Sheena Halili just celebrated the upcoming arrival of her second baby, with help from motherhood buddy, actress Jennylyn Mercado.
Sheena, who is 34 weeks pregnant, looked radiant attending the event with her husband, Jeron Manzanero, and their firstborn, Martina.
On Thursday, the celebrity mom posted a carousel of photos featuring her and Jennylyn on her Instagram. She also shared the story of Jennylyn volunteering to organize her baby shower.
Sweet reason behind baby shower
She wrote in the caption, "Dahil papalapit na ang due date ko at nagkaroon po ako ng antenatal anxiety at updated naman itong kumare ko sa mga nangyayari sa life ng Manzanero Family. Nag desisyon po siya na bigyan ako ng baby shower."
The caption continues, "Tumawag sa 'kin at sinabihan ako na “Wag mo na isipin baby shower mo! Ako na bahala!” Katangi-tangi po na assignment ko ay mag imbita, pumili ng gifts at pumunta ng maganda!"
"Salamat mare! Sa hindi po nakakaalam ngayon lang ako nagka “baby shower” na may bisita at handa! Last time po kasi ay pandemic. May chance na ito narin ang last," Sheena added, espressing her gratitude to her friend and fellow mom Jennylyn.
The Importance of Mom Friendships: Empathy, Support, Connections
Friendships with fellow moms are special because they are based on shared experiences, mutual support, and deep understanding. These connections go beyond a casual social relationship, as they are built on the challenges and joys of motherhood.
Whether it's about having sleepless nights, celebrating milestones, or simply needing someone who understands the chaos of daily life, mom friends offer empathy that is relatively harder to find in any other relationship. Simply put, shared pains and joys!
Keep reading to know the benefits of mom friendships.
ALSO READ: Have Regular BFF Sessions! Friendships Are Essential To Keep Your Sanity
Emotional Support
A significant benefit of having mom friends is the emotional support they offer. Motherhood can be a rollercoaster of emotions, from the pure joy of a baby’s first smile to the frustration of sleepless nights and temper tantrums. Having friends who are going through similar experiences can be incredibly comforting. Mom friends understand the unique challenges and triumphs of raising children because they are living it too. This shared understanding fosters a deep sense of empathy and connection.
When a new mom is feeling overwhelmed, having a friend who can say, "I've been there too," can make a difference. This validation helps mothers feel less alone in their struggles and more confident in their abilities. Emotional support from mom friends can also reduce the risk of postpartum depression by providing a safe space to express feelings and receive encouragement.
Practical Support
Besides emotional support, mom friendships also provide a valuable source of practical help and advice. From breastfeeding and sleep training tips to recommendations for pediatricians and schools, mom friends offer a wealth of information. They can also offer proven solutions to common parenting challenges and share resources that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Moreover, mom friends often help each other out in tangible ways. Whether it’s watching each other’s kids for a few hours, carpooling to activities, or sharing hand-me-down clothes and toys, these acts of kindness make the demands of parenting more manageable. This practical support network can lighten the load and provide much-needed respite for busy moms.
Social Connection
Motherhood can be isolating, especially for new moms staying home with their babies or navigating the transition back to work. Mom friendships help combat this isolation by providing social interaction and a sense of community. Regular playdates, coffee meetups, and mom groups offer opportunities for moms to share experiences.
Social connections are also beneficial for mothers' children. Playdates and group activities allow kids to interact with peers, developing social skills and friendships of their own.
Need more insights on mom friendships? Check out this article explaining why moms need a vent buddy.