For our first Bagong Nanay Biz feature this 2026, I’m happy to share the story of Ella Libaton and her claw machine rental business, Clawhaus. This 29-year-old mama of two from Rizal is also a content creator, and a friend who pushed me to also start my inflatable rental biz last year.
I know her story can inspire both stay-at-home moms and working moms to trust that even if the time to start a passion project or dream business isn’t now, it will come in His perfect time.
How Clawhaus started, according to Mommy Ella Libaton
I started Clawhaus fresh out of postpartum, during a season when I was still finding my way back to myself. As many of you know, building something while raising little kids isn’t easy—your time is divided, and your energy is constantly tested.
When my younger son turned three and life finally felt a little more manageable—no more sleepless nights or late-night feedings—I knew it was time. I wanted to build something of my own, something that existed beyond my role as a mom. I also wanted to create an additional stream of income for my family—one that required only a few hours a day while still allowing me to be a present wife and mother.
That was the beginning of Clawhaus.
More than a business
When I was just starting, putting myself out there was honestly scary. I was still finding my footing after postpartum and figuring out who I was again, so the idea of showing up and starting something new felt really vulnerable. On top of that, the initial money we invested in Clawhaus came from our savings, and I carried this quiet pressure of not wanting to let my family, especially my husband, down. That made the risk feel even more real.
Ella Libaton and her claw machines rental business, Clawhaus
“I’ve learned to work smarter, not harder, so I can grow Clawhaus while still showing up for my family.”
Ella Libaton, owner, Clawhaus
Looking back now, it was absolutely worth it. Every uncomfortable step, every risk I took led me to something I’m truly proud of. Clawhaus gave me more than just a business—it gave me confidence, purpose, and the reminder that I can build something meaningful while still being fully present for my family.
Celebrating small wins
So far, so good! We recently wrapped up our first bridal fair, which led to over 20+ bookings for the year, something that really helped Clawhaus gain momentum and move forward with confidence this 2026. From starting with just two machines, we’ve now grown to four, and we’re planning to add more for lease and rental ventures across our city.
Planning your child’s birthday party? It’s not complete without these crowd-favorite claw machines!
Being a mom has actually helped me a lot in business. It taught me how to manage my time better, be more patient, and focus on what truly matters. I’ve learned to work smarter, not harder, so I can grow Clawhaus while still showing up for my family.
Lessons from starting a biz
The biggest lesson this business has taught me is that becoming a mother doesn’t mean the end of our dreams. If anything, it can be the fuel that pushes us to dream bigger and braver. I’ve learned that it’s okay to start small, to be scared, and to grow at your own pace.
Having a reliable village (my husband, family and friends) also made a huge difference. Knowing I have people I can count on allows me to show up fully for both my business and my kids.
Ella and her family
If there’s one thing I’d love to share, it’s this: you don’t have to choose between being a mom and building something for yourself. You can do both. Your dreams may look different now, but they’re still valid—and sometimes, motherhood is exactly what gives us the courage to finally take that risk.
Support Mommy Ella’s business by booking at Clawhaus. Tell her you read her story on Bagong Nanay and get 10% off or free transpo fee for Marikina and Antipolo events!
Do you have a business story you want to share too? Message me on Instagram @bagongnanay or comment below!
We’re about to end 2025, and welcome another year. It’s been a season full of highs and lows, of trying and enduring. Give yourself a pat on the back, mama!
Yung pagiging Bagong Nanay natin is no joke. Mahirap siya because mahirap talaga siya. Whether you have one child or multiple, ibang level ng endurance and patience ang kailangan natin to not just survive, but thrive. It’s important that we know that in motherhood, we cannot and we must not do everything on our own because if we do, we’ll burn out. More than having a village, we need to nurture our faith.
Kaya naman, to inspire us in our daily routines as moms, I’m very honored to share the Kuwentong Bagong Nanay of Tina Santiago Rodriguez, a mom of six children (plus one in Heaven) from Bulacan. She shares how and her husband Anthony are able do it, one day at a time, and how they incorporate prayer and faith in their routine.
While she may not be a “Bagong Nanay” 100% because she’s probably one of the more experienced moms in the Bagong Nanay community, Tina believes (and I agree) that with each pregnancy and birth journey, we go back to being a Bagong Nanay again.
This is how Tina describes herself as a mother: Dependent-on-God, Imperfect, Intentional, Open-minded, Connector, and Community-builder.
Read on, mama.
Kuwentong Bagong Nanay of Tina Santiago Rodriguez, mom of six (plus one in Heaven)
To be brutally honest, life as a mom of six (plus one in heaven!) can be crazy beautiful most days. Sometimes, I find myself “on the go” from the time I wake up because it’s only then that I have more “quiet time” to do stuff. (I usually wake up before everyone else at home).
Faith and parenting
So I try to incorporate prayer and Scripture time during this period, then do my tasks related to work and ministry. (Our family serves at The Feast in Robinsons Galleria, and I also lead our women’s ministry.) Try being the operative word because sometimes I’m not as consistent as I’d like to be! Praise God for being so patient with me!
Tina Santiago Rodriguez and her family | Courtesy of Tina Santiago Rodriguez
I’m privileged to be working from home (or wherever there is internet, haha!) and it’s a blessing also to be able to unschool / homeschool our kids. I do my best to integrate my/our Catholic Christian faith in our daily rhythm. Besides my personal prayer time, I usually pray with the three youngest kids after they wake up. The three older ones say their morning prayers on their own.
“We believe that our faith is better “caught than taught,” so we strive to be good examples to our kids.”
-Mommy Tina Santiago-Rodriguez
After morning chores (and some work tasks for me), we usually gather together again at noontime for the Angelus and Protection Prayer (this was taught to us by a Catholic exorcist priest—very powerful!). After lunch, we usually have our own set of chores / work / individual lessons then we gather again at 3pm for the Divine Mercy Chaplet. Afterwards, the goal is to do some sit-down homeschool lessons with the younger kids (except our toddler, who is just saling pusa for now!)
Tina and her husband Anthony at the Catholic Homeschoolers Summit in 2016 | Courtesy of Tina Santiago Rodriguez
The evening is for dinner, chores (again! Ha, ha! Never-ending!), then we pray together as a family, with my husband leading the prayers. He works from home some days so when he’s home, he usually joins us in our daytime prayers when he’s not in a meeting.
We believe that our faith is better “caught than taught,” so we strive to be good examples to our kids. We fail (a lot!) but by His mercy and grace, we get up and keep going. I think it’s good for us to model how God’s forgiveness looks to our kids as well—that when we struggle in living out our faith, He helps us to move forward and persevere.
Tina as a Bagong Nanay for the very first time. | Courtesy of Tina Santiago Rodriguezz
Intentional parenting and what it means for Tina
I usually try to define intentional parenting in the parenting talks that we give in this way: “The core of intentional parenting is intentional discipleship. We believe that God has a plan for each of us, and that includes our children. So to be an intentional parent, we want to do our best to live according to that plan, and hope to influence our kids to do the same, too.”
Essentially, intentional parenting is all about:
Having a plan for how you want to raise your kids
Beginning with the end in mind: prioritizing character and virtues in your parenting
Prioritizing where you and your kids put your time and energy, because your priorities will guide your daily decisions and commitments
Being mindful of what you’re doing while raising your children: this includes everything, even what they’re exposed to at home and outside the home, like media, etc.
You could say that gentle parenting can be considered part of intentional parenting, since one of its definitions goes like this: “Gentle parenting, also known as collaborative parenting, is a style of parenting where parents do not compel children to behave by means of punishment or control, but rather use connection, communication, and other democratic methods to make decisions together as a family.” (Source: parents.com)
“We need to allow God to heal our inner childhood wounds so that we can be better parents.”
-Mommy Tina Santiago Rodriguez
So, should parents go for this parenting style? My husband and I advocate it, for sure, but we also believe that parents should pray and discern well about how they want to raise their kids. We believe that intentional parenting can be one tool to help them build stronger families.
Top 3 advice for Bagong Nanays on faith and parenting
We need to remember that our children are not ours—
They are just gifts from God, lent to us here on earth. Ultimately, they are His children, and He alone knows how they will turn out to be. We just need to do our best in raising them and let Him do the rest.
There are no perfect parents, there are no perfect families.
But there is one perfect God who loves each of us perfectly. By His mercy and grace, we can be purposeful and present parents. We just need to take the first steps in being so.
Our children need to feel safe, seen, and loved when they are with us.
When we fail to do this, we must take the steps to repair our relationships with them. We also need to acknowledge that oftentimes, we need to allow God to heal our inner childhood wounds so that we can be better parents.
Tina is a renowned speaker in the field of faith and parenting. | Photo credits: Jewels Conference Facebook page
I am Tina Rodriguez from Malolos, Bulacan.
