Bagong Nanay

Tag: News

  • ‘Holding Both’ is a book for Bagong Nanays

    ‘Holding Both’ is a book for Bagong Nanays

    Hi, Bagong Nanay!

    Kumusta? Just a quick life update, I just got hired last January 14, and it’s a remote job that I prayed for. As you know, I resigned from my previous job to be a full-time Bagong Nanay again. Kaya I’m so happy na, ika nga sa Threads, “pinagresign ako ni Lord.” I know, God gave me this job – fully remote, flexible, and same timezone lang because it’s Hong Kong-based. (Chat nalang tayo for more deets).

    Anyway, I mentioned that because as a millennial mom, sobrang taas ng guilt level ko kapag nahahati yung oras ko as an employee and as a mom. Parang it’s either – mag-resign ako and be a full-time mom, or mag-work ako but always think about resigning every day. Kayo din ba?

    Holding Both by Chesca Susmerano Review

    Kaya when I read this book, Holding Both, written by Chesca Susmerano, founder of Studio Maria and a good friend, I was affirmed that it’s valid to feel both of these feelings. Yung guilt pati yung joy, yung longing na mag-work pero ma-enjoy din yung tambay lang sa bahay with kids. Reading the first few pages of the book, I had to stop and take a screenshot, cry, and message Chesca how I felt so seen and so understood just by reading. Lalo na when I read this line:

    “You’re allowed to drop some things but not forever.”

    Talagang, iyak malaley sa bed. Reading that line, carefully and thoughtfully written by Chesca, sabi ko, grabe yung feelings ko of guilt for not working, wala akong contribution sa bahay financially, wala akong pambili ng mga gamit na gusto ko for myself, pero this is not forever. Ang bilis lang niya actually. And mas naiyak ako sa part na, being with our young children na lagi nating kabunong-braso pag babalik ka na sa laptop mo or aalis ka going to office, is also not forever.

    An easy read, unputdownable for moms

    So I continued reading the book. 63 pages lang siya. Actually, it was meant to be read one chapter at a time. Pero sobrang easy and relatable read niya na I read it bago matulog, habang tulog na ang mga anak ko. Naisip ko nga, posible palang magbasa ng libro kahit may dalawang anak! Buti nalang, Chesca made it an e-book, sobrang convenient basahin ng mommies whenever and wherever.

    Tapos napa-stop na naman ako dito sa page where Chesca talked about the sacrifices she did as a mother, being the career woman she used to be before being a Bagong Nanay. If you also resigned from your job to be a full-time mom, grabe yung page 17, I’m telling you. I’m not going to spoil because you have to read it on your own.

    Then sa page 20, yung affirmation ni Chesca that whatever we are doing for our children, no matter how small or mundane, matters, wala na. I lost it. Seriously, Holding Both is unputdownable. Hooked na hooked ako.

    An affordable, necessary gift for moms

    Reading my screenshots of the book now, I’m getting goosebumps. Meron pa akong isang page na twice ko iniscreenshot because it’s so good. Yes, instead of a book na i-Stabilo para maalala, sa e-book you can screenshot so you can always remember. You will always be reminded. Kasi as moms, need natin ng daily reminder that we are doing okay. That we will be okay. That we are enough.

    That’s why I encourage you to buy the book, and read it for yourself, or gift it to another Bagong Nanay, may occasion man o wala. I know, 6 years na ako as a nanay, and I thought I know it all – yang mental health, self-care, guilt – akala ko gets ko na yan. Not until I read Holding Both, para akong na-refresh as a mom. Parang na-encourage ako to be myself, to not hide, to not play small anymore. And I hope all of us moms realize this too. That we are doing sacred work as a mom, and we didn’t become less of a person when we gave up our jobs and became a mother.

    My honest review of Holding Both, hehe.

    Milk Tea Confessions: Conversation Cards review

    And it’s important to have a village. If there’s one thing I will always remember when I sought professional help, it’s that moms need a strong support system. Hindi mo kailangang maging part ng Facebook group na may libu-libong members. Minsan, sapat na yung may chatgroup ka of four moms who are in the same season as you. Yung hindi ka ija-judge pag sinabi mong nahulog sa bed yung anak mo. Yung gets ka pag naiiinis ka sa husband mo na matagal sa CR. Yung pwede mo makausap about faith, about rage, about anything.

    I’m happy that we are growing our Bagong Nanay Viber community (ask me for the link). Mommy Charlotte Silva and I started this group way back pandemic era, nung uso yung group chats at pa-Lalamove ng mga stuff. Kasi may nag-close na isang mommy chatgroup, eh parehas kaming bagong nanay noon, at yun ang source namin ng info. Now, with Bagong Nanay group getting bigger, we get to hold meetups na din.

    Last January, we held our first Bagong Nanay Milktea Meetup in Molito, Alabang. Ang saya, hindi pa kami maka-move on. Pito lang kaming moms na nagmeet, pero it was enough. We were meant to be there, all 7 of us. And during our meetup, we used Chesca’s Milk Tea Confessions: Conversation Cards! It’s a freebie when you buy the Holding Both book through her website.

    If you are a mom and you’re going to meet up with your mom friends and you want to make the most of your very limited time, use the Milk Tea Confessions: Conversation Cards para hindi naman puro chismisan or “Anong diaper gamit niyo?” ang topic. Makabuluhan naman sana, please.

    What Bagong Nanays say about the Milk Tea Confessions: Conversation Cards

    Bagong Nanay Milktea Meetup @ The South!

    Here’s what the Bagong Nanay mamas said about their experience using the Milk Tea Confessions: Conversation Cards during our meetup.

    “I sometimes feel awkward initiating conversations with new people but the Confession Cards served as an effective icebreaker! I like that I get to really know the moms using the reflective questions and relatable prompts that were provided. It’s interactive, and thought-provoking. It helped us connect genuinely throughout the whole Milk Tea Meetup.” –Mommy Camille Chua

    “It gently opened the door to the kind of heartful conversations we don’t always get to have in everyday mom life. It wasn’t just small talk—it was real stories, shared emotions, and that comforting feeling of “me too.” So grateful for the space it created.” -Mommy Kyla Magbag

    “The idea is so clever and the experience of bringing these conversation cards to the table (with the right circle) is surely refreshing!

    I think it’s a must-have for every mom meetups. My momma heart is happy. Ang saya to bring back the beautiful art of conversation while sharing a fave drink during gatherings, than just randomly checking stuff on our phones.

    Sana soon meron ding family conversation cards and kids convo cardsss.” -Mommy Cess Arnaiz

    Read Mommy Chesca’s thoughts about the Milk Tea Meetup here.

    Bagong Nanay events happening soon!

    If you want to join the next Bagong Nanay Milktea Meetup sa North this March, comment below or send me a message on Instagram (@bagongnanay).

    Chesca is also holding a Mini Mindful Art Tambay in Las Pinas on Feb 28, message her on IG (@studiomaria.formamas) to join! See you soon, Bagong Nanay. You are loved.

    Holding Both: A Gentle 7-Day Journey Through the Quiet Contradictions We Carry As Mothers e-book is available through Studio Maria’s website here. Get 5% off when you use the code BAGONGNANAY upon checkout!

    PS. Thank you, Chesca, for the gift of you. And for giving yourself to the Bagong Nanays.

  • Joolz Aer2 Stroller Review: Is It Worth the Investment?

    Joolz Aer2 Stroller Review: Is It Worth the Investment?

    This review is based on our personal experience.

    Hi, Bagong Nanay!

    We just got home from our 15-day trip to Guam, USA, our first out-of-the-country trip as a family of four. One of our travel essentials was a stroller – alam ko kasing we’ll be going to do a lot of walking and shopping so it’s a must-have!

    We brought with us the Joolz Aer2 Lightweight Stroller in Sandy Taupe, currently priced at P33,999. It was named the best travel stroller by Forbes in 2025, so the question is, in this economy, worth it ba talaga?

    Here’s our honest review.

    Bagong Nanay Reviews: Joolz Aer2 Lightweight Stroller in Sandy Taupe

    Specs:

    Weight: 6.5kg or 14.3lbs

    When folded: 17.3 x 20.8 x 9.2 inches 

    Weight limit: 22.7kg or 50lbs

    One-hand, one-second easy fold

    As Bagong Nanays, marami tayong na-unlock na skills na kaya nating gawin with one hand. Habang buhat si baby, kayang abutin ang remote, kayang magluto, and many more. Kaya perfect yung Joolz Aer2 because it can fold with one hand. Yes! Para sa ating mga nanay na madami nang iniisip, gusto natin yung stroller na chill lang. Bukod sa it can fold with one hand, it stands once it is folded.

    Five-point harness

    Nung nasa Smart Parenting pa ako, I was able to interview a pediatrician about what parents should look for before buying a stroller. Dr. Joey Cuayo-Estanislao mentioned two things: the stroller should have an effective braking system and a five-point harness.

    Joolz Aer2 has this, kaya talagang sold ako. Why? Yung three-point harness kasi ang common sa mga strollers. Pero yung five-point harness also secured the child’s shoulders, kaya malaking bagay siya especially during sudden stops. Dun palang check na si Joolz Aer2.

    Compact as a carry-on

    Since it was our first trip abroad, nakita namin kung paano ang kalakaran when you bring a stroller on the plane. In our experience with Philippine Airlines, you may use the stroller up to the boarding gate, then leave it with the staff so they can check it in. Although with the Joolz Aer2, since sobrang compact niya when folded and comes with a handy drawstring bag, we brought it to the plane and placed it in our overhead cabin para hindi siya ma-damage along with the other baggages. Check na check!

    Pasok din ang weight niya sa carry-on (at 6kg) kasi talagang airplane compatible siya.

    Perfect for naps

    Moms of toddlers would know (lalo na boys) na nap times are sacred. Hindi pwedeng mainterrupt ito at hindi pwedeng ipagpaliban ito. Kaya we loved how spacious the Joolz Aer2 was when my son napped. It has a lie-flat recline kaya talagang relaxed si baby. Yun talaga ang pakay namin for the stroller kasi it’s hard to go around na buhat-buhat palagi lalo pag pagod na.

    At pag gising na siya and bored na sa stroller, sobrang spacious ng Joolz to carry your other items (even your other child!). It also has a big basket for more stuff, like diaper bag, tumbler, etc.

    Easy to maneuver

    Walang problem kaming na-encounter when steering the stroller even in tight spaces (like store aisles). Smooth lang ang ride just as how it should be.

    Plus points that the Sandy Taupe color is so aesthetic, it’s really a headturner sa ibang parents. I also saw other parents at the airport with their Joolz strollers, so proven and tested talaga na it’s a travel must-have!

    Real-talk: Not the easiest to clean

    Before using the stroller, we had to have it cleaned kasi it came from storage. While there are available stroller cleaners that I found around the metro (Urban Essentials in Quezon City and Domestic Diva in BF Homes Almanza), it costs around Php 950-2000. So my husband removed the fabrics and we cleaned it on our own. Medyo nahirapan siya to reassemble but we found a helpful video online specifically for Joolz Aer2.

    But if you bought a new one, just wipe it clean!

    The verdict

    So is the Joolz Aer2 worth its price?

    Yes, given the safety, comfort, and peace it gives, it’s worth it. Especially if you plan on traveling a lot with your child, it’s a must-have. As a mom who also purchased a Doona car seat and stroller in one, I must say, investment siya. Iba talaga ang quality ng Joolz over other strollers na trendy lang and flimsy.

    However, I recommend that you let professional cleaners do the deep cleaning as necessary kasi nga medyo tricky i-remove and ibalik yung fabrics. Spare yourself from the headache, you might do that once or twice a year siguro at most!

    Overall, it’s a Bagong Nanay-approved stroller. I hope we could travel again soon and bring the Joolz Aer2 with us. Ang dami na naming core memories together, and I can’t wait to make some more.

    Thank you so much, Joolz PH!

    Buy Joolz PH Aer2 on Shopee here or on their website here.

    Read also this review from Forbes.

  • Baby’s Starting Solids? Here’s A Panimulang Meal Plan + Tools

    Baby’s Starting Solids? Here’s A Panimulang Meal Plan + Tools

    Hi, Bagong Nanay!

    Kumusta? Ako, eto, 36 years old na. Haha! Gusto ko lang maging mas active magsulat because madami tayong time at madami tayong responsibilities as a Bagong Nanay who’s given another lease in life.

    So I’m writing this (while listening to the Dogshow Divas podcast ha) because kahapon, may nagtanong na first-time mom sa ating Bagong Nanay Viber Community about her 6-month-old na magsstart na mag-solids.

    I remember when I was in her shoes, half-excited and half-kabado ako noon nung magsastart na kumain ang aking firstborn. Pero I became more confident when a mama friend (who also shared breastmilk to me when I gave birth to my preemie baby) shared this panimulang meal plan with me.

    I’ve shared this with a lot of moms in my six years as a mother, and so far, okay naman yung mga anak nila!

    Because sharing is caring, I’m sharing it here too!

    Sample Meal Plan for 6-months-old Baby

    Some notes to remember:

    • I followed this for my two kids. Ang principle behind this is you offer the same food for three days para makita kung may allergies sila sa certain food. Kasi kung meron, inform your pedia agad. It also helps to really track what your child eats, kahit using pen and paper or Google Sheets, you do you. I also take photos of the food bago kumain si baby, for reference. Haha.
    Squash puree!
    • About the water, we used distilled water only until our baby turns one.

    How to prepare your baby’s first solids

    Cooking

    • When it comes to food preparation, two ways worked for me:
      • For my first child: I dedicated an own pot for my baby’s food. Para hindi namimix sa food namin na may seasoning. Boil tapos mash using a fork. You may add breastmilk din, lalo na sa first food like avocado.
      • For my second child: I received a hand-me-down Boboduck 4-in-1 food blender kaya mas madali magprepare ng food daily. Steam and mash in one na ito!
    NANAYS! I’m passing this on to another Bagong Nanay who needs this! Message me if you want it. Just shoulder the SF please.

    Storage

    Pag naparami yung naluto ko, I put the excess in this food containers from Oxo Tot. Tapos isasapaw ko nalang sa sinaing the next day!

    Buy this Oxo Tot Baby Blocks Freezer Storage Containers – 2 oz here

    Utensils

    Madaming bowls and utensils that you can shop from Tickled Babies, so just choose what you need. You can also join our Viber group to ask moms what they used! Just comment below or DM me on Instagram to get the link!

    High chair

    I swear by Ikea Antilop high chair dahil ang dali linisin and stable siya. I bought ours way back in 2020 pa, from pasabuy sellers. Wala pa kasing Ikea noon but now meron na, easy to buy na so go!

    Ikea Antilop high chair. Need lang bilhan ng foot rest, madami daw sa Shopee but I got mine from Bears & Berries Manila on Instagram.

    Starting solids is exciting, yes, pero may struggles din! But we’re all in this together, and you’ll be okay.

    Join our Viber group community. Comment below or send me a message on Instagram: @bagongnanay

  • Moms Share: Sino Ka Bago Maging Bagong Nanay?

    Moms Share: Sino Ka Bago Maging Bagong Nanay?

    Hi, Bagong Nanay!

    Kumusta? October na, napakabilis ng panahon. Birth month ko na, at syempre, more than ever, I celebrate that I’m still here.

    I asked the Bagong Nanay Community to take a moment to reflect on who they were bago sila naging Bagong Nanay. Life before motherhood ba. Minsan kasi, nakakalimutan na natin na ang dami pala nating mga nagawa at na-achieve bago tayo naging nanay, especially pag nalulunod na tayo sa daily chores at nauumay sa pag-aalaga ng bata.

    Nakakatuwa ang sagot ng mga nanay, at meron ding mga nagpadala ng kanilang mga photos. Read on, and share us a part of your story too!

    Moms respond to “Sino ka bago ka naging nanay?”

    Banking

    “I used to lead a group of officers and staff in an international bank handling operations and customer service for eight years and before that used to work in a TV network. It was my lifelong dream to be a journalist.” Love Cosio

    Recruitment

    “Before I became an AUsome Mom, I was in the field of recruitment, offshore recruitment to be exact I supported APAC & US clients for industries like banking, finance, insurance, IT & healthcare. This was pre-pandemic and every after work, I always chose to walk instead of riding a jeepney or Angkas to Park Square Glorietta where I’d take a van going home. Walking is therapeutic for me, it’s like my 10-minute me-time every day where I just clear my thoughts.

    I stopped working for a while to focus on my AUsome son. It was really challenging, but it was worth it. Recently, I’m back in the industry, starting again, but, it honestly feels good.” Pearl Marie Cordura

    Adventure-seekers turned mamas

    “HR professional, but being a stay-at-home mom is my favorite. Adventurer. Mountains, oceans, cliff jumps, island hopping. All those things.” Riyalyn Grace Pasimio

    Health care

    “I was a public hospital nurse on weekdays and an outdoor adventurer on weekends!” Ara Yeung

    Credits: Ara Yeung

    Freediver

    “Marketing girl/freediver/lakwachera turned into SAHM. Loving this new role to be honest!” Gayle Dhillon

    Credits: Gayle Hillon

    Livestreamer

    “I used to stream games online! I play to decompress.” Patrice Gonzales

    Credits: Patrice Gonzales

    HR Manager

    “I used to dream of becoming an HR Manager back in 2013. I told myself that one day, that’s the position I wanted. Little did I know, God granted that dream in 2018—something I never expected. I was always traveling for work, and I truly loved my job. One of the most touching moments was when the CEO himself told me that if I ever wanted to come back, the company doors would always be open for me. I was one of their pioneer employees, and he said I had greatly contributed to the company’s beginnings. Today, I’m so proud because that company has now grown into one of the leading courier services nationwide.” Charmeyn

    “Grabe yung passion ko noon. Now that I’m a mom, I had to slow down. My child is teaching me to not rush life and enjoy the little things.”

    Gelli Mae Tan

    Mission work

    “I used to be a full-time lay missionary, along with my husband. After getting married, we served together on mission in East Timor for 5 years – that’s where our first two kids were born. I have always loved writing / communicating, and wanted to take up writing in college but took what was supposedly a pre-Med course instead (for the love of my parents).

    So I studied PT in college, took and passed the boards, but practiced PT only for a few months before answering His call to go fulltime in the mission field. Fast forward to the present, and now my work (and advocacies) are very focused on communication. God always has a way of making things work out for us, noh? Tina Santiago Rodriguez

    “I remember that I was going almost block by block, business to business when I was a fresh grad. I was offering graphic design services with limited work experience and only a college portfolio. As in ginapang ko magkapangalan lang ako sa larangang ito, lalo na sa Baguio. It did came, yung chance na makilala. Na pag kailangan ng graphic artist sa Baguio, ako yung nirerefer. Grabe yung passion ko noon. Also built my own business after a few years and did so many rakets here and there. Now that I’m a mom, I had to slow down. My quick paced and di mapakali self had to chill. My child is teaching me to not rush life and enjoy the little things. She became my pahinga.” Gelli Mae Tan

    From staging events to staying home

    Corporate communications and events management

    I was a corp comm girlie doing events and writing. Now a SAHM and loving every bit of it! Maiky Berenguer-Verayo

    Credits: Maiky Berenguer-Verayo

    “A corporate and events girlie for almost 10 years but being a SAHM is so worth it.” Judy Ann Danielle Abad-Roa

    Credits: Judy Ann Danielle Abad-Roa

    Ikaw, Bagong Nanay? What’s your story?

    Me, when I was 29, I used to be a workaholic comms girlie, yung tipong unang dumadating sa office tapos huling uuwi. Mahilig kami tumambay after work hours sa Sheridan, rant sa work at lovelife. I love mounting events, brainstorming, making things happen, and traveling to our partner communities. Siargao? Thrice a year ata ako nandun. I’ve been to a lot of place in Philippines, minsan kakalapag lang, aalis na. Ngayon, as a mom of two, ni hindi makapag-CR ng matiwasay! Hahaha.

    Judy Aladin at Calayan, Cagayan

    Let’s continue the conversation. Join our Bagong Nanay Community on Viber. Send me a DM on Instagram @bagongnanay for the link!

  • Breastfeeding and Mental Health: Key Insights for Bagong Nanays

    Breastfeeding and Mental Health: Key Insights for Bagong Nanays

    Hi, Bagong Nanay!

    Kumusta? Ako, okay lang naman. Malapit na mag-1 year old ang aking baby boy. Kaninang umaga, nag-declutter ako ng mga gamit niya–mga damit na pinagliitan at mga hand-me-downs from friends na ready na akong i-pass on to another Bagong Nanay. If you are interested in hand-me-down Bagong Nanay items, send me a message on the Bagong Nanay Viber group here.

    Kahapon, August 6, nag-join ako sa isang online seminar about nurturing the mental health of breastfeeding mothers.

    Source: Facebook /Philippine Society of Newborn Medicine

    The Mother and Baby Dialogues Series 5 is spearheaded by the Philippine Society of Newborn Medicine, Inc. Council on Advocacy and Service Programs, Committee on Breastfeeding, in collaboration with Philippine Pediatric Society (PPS), Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (POGS), Perinatal Association of the Philippines, and Victoriano Luna General Hospital.

    Bilang isang breastfeeding mom and maternal mental health advocate, narito ang mga natutunan ko.

    Takeaways from Breastfeeding and Mental Health Seminar

    1. Educate yourself.

    Knowledge is power, ika nga. Kahit buntis pa lamang, mahalagang tayo ay may kusa na mag-aral tungkol sa ating papasuking buhay nanay.

    Gaya na lamang ng salitang “postpartum.” Maraming nanay ang nagsasabi na “parang may postpartum ako.” Ayon kay Dr. Bianca Katrina Villanueva, isang OB-GYN at breastfeeding specialist, lahat ng nanay na bagong panganak ay dadating sa “postpartum” period. Kaya hindi nangangahulugang may depression agad ang isang bagong nanay.

    May mnemonic para malaman kung may sintomas ang isang nanay ng postpartum depression o PPD: M-O-T-H-E-R: Mood changes, lOss of interest, Trouble sleeping, Heartache, Eating problems, and bRain fog.

    Screenshot from Zoom /Mother and Baby Dialogues Series 5

    Ayon naman kay Dr. Joffrey Sebastian Quiring, isang psychologist, mahalagang aware ang mga nanay, kahit buntis pa lamang, kung ano ang mga sintomas ng postpartum depression at kung anong kaibahan nito sa baby blues.

    Kung ang nanay ay nakakaramdam ng kalungkutan ng mahabang panahon at hindi na makapag-function gaya ng pag-aalaga sa bata o gawain sa bahay, maiging kumonsulta na sa doktor. Lalo na kung may mga sintomas na ito na nakakaalarma, gaya ng gustong saktan ang sarili o ang baby. Ito ay mga red flags na dapat maagapan at maikonsulta na sa doktor. Kung may nararamdaman na o hirap ang buong pamilya sa pag-aalaga, maaaring banggitin na ito sa OB-GYN o sa pediatrician para ma-refer sa espesyalista.

    2. Communication is key.

    Hinihikayat naman ni Dr. Abegail Joy Corro-De Pano na during the first postpartum check-up, kausapin nila ang kanilang doktor for any concerns about breastfeeding or latching. She reminds that it really takes a village to help a mom breastfeed. Dapat may support system sa bahay gaya ng asawa, kapamilya. Malaking bagay rin ang magagawa ng pagkakaroon ng me-time at pag-observe ng proper nutrition. Ika niya, kung happy ang mommy, happy ang baby.

    Ayon naman kay Dr. Rene Andrew Bucu na isa ring tatay, huwag balewalain ang tulong ng asawa bilang support system ng bagong nanay. “Communication is key. Dapat parehong magulang ay gustong mag-breastfeed,” sabi niya. Kuwento niya, kahit na mag-asawa silang doktor (OB-GYN ang kanyang misis), hindi pa rin naging madali sa kanila ang breastfeeding.

    Para naman sa mga tatay, bilin ni Dr. Bucu, “Do whatever is possible to help your wife breastfeed – change diapers, household work, masahe, o kahit ano pa. Happy mommy, happy baby, magiging happy daddy.” Inemphasize niya na ‘super worth it’ ang mag-push through with breastfeeding kaya kung may nararanasang hirap, humingi ng tulong.

    Mahalaga rin daw na naicocommunicate ng asawa ang pangangailangan ng bawat isa. Para naman kay Vickie Rushton, isang aktres, beauty queen, at bagong nanay na halos dalawang taon na sa pag-breastfeed ng kanyang anak, sapat na ang presence ng kanyang asawa at assurance na tama yung ginagawa mo.

    Diin ni Dr. Corro-De Pano, husbands really need someone to tell them what they need to do.

    3. Adopt a healthy lifestyle.

    Studies show that breastfeeding decreases the risk of depression among new mothers. Dahil nga naman sa breastfeeding, once you get the hang of it, mas makakatulog na ng mahaba ang nanay dahil imbis na gumising para magtimpla ng gatas sa gabi eh pwede naman ang side-lying.

    Pero meron ding mga pag-aaral na nagpapakita na ang pag-struggle naman sa breastfeeding ay nagiging cause ng anxiety and depression among new mothers. Dagdag pa rito, kapag raw nakararanas ng depression ang bagong nanay, nakakaapekto ito sa milk supply niya.

    Kaya mahalaga na mayroon physical and emotional support ang bagong nanay. Ayon kay Dr. Quiring, ang PPD ay masosolusyunan at hindi pang-habang buhay. Maaaring tumawag sa crisis hotlines ang mga nanay na nakakaranas ng sintomas ng depression, at maari ring magpatingin sa psychiatrist. Hindi nangangahulugan na kung may depression ay kailangan nang uminom ng medications, dahil iba-iba naman ang kaso. May mga iba pang interventions gaya ng talk therapy o family therapy.

    “Commit to the journey. The benefits outweigh all the difficulties.” Dr. Rene Andrew Bucu

    Inemphasize din niya na huwag balewalain ang healthy lifestyle, gaya ng pagkakaroon ng sapat na tulog, pahinga, at pagkakaroon ng physical activity.

    Panawagan naman ni Dr. Villanueva sa mga OB-GYN, sana raw bago pa manganak ang mga nanay ay makatanggap ito ng antenatal education and care. Kasama dito ang pag-alam kung ano ang dapat i-expect tungkol sa breastfeeding, sino ang makakasama ng ina pagkapanganak, at iba pa.

    Malaking bagay din daw kung maiwasan ang PPD lalo na kung madedetermine kung at risk ang nanay habang buntis pa lamang ito. Mahalaga rin ang pagkakaroon ng regular na screening para sa PPD ang mga bagong nanay.

    4. Use social media as a force for good.

    Tinalakay din kung paano nakakaapekto ang social media sa mga bagong nanay. May nagsabi na puro ingay lang daw ang social media dahil sa mga “perfect mom” na pinoportray ng iba sa Facebook at Instagram. Pero ayon kay Vickie, dahil buo ang loob niya na mag-breastfeed simula pa lamang, hindi siya naapektuhan ng nakikita niya sa social media. Si Dra. Villanueva din, na madalas makakita ng iba’t-ibang posts ng breastfeeding dahil sa algorithm ng social media, na-motivate daw siyang mag-breastfeed lalo na pag nakakabasa siya ng success stories about breastfeeding.

    Diin naman ni Dr. Bucu, naglipana ang mga article sa social media na may click-bait headline, dahilan minsan kung bakit ang ibang nanay ay nawawalan ng kumpiyansa sa pag-breastfeed, “Learn how to make social media a force of good,” sabi niya.

    Final words

    Para sa mga Bagong Nanay na nagpapadede, kung may nararanasan kayong hirap, ask help agad kasi may solusyon. Kapag pinatagal natin, lalong lalala.

    Sana po sa simula ng breastfeeding ay walang judgment dahil ang mga nanay ay lunod na sa paghuhusga sa sarili.

    Maigi raw na magpatuloy na magpadede up to 2 years and beyond. Huwag lang kalimutang alagaan ang sarili — our children deserve moms and dads who are healthy mentally and physically.

    Ang ina raw ay ilaw ng tahanan, pero kung may mental health problem, nagiging madilim ang bahay. Strengthen the support system. Let’s raise the children and mother together. Bukas ang mga doktor kung may kailangang tulong. Tanggalin ang stigma, at huwag mahiyang mag-ask for help.

    Dr. Bucu emphasizes, “Commit to the journey. The benefits outweigh all the difficulties.”

    Kay Dr. Quiring naman, pinaalala niya na there’s no health without mental health. “No man is an island. We are here to help families and influence systems.”

    Paalala naman ni Vickie, “just add water.” Payo niya sa mga nanay, drink lots of water at maligo.

    Finally, sabi ng mga doktor na ang village ng isang bagong nanay ay extended sa workplace. Sana mas palawakin pa ng mga kumpanya ang pag-intindi sa mga nanay na bagong panganak para mas mapagtagumpayan nila ang breastfeeding.

    Maraming salamat, doctors, sa pagbibigay halaga sa mga Bagong Nanay. Para sa mga Bagong Nanay na nangangailangan ng kausap, join kayo sa Viber group namin. If you are in crisis, call NCMH Crisis Hotlines: (02) 1553 (Luzon landline), 0917-899-8727 (Globe), or 0908-639-2672 (Smart).

    Nakaranas din ako ng postpartum depression bilang isang first-time mom sa panahon ng COVID-19 pandemic. Watch my interview with Beacon here.

  • This Malunggay Juice for Padede Moms has Collagen, Glutathione, and More!

    This Malunggay Juice for Padede Moms has Collagen, Glutathione, and More!

    Pero masarap kaya?

    Hi, Bagong Nanay!

    Kumusta? Ako, okay naman. As a full-time breastfeeding mom for 10 months now (total of almost five years), I’m always on the lookout for breastmilk boosters. Hindi kasi madali magpadede, kaya kailangan natin ng tulong.

    Nasubukan ko na ata most of the malunggay products in the market. Naging reseller din ako during the pandemic ng mga breastfeeding supplements. Fan na fan ako ng malunggay simula high school, kasi isa yan sa naging research topics namin. Haha. Studies also showed that malunggay helps increase breastmilk supply among mothers.

    Kaya when I came across a mom’s post on Threads, saying, she and her husband made their own blend of malunggay drink for postpartum recovery and lactation, talagang nag-mental note ako na itatry ko ito. Plus, it is FDA-approved, so it’s a go.

    Bagong Nanay Reviews: Cuddle and Coo Malunggay and Acai Berry Drink

    So I spoke with Mommy Ara, the mom behind Cuddle and Coo Malunggay and Acai Berry Drink on Instagram. Kuwento niya, she and her friends came up with the formulation, and she’s very happy and proud of her product. Sila ni husband niya rin ang nagpapack ng orders and nagbebenta, so super inspiring!

    I bought a sampler pack on her TikTok shop, and received it the next day. A sampler pack has two sachets, and it costs P60.

    cuddle and coo malunggay and acai berry juice
    My 6-year-old Lia poses with our Bagong Nanay haul

    Taste test

    Siyempre, family affair ang pag-try namin sa bagong malunggay drink na ito. Si Tatay Kevin kasi, natuwa na merong ingredient na collagen for his joints. Si Lia naman, gusto itry dahil mahilig siya sa juice. Tinry muna namin with cold water and ice, and it’s a treat.

    cuddle and coo malunggay and acai berry juice
    Packaging of Cuddle and Coo Malunggay and Acai Berry Juice sampler pack

    “Lasang berry,” sabi ni Tatay. “It’s so yummy,” naman ang sabi ng aking 6-year-old. For me, masarap siya! Hindi mo agad malalasahan yung malunggay, which sometimes would come off as too herby or strong at aayawan ng iba. Ito, mas berry siya than herby kaya masarap at madali siyang inumin.

    Effective ba sa padede mom?

    Before bedtime, tinry ko naman ang hot version ng drink. Dito magkakaalaman, kasi first day ng aking menstrual period. According to doctors, may effect talaga ang period sa milk supply. Dahil sa changes in hormones, naaaffect nito ang breastmilk supply kaya naman perfect timing ang pag-inom ko ng aking malunggay juice.

    mug with cuddle and coo malunggay and acai berry juice
    My padede mug with hot Cuddle and Coo Malunggay and Acai Berry Juice

    Nakailang feeds ang aking baby throughout the night, at nasatisfy ko naman siya. Though I couldn’t prove na yung isang tasa ng malunggay juice ang nakatulong, I must say I wanted to try more para maprove ko na it really helps increase breastmilk supply.

    The verdict

    For its price of P30 per serving, iisipin mo agad na medyo pricey siya compared sa competitors niya. Pero when you look at its active ingredients kasi, you’ll realize na sobrang sulit niya.

    Aside from malunggay, it has marshmallow root (rich in antioxidants), fernblock (immune system support), milk thistle (prolactin like moringa), goji berry (fiber), collagen (skin elasticity), and L-glutathione (reduced oxidative stress). It’s sweetened by Stevia!

    Dahil siksik sa nutrients with a very refreshing taste ang Cuddle and Coo Malunggay and Acai Berry Juice Drink, I highly recommend it to all Bagong Nanays!

    Buy Cuddle and Coo Malunggay and Acai Berry Juice on TikTok or chat with them on Instagram.

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

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

    Hi, Bagong Nanay!

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

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

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

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

    Cuddle Baby Nursing Cover with Fan Review

    1. Perfect siya for infants and even big babies.

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

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

    using the nursing cover with fan with baby
    Ang saya at kalmado niya sa loob. Hehe

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

    cuddle baby nursing cover with fan
    Secured ang fan sa loob.

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

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

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

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

    mom trying out cuddle baby nursing cover with fan
    Wearing the Cuddle Baby nursing cover with fan

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

    3. Sulit for its price.

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

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

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

    cuddle baby nursing cover with fan
    Cute pouch!

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

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

    Bagong Nanay’s verdict on Cuddle Baby

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

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

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

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

  • OMG, Bagong Nanay is back! What to expect

    OMG, Bagong Nanay is back! What to expect

    After a three-year hiatus, Bagong Nanay is back for the best, and for good.

    “It’s for the best, for now.”

    ‘Yan na lang ang naisip ko nung nag-decide ako mag-resign from my job as a Section Editor of Smart Parenting. Yes, halos four years in total din ako sa SP. Nagsimula as a community member, naging contest finalist, mom ambassador, contributing writer, hanggang sa inofferan ako ng full-time job as a Senior Staff Writer. Bago nun, two years akong unemployed dahil nagpaka-Bagong Nanay ako sa panganay kong anak na si Lia. Ngayon, may isa pa akong baby, si Titus. 10 months old na siya, which means Bagong Nanay ako all over again.

    lia and titus
    Lia (6) and Titus (<1)

    How Bagong Nanay started (recap lang)

    Ilang araw nalang, my firstborn will be turning six. Nakaka-senti kasi parang kahapon lang nung nag-break yung water bag ko at pumunta kami ni husband ng ospital, thinking baka hindi pa naman time. 33 weeks, 5 days palang kasi siya noon. Eh, sabi ng BabyCenter app, at least 34 weeks sana ang baby bago lumabas para ma-develop fully yung lungs niya. So ayun, nag-stay ng 3 days sa loob ng tiyan ko si Lia, until in-emergency C-section na ako ng aking OB-GYN na si Tita Ana Villaraza na kilala rin bilang si Dra. V sa Capitol Medical Center dahil ubos na ang aking amniotic fluid.

    Si Lia, na dati ay 1.5kg lang noong lumabas, ay isang matalino at madaldal na Grade 1 student na. Ang bilis lang ng panahon. Kaya sabi ko, mabilis lang din naman lalaki si Titus, kaya susulitin ko na muna habang baby pa siya. Focus muna ako sa kanilang dalawa, at habang nasa school si Lia at nap time naman nung isa, makakasulat ako dito sa Bagong Nanay blog na sinimulan ko noong pang 2019. Naaalala ko pa, nasa shower ako noon, maternity leave ko. Hirap na hirap ako bilang first-time mom na nakabukod sa pamilya. Nakatira kami ni husband sa condo sa Quezon City, at walang ibang kasama. Sabi ko, “What if gumawa ako ng Instagram page kung saan pwedeng mag-crowdsource ng mga tanong about parenting? Tapos ako, bilang may communications background ako, icoconsolidate ko into a blog post para mas madaming makabasa at ma-share nila?”

    What is Bagong Nanay?

    So Bagong Nanay was born. Eventually, bilang unemployed ako nitong time na ito at pandemic, naisipan kong mag-try magbenta ng malunggay supplements. Ang lakas ng benta ko noon! Pano, ang business plan ko kasi ay mag-ship as needed ng mga malunggay tea and coffee, patok sa mga bagong panganak. Tipong nasa ospital pa sila, oorder sila at ipapadala ko ura-urada via Grab Express or Lalamove yung orders nila. Bilang gising ako halos buong araw, anytime delivery din ako. Kahit alas-5 ng umaga at kailangan nila ng pampalakas ng gatas, o gabi dahil yun lang ang time na pwede silang makalabas ng bahay, game ako.

    bagong nanay
    Bagong Nanay, created in 2019

    Gumawa din ako ng Viber group kung saan mga Bagong Nanay in different seasons of life ang members. Dito, free sila magtanong at mag-usap about anything under the sun. Pero nagsilakihan na din ang mga anak nila, kaya medyo naging inactive na ito. Nasa 90+ members ang Viber group, pero legit na mga nanay ito dahil by invitation link lang ang pag-join. Walang bots allowed.

    Bakit may Bagong Nanay ulit?

    Nag-resign ako sa SP dahil may company policy kami na two days report to office per week. Hindi ako maka-keep up dito dahil 1) hindi ko maiwan ang baby ko dahil breastfeeding kami at clingy siya; 2) ang layo ng office namin sa Mandaluyong, taga-Novaliches kami. Sabi ko, it’s for the best for now. Babalik nalang ako pag kaya ko na, dahil unfair din naman sa mga ka-officemate ko kung ako lang ang naka-work from home at sila ay pumapasok sa office. It’s the best for now because lahat ng oras at atensyon ko ay nakatuon sa aking mga maliliit na anak muna. Makakabalik din si Nanay sa work niya.

    Long story short, gusto ko lang ituloy ang aking pagsusulat at pagiging nanay kaya binuhay ko ulit ang Bagong Nanay. Marami nga lang magbabago, kasi siyempre, natuto na tayo sa mga needs ng mga nanay. Naisip ko, sa dami ng mga content sa social media, ano ba ang kailangan nilang makita at mabasa? Bakit ako dadagdag pa sa mga isipin nila?

    New and improved Bagong Nanay 2.0

    As a Bagong Nanay of two, heto ang mga naisip kong magiging laman ng Bagong Nanay blog na ito at ng social media accounts natin.

    bagong nanay logo
    Bagong Nanay, new logo for 2025 relaunch

    Dati, Bagong Nanay served as a community of new and first-time moms, Bagong Nanay 2.0 is a safe space for mothers and their stories.

    Kuwentong Bagong Nanay

    Sa mundo na puno ng Chatgpt or AI-generated content, magpapakatao tayo. Ang kuwento ng bawat nanay ang bida dito. Tuloy pa rin ang mga Kuwentong Bagong Nanay, na sana one Nanay per week. May kuwentong Bagong Nanay ka ba? Send me a message and I will reach out to you. Read our past features:

    Bagong Nanay Reviews

    Sa TikTok kung saan madaming nabubudol, tutulong tayo to make informed decisions. Tuloy pa rin ang Bagong Nanay Reviews, kung saan itetest ko personally ang mga bago o existing brands in a comprehensive article for every mom’s reference.

    Bagong Nanay and her Biz

    Bago naman ang Bagong Nanay and her Biz, kung saan iffeature ko ang mga mompreneurs at ang kanilang mga locally-made products for support and empowerment. (Haha, parang wordplay pala ng Beauty and the Beast, LOL). Open din ang Bagong Nanay for consignment or affiliate marketing! If you have a biz, hit me up at isulat natin yan.

    Bagong Nanay Things

    Eto ang excited ako. Gagawa ako ng isang page dito sa website kung saan makaka-download ang mga new moms ng mga files gaya ng proven and tested hospital bag checklist, postpartum depression test, at marami pang guides and how-tos. Syempre, para pa din ang lahat ng ito sa mga literal na Bagong Nanay.

    Sa social media naman, expect affirmations, questions, and giveaways. Buhay pa rin ang Viber group natin, in case may gustong mag-join. Madami nang natulungan ang group to source breastmilk, brand recommendations, at event promotions. Active din ako sa Threads, kung andun din kayo.

    Hanggang dito muna ang ire-reveal ko. Pero everything is possible with Bagong Nanay. Wala tayong hierarchy at burokrasiya dito, so feel free to share your thoughts on how we can help each other sa season na ito. Open ako diyan.

    It’s for the best, for now.

    Thank you sa pagbabasa, Bagong Nanay. It’s an honor to exist and write for you.

    Love,

    Nanay Judy

    PS. Bagong Nanay is also a tribute to Dr. Maria Ana G. Villaraza, my dear tita and OB-GYN, who passed away in April 2024. May she rest in peace.

    PPS. Sending a gift to Nanay Kyla Abrenilla Magbag (ky.mgbg) for commenting on my recent post. Yey!

    Follow Bagong Nanay on Instagram, Facebook, and Threads for updates. Join our Viber group here.