'Pinagpala!' was among the comments left by netizens when actress and new mom Angelica Panganiban shared photos of her breast milk stash on Instagram.
The 35-year-old actress said that aside from her daughter Amila Sabine, she considers the bottles of pumped breast milk as "mga kayamanