave. Hindi ka din pwede mag-resign. Kaya saludo ako sa bawat isa sa inyo, mga Bagong Nanay. Kung iniisip mo palang na may iba ka pang role bukod sa pagiging nanay, ibig sabihin nun na isa kang mabuting nanay.

    Lagi’t lagi naming ipapaalala sa’yo, we see you, Nay. Everything that you do is valued and appreciated. Mahalaga ka, Nay. Kaya kapit lang.

    Ikaw, ano pa ang title mo sa bahay bukod sa pagiging Nanay?