I am the Bagong Nanay of six kids ages 19, 16, 12, 9, 7, and 2 yrs 9 months (plus 1 in heaven!)
Outside motherhood, I’m a writer, editor, content manager, resource speaker, self-professed “media missionary,” servant, co-author of two books published during the pandemic. I used to be active in the mommy blogging world (some would say I’m one of the “OGs”) but God has led me to a different path now.
Last month, I received an email from a mom who wanted to share her Kuwentong Bagong Nanay. Ang saya ko with matching kilig, kasi moms are becoming open to share their stories through Bagong Nanay. It’s giving~ sulit ang domain at hosting natin!
For this month’s Kuwentong Bagong Nanay, I’m honored to share the story of Mommy Eds Nabong from Rizal. She is a mom of a 5-year-old boy named Josiah, and is also the founder of Aimerie, a proudly local cloth diaper brand.
Here, she tells us what made her give up her career and built her business, and how she’s breaking norms in parenting, one day at a time.
Kuwentong Bagong Nanay of Eds Nabong, mom of one and founder of Aimerie
Before becoming a mother, I was totally focused on my career as a licensed mechanical engineer. I wanted everything to go as planned, so I set goals and made plans. I loved being in charge and completing tasks flawlessly. Both my husband and I put in a lot of effort and hoped to create a secure future for ourselves.
But when I became pregnant for the first time, everything changed. I was filled with love but also with fear. I was filled with love but also with fear. I remember thinking, “Kaya ko ba ’to? Am I gonna be enough?” My husband was always there to reassure me that we would learn together as first-time parents. Every day felt new, and my only goal was to give our child the best that I could.
“Many people think that once you become a mom, your dream has to take a backseat. But I believe motherhood can be a start of something new.”
– Mommy Eds Nabong
One of my most important decisions was to put my career on hold to focus on our child and start a small business from home. Although it was difficult, I did what I felt was best for our family with my husband’s wholehearted backing.
Mommy Eds Nabong (center) and her family
My favorite thing about being a mother is that it taught me to appreciate the small things in life, such as quiet times, changing diapers, and morning cuddles. I discovered that being present is more important than being flawless. I bring that same heart with me to Aimerie, a brand built with Pusong Nanay.
Reimagining lampin
When I think of lampin, I remember how my mom used it for my younger siblings. We have a big age gap, so I was old enough to help her take care of them. I would watch her fold and layer each soft, thin, plain white cotton lampin with care. She would change it every time my siblings peed or pooped, then immediately wash it and hung it in the sun. It was part of her daily routine. Tiring, yes, but done with so much patience and love.
So when it was my turn to be a mom, I didn’t have second thoughts about using lampin again. I wanted my baby to feel the same comfort and care that I saw growing up. Like any other first-time mom, I researched what was best to use for my baby. And that was the time I discovered the rise of cloth diapers here and abroad. I realized times have changed. Many parents today find lampin hard to use or too old-fashioned. But when I saw those modern cloth diapers, I thought, “I like this idea.”
Mommy Eds and Aimerie cloth diapers.
That became my inspiration for Aimerie, my way of bringing back the lampin I grew up with, but made easier for today’s parents. I wanted to keep its softness and heart, but make it more practical, functional, and a little more beautiful.
That is how the Aimerie Modern Lampin was born, made with Pusong Nanay and designed for the new generation of moms.
Why parents should try cloth diapering
1. Babies need presko time.
I believe our babies deserve a break from being in plastic all day. Here in the Philippines, where it’s often hot and humid, being presko is something that every family values, especially for babies.
Cloth diapers help give that comfort. Over time, this simple idea became what we now call Presko Time, a few hours a day when baby’s skin can breathe and mom can relax knowing her little one feels fresh and comfortable.
2. Cloth diapering saves cost.
With the prices of basic needs rising, every peso counts for families. Thankfully, cloth diapers can be reused for years, and they can help a lot in saving money. Instead of buying disposables every week, you will only invest once and use them again and again. This becomes a very smart and practical choice for parents who wish to save without having to sacrifice the comfort of their babies.
3. Cloth diapering saves the planet.
We all know that the problem of waste worsens in our country year after year. Floods, garbage, and plastic everywhere affect the world our children will grow up in. Cloth diapers might seem like a very small thing, but it has been of great help already. Whenever we wash and reuse, instead of throwing away, we cut down on waste and show our children how to take care of the earth. It feels good to be able to say that as we take care of our babies, we’re doing something nice for their future.
Parenting traditions or norms I hope to break or rethink
1. That moms can’t dream big.
Many people think that once you become a mom, your dream has to take a backseat. But I believe motherhood can be a start of something new. I might have put my career on pause, but it opened doors for me to build something with purpose. Being a mom doesn’t mean we stop dreaming. It simply means now our dreams include our families, too.
In her element. Mommy Eds talks about presko diapering.
2. That modern means forgetting the old ways.
I want to remind other parents that not everything old is outdated. Traditions like using lampin may seem old-fashioned, but they still work. They just need a modern touch. That is why I wanted to bring back lampin through Aimerie, to show that some of the best ways are the ones passed down and made with Pusong Nanay.
“I wish my son will remember that I raised him with love and patience. They weren’t all perfect, but every decision I made was based on what would bring him comfort and joy.”
– Mommy Eds Nabong
3. That being a good parent means being perfect.
It is easy to feel pressure to do everything right as a parent, especially with all we see online. But I’ve learned that being a good parent isn’t about being perfect. It’s really about just being there, loving your child, and trying your best. I figured out that not everything we plan will happen, and that’s fine. Motherhood has its own timing, and the best moments are usually the ones that were never planned.
What I hope my child will remember
I wish he’ll remember that I raised him with love and patience. They weren’t all perfect, but every decision I made was based on what would bring him comfort and joy.
Mommy Eds and her son, Josiah.
I wish he’ll remember the little things that I took care of him and played with him, that I listened when he needed me. I hope he will see that I am working hard not just for our future, but with purpose and heart.
Most of all, I hope he will remember how warm and full of love our home is. Even though not everything turned out perfectly, we did everything for him to make him feel safe and cared for.
I am Eds Nabong from Rizal. I am the Bagong Nanay of Josiah, 5 years old.
I’m a hands-on mom and the founder of Aimerie, a Filipino brand that brings back the tradition of lampin through the Modern Lampin, made with Pusong Nanay.
I dream of seeing more Filipino families rediscover the comfort of lampin for their babies. I enjoy designing new diaper patterns and products for Aimerie. When I’m not working, you’ll find me reading books or watching movies.
Shop Aimerie using these Bagong Nanay exclusive vouchers!
August is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month, that’s why sobrang honored ako to feature the Kuwentong Bagong Nanay of Mommy Jilianne Roylence Francia, the mom behind the local nursing wear brand Valianne’s Trends.
Mommy Jill and I worked together for Smart Parenting. But before that, when I was still starting my Bagong Nanay online shop, I saw her shop and got insecure why I should start my own, when she is already thriving in the same space. Eventually, we became friends online, and now I am one of Valianne’s Trends mom ambassadors!
There’s no better person to share about normalizing breastfeeding in public than Mommy Jill. A proud padede mom, she has two daughters, and a baby boy on the way. Here’s how she is helping more moms breastfeed in style, and persevere through the help of products that she lovingly created.
Why we should normalize breastfeeding in public
I was a first-time mom in 2018 and I joined breastfeeding communities to get inspiration from other mothers. I try my best to pay it forward to my new mom friends and give them the support they need in their new motherhood journey. I share how it may be hard in the beginning, but it will be worth it.
However, a few of them still don’t persevere in breastfeeding for a number of reasons. First, they lack of confidence. Second, people around them say they don’t have enough milk. Third, and the hardest, is the societal pressure. Of course, we respect how babies are all fed and we appreciate every new mother’s effort regardless of their choice. Still, I wanted to help normalize breastfeeding because it has been the most rewarding thing I’ve done as a mom. The bond between me and my child is unlike anything else.
Mommy Jill breastfeeding her second daughter, PV.
At Valianne’s Trends, we want to share photos and stories of normalizing breastfeeding in public. As a breastfeeding advocate, I want to share my story because I also drew inspiration and strength from the stories of other moms. I believe that if we won’t be brave and consistent in sharing our stories, we might lose the chance to encourage a mom who just needs a spark of hope to keep going.
How Mommy Jill’s breastfeeding experience evolved
One thing I am so proud of myself as a mom is that I was able to breastfeed my two children, and I will breastfeed my third child, too. I remember almost giving up when I experienced cracked, bleeding, and sore nipples because of wrong latch. I even unfollowed breastfeeding groups because I thought I couldn’t bear it, but the sleepless nights of educating myself about proper latch all paid off. I’m happy that I did not give up because, right now, my story has become someone’s source of inspiration, too.
Mommy Jill is pregnant with her third child, a boy, and is determined to breastfeed him.
I want to share to our community that more than just selling clothes, Valianne’s Trends supports them in their breastfeeding journey. We tell them that moms can become confident again after going through hardest days of the postpartum period, or the fourth trimester.
Breastfeeding is hard work. If you think you can’t, you won’t persevere. Although it’s challenging, it’s a fulfilling journey. When you’re struggling, go back to your ‘why.’
-Jilianne Roylence Francia
What helped Mommy Jill in her breastfeeding journey
Nursing clothes
Clothes with nursing access has always been a life-changer for me. I remember using nursing cover when breastfeeding in public for the first time and my baby and I weren’t so comfortable with it. It took me a lot of courage to drop the cover and practice wearing our nursing clothes confidently.
A strong support system.
Having my elder sister as my number one supporter helped me a lot. She was the one who told me that I have enough milk when I thought I couldn’t produce any.
The right mindset
Feed your mind that you can do it. Breastfeeding is hard work. If you think you can’t, you won’t persevere. Although it’s challenging, it’s a fulfilling journey. When you’re struggling, go back to your ‘why.’
About the Bagong Nanay:I am Mommy Jilianne Roylence Francia from Bacoor, Cavite. I am the Bagong Nanay of QV, PV, and VK. Outside motherhood, I’m a writer, goal-digger, and dreamer.
Want to share your #KuwentongBagongNanay too? Comment below or send me a DM on Instagram.
Disclaimer: Breastfeeding is best for babies up to two years and beyond.
A few weeks back, I received a message on Instagram from the milk brand HiPP Organic Kindermilk Philippines inviting me to its second Mommy Meet Up. They even said I could bring a plus one. In my head, “Naku ha, baka parang networking ito!”
HiPP Organic Kindermilk is an organic milk formula from Europe that is certified organic and free from chemicals. Personally, my kids haven’t tried formula milk, and I’ve only read about HiPP from mommy groups saying it has the closest taste to breastmilk because it has no sugar!
I cleared my schedule so I could attend. No kids and husbands allowed. I’d seen posts about their first meet-up and wished I could have gone, but it was in the South. This time, the venue was in Quezon City—just a 40-minute drive from home.
On the day itself, I almost didn’t make it because of an upset tummy that morning. But I pushed through, and upon arriving at B Hotel, I was greeted by a sea of moms riding the elevator with me. Ang gaganda nila!
Here’s why I’m so glad I went to the HiPP Mommy Meet Up:
Bagong Nanay’s HiPP Mommy Meet Up Experience
Yes, it was indeed a mommy meetup.
True to their word, they gathered moms for their much-needed time to socialize and make new mama friends. The call time was 11AM, and after registration, we were escorted to a room with booths and snacks. For the next two hours, we simply mingled with other moms, played games, and just enjoyed being unhurried. Read that again: two hours.
Stacking cups game comparing how many glasses you can make with HiPP vs others. Credit: Facebook /HiPP.ph It me! Thank you Mommy Gayle Dhillon for snapping this!
The brand was being fair.
I’ve been to a lot of brand events, and I could say HiPP’s event was more than just product promotion. They wanted us moms to really know their product–understand it, taste it, learn about it, and yes, earn it. They could’ve easily given each mom a box to take home, but instead, they took the time to share valuable information that made us genuinely want to try it for ourselves.
At 1PM, we went to the main hall for a sumptuous lunch *chef’s kiss!*I couldn’t believe I’d eat this meal all to myself. #iykyk
Every moment was well-thought-out.
HiPP didn’t even have to bring in a celebrity. Choosing Mommy Love Cosio to host the event and share her testimony was one of the event’s highlights. Inviting Dr. Joey Cuayo-Estanislao to explain the importance of gut health hit the jackpot. These two powerhouse mamas made the event not just fun, but heartwarming and meaningful. And if you were there, you’ll definitely feel the sincerity of the brand as their leaders mingled with moms from the time the doors opened until the very end.
Mommy Love Cosio hosted the event. Credit: Facebook /HiPP.phDr. Joey Cuayo-Estanislao talked about the importance of gut health in a child’s development
It was a day to remember. I hope I could bring all my Bagong Nanays to future meet-ups. Yes, hello, HiPP?
And oh, I made new mama friends.
What I loved most about the event was coming alone and going home with new friends. For a while I was able to see the mamas behind the Instagram handles I follow. In between their filming and poses, we exchanged stories about motherhood. It’s refreshing to also tell bits and pieces of my journey to moms I just met, and I got to listen to theirs too. The extrovert in me was very, very happy.
Shared the table with Mommy Irene and Mommy Gayle. See you again soon!
If I could join every meet-up and bring all my mama friends, I will. That’s how good it is. Thank you for this experience, HiPP!
Follow HiPP Organic Kindermilk Philippines on Facebook and Instagram and see you at the next Mommy Meet Up!
Want to invite Bagong Nanay to your event? Email judysantiagoaladin@gmail.com or send me a message on IG: @bagongnanay. Thank you!
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 (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, 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, 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:
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.
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!
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:
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.”
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!
How are you? I know iba-iba ang struggles natin bilang nanay. And by sharing our unique stories and experiences, we inspire and empower other nanays that they are not alone in this journey.
Yaaan ang objective ng Bagong Nanay. Our goal is to serve as a platform to reach more moms who might be struggling because indeed, the struggle is real.
For our #KuwentongBagongNanay, I am honored to share the story of Mommy Honey Quiambao-Iresare. She is known on social media as The Mom of Hyper Kids. Isa siya sa mga first supporters ng Bagong Nanay since 2019, and lagi ko siya nakaka-message about mom life and struggles lalo na sa gabi, pag tulog na ang mga bata.
I invited her to share her story because it’s also her advocacy to help Bagong Nanays who are going through the same – in her words – surviving the menace.
She is a mom of two girls, who both have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. And it’s very timely because October is ADHD awareness month.
Read on, and find out how it’s like to be a mom of hyper kids.
1. What’s a day in your life like, as a mom of kids with ADHD?
Stressed. Hahaha. And still overwhelmed.
I wake up at 4am to prepare to go to the wet market by 5am, para makaiwas sa madaming tao dahil pandemic. I will then prepare breakfast. Minsan full breakfast, pero minsan sapat na yung pandesal and egg with mayonnaise or butter. Request nila madalas yun.
From 8am to 12:30pm, nagbabantay ako sa mga bagets habang class nila, kasi usually they do Alt-Tabbing (or shifting tabs) to play rather than to listen to their class, lalo na yung bunso ko.
Then, we will have lunch, and I will prep for my hubby naman kasi may pasok siya ng afternoon. I will prepare food and set up his workplace. Then, nap time for the kids. Minsan nakikisabay ako, or yun na yung time na pupunta ako sa grocery or mall to run errands or to check the renovations being done in our apartment.
Dinner time, then magtuturo ako sa kids sa homework nila. Advanced lessons. Usually gumagawa na ako ng reviewer nila and practice exams para pag exam week na nila, meron kaming sample test at hindi na sila mahihirapan mag-review.
Then, patutulugin ko na sila. It takes 3 hours bago sila makatulog kasi mataas ang energy level nila. Pag tulog na sila, doon palang ako makakapaglinis ng house.
Thankful naman ako kasi yung sister ng hubby ko nakakatulong ko na sa bahay. Kami din nagpalaki sa kanya since baby siya kaya medyo magaan na din ngayon routine ko unlike dati as in kulang na kulang ako sa time.
Tapos sa gabi dun ako gagawa ng content ko lalo na pag merong projects. Then sa free time ko, binge-watching habang nagtutupi ng damit. And doing budgeting for the day.
Mahilig talaga ako mag multi-tasking, nakasanayan ko na talagang ganun, minsan nag-o-online games din ako pero saglit lang. More on MMORPG games ko.
Basta ang hindi ko dapat makalimutan for myself is skin care, lalo na at lagi akong puyat. Importante sa akin na maganda pa din ang skin ko.
Mommy Honey Quiambao-Iresare with her kids Izai, 11; and Mamai, 9
2. Can you share briefly how you found out that your child has ADHD? What were your observations and how was it like when you sought professional help for the first time?
Actually, it was not me who discovered it. Super proud pa nga ako sa first-born ko kasi as early of 6 months, she can do phonetics, count numbers 1-20, binabaliktad pa nga niya. She can do it.
Ang hindi lang niya magawa is to construct sentences at age of 1 or 2. Tapos she can’t stay at one place. She has a fleeting eye contact. She can’t focus on you, pero if you ask her, she can answer you right away with correct answers.
Mommy Honey’s kids 💜
Her pedia was the one who noticed that, and she recommended to consult a development pediatrician (Dev Ped). Then my daughter was under observation until she was 3 years old. She was confirmed to have slight autism. Her IQ is two steps ahead of her age. The concerns were her EQ and social skills.
Then my youngest child, although we suspected that she might just be mimicking her ate, had the same signs. She is far more hyperactive than her ate. High level ADHD. She also has a high IQ.
But these are all now being corrected through their ongoing Occupational Therapy sessions. It really helps them. I also engage them in activities where they can channel their energy, and teach them to socialize.
As a mom of hyper kids, I use social media to share our journey, which made me somehow an advocate of ADHD parenting. I also love to give advice to parents of kids with ADHD, who are in the state of denial and confusion.
Mommy Honey Quiambao Iresare for bagongnanay.com
3. What are the unspoken struggles of being a mom of kids with ADHD?
Sometimes, I wish I were invisible.
I find it very challenging already to discipline my kids, then add the pressure and judgment coming from other people. Also the burden of educating others who don’t understand what ADHD is.
💜💜
For my kids, I need to be smarter than them. Haha. They have the tendency to use their wit and brains, including their charms to get what they want.
I also struggle when they are having anxiety attacks and self-pity. Especially when people avoid them or are scared of them because they think my kids will hurt them. My eldest is scared of being left behind. She is sensitive to rejection.
For now, pina-practice ko sila to do things just like other kids do. Doing chores, letting them make decisions, and helping each other kasi ang mindset ko is they need to know how to survive in the real world. Ngayon, marunong na sila mag-saing at mag-prito.
Ang mindset ko is they need to know how to survive in the real world.
Mommy Honey Quiambao Iresare
4. What or who helped you go through this journey? List your top 3.
I am grateful for my uncle and my aunt, who help me take care of my kids. They spoil my kids with so much love and affection
I am also grateful for their occupational therapist, Teacher Gids, who doesn’t give up on them. Especially at the time that I almost gave up, he guides me on how to manage them. He even talks to my kids even outside of their class.
Finally, I’m grateful to my cousins and relatives, who always check on my kids and me as well.
5. What’s your message to other Bagong Nanays who might have children with ADHD?
Have more patience! When talking to your kids, learn how to negotiate. Encourage your kids that they will be and do better.
If you feel that you need to talk or ask advice from a Dev Ped about your child, then do so. It helps.
Finally, remember that you do not owe other people an explanation for your situation. Never explain yourself to others. I have failed on this, but it’s a learning process.
6. In only six words, describe what kind of Bagong Nanay you are.
Fun-loving. Advisor. Warrior. Sometimes rule-follower, sometimes rule-breaker.
I am Honey Quiambao-Iresare from Quezon City.
I am the Bagong Nanay of Izai (11 years old) and Mamai (9 years old).
When I’m not being an all-around wife and nanay and tutor to my kids, I spend my time on online gaming, watching KDrama, writing, reading, cross-stitching, hanging out, unwinding, and sleeping.
On this year’s International Women’s Day, I’m happy to share the very first #KuwentongBagongNanay.
This series aims to tell stories and experiences of new and modern nanays so that they can inspire and empower first-time moms.
Our first featured Bagong Nanay is Ericka Mercado from Canada. I asked her to share how she is raising a preschooler (5yo) and a newborn (1mo) in their home. And I’m amazed that she sent her responses before the deadline! Wow. What a wonder woman! I honor you!
Read on to know some of her struggles, ultimate nanayhood hacks, and essentials that she swears by.
1. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received as a Bagong Nanay, and tell us why you value it.
Never compare your kids or yourself to others.
This applies to my kids and my journey as a Bagong Nanay. God created us uniquely, and our journeys are all different. Sabi nga nila, comparison is the thief of joy, and there were times when I am not able to stop myself from doing it. This is especially true when people around you would do the comparison. Ending: you feel bad about yourself, and you feel inadequate as a parent.
This advice actually came from my husband. It is more of a constant reminder. It resonates with me a lot, and I value it because it has allowed me to be conscious of my choice of words and thoughts when I talk to my kids, when I talk to others about my kids and their kids, and most importantly when I look at myself and my journey as a Bagong Nanay. I am at my happiest when I focus on our own progress, and stopped comparing our lives with others.
2. Share a Bagong Nanay hack that you recently discovered that helped make your nanayhood journey a little bit easier (could be a new gadget, app, or tipid tip).
For the Nanays:
Two words. Pelvic physiotherapy. I recently went to a wellness clinic to prepare for Eden, my second child’s birth. I had a pelvic floor assessment. I had pelvic exercises and once a week sessions with the physiotherapist. This has helped me shorten my labour and delivery time, as well as recovery time, not to mention it helped minimize tearing.
I know it is not a hack, but if you are pregnant or knows someone who is, and you have access to a pelvic physiotherapist, please do yourself a favour and use it.
For the babies:
Gripe Water. Both my babies were gassy babies, or are all babies gassy? Anyway, for my firstborn Elon, I didn’t use anything. I burped him and did bicycle exercises and waited to let it pass. Eden’s gas is something else. I learned about Gripe Water, and on the first day of using it, I already saw the difference. She indeed slept like a baby. One teaspoon of this stuff, and it worked wonders for her. Now she sleeps even longer.
Just make sure you check with your pedia of course. It’s not a hack, but I think it’s been around for ages. If you find yourself needing help with your babies being gassy, this might be it.
3. What’s one truth about your nanayhood journey that you want everyone to know but you were too scared or embarrassed to share?
I love being a Nanay, and I always share these feelings of love and joy. But it didn’t start that way. My first child was not planned. We were married, but we were not expecting to get pregnant so fast.
When I had Elon, the first month was TOUGH. I was so tired. I love my son, but because of the lack of sleep and being tired physically, there were days I wished I could have my old life back. The first few weeks were truly a test. But then one day, it just got better. The first few weeks seemed like a dark phase that has already passed.
Ericka and her son Elon
The truth is, having these thoughts doesn’t mean I love Elon any less. These feelings were part of my process into this wonderful nanayhood journey. It is not all rainbows and butterflies everyday. Sometimes it is rough, and it’s okay to feel frustrated and wanting a break. Admitting you need a break is okay. And sometimes putting yourself first before your kids is an important part of being the best nanay for your kids.
4. What’s the best part so far of being a Bagong Nanay of two?
“Best part of being a Bagong Nanay of two is [finding out] how much love you are actually capable of feeling and giving. This actually surprised me as I always had the question of “do parents have a favourite child?””
Ericka Mercado, mom of two
Pre-Eden, I believed that there is no way a parent can really love their kids equally. When I had Elon, I gave him my 110%. Everyday, I made sure he felt loved and cared for. So I always tell my husband that I am not sure how to love a second child the same when we do have one. But then I had Eden, and it’s as natural as when I had Elon. All the love just came rushing in.
Bagong Nanay Ericka with Elon (5yo) and Eden (1mo)
It’s true what they say, your heart just gets bigger with each additional child. Your heart becomes enlarged with so much love that it naturally flows for both of your kids. So yung 110% that I gave to Elon, ngayon meron na akong another 110% for Eden. I answered my question, there are no favourites, and it is possible to love your kids equally (there is so much love to give and share!).
5. What are the top 3 Bagong Nanay essentials that you swear by?
Infant baby carrier. It doesn’t matter if it is a sling, wrap, or structured carrier. Carriers are life savers. Moms and dads can either wear the babies and stay hands-free. The best thing is your baby is so close; it’s an instant snuggle too!
Kering-keri!
Stroller and car seat. Don’t feel like wearing your baby? Then there’s the stroller. We use the stroller for walks with the car seat (when it’s stroller accessible). It’s easy because you don’t have to carry anything, you just push it while the baby is safe and sound in the carrier. Instant snoozefest for both of my kids! They love bumpy walks. Plus is, I get to exercise outside the house while they sleep.
Diaper changing mat. How many poop blowouts did Elon and Eden have? Many. Can’t count them. Having the changing mat allows for an easier change of clothes and clean up. Not to mention, it helps you change diapers anywhere that has a flat and safe surface for your baby.
PS.
If you are breastfeeding, get a good nursing bra and lots of V-neck shirts para madali hilahin! Hehe!
6. In only six words, describe what kind of Bagong Nanay you are.
I am a “wear my heart on my sleeve” nanay. So all my emotions are out, felt, apparent and obvious.
I am Ericka from Canada! I am the Bagong Nanay of Elon, 5 yrs old and Eden, 1 month old.
When I’m not changing diapers, burping, cleaning, cooking, making baon, reading bedtime stories, I usually enjoy hiking, yoga, Kdrama, and photography.
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.
Bagong Nanay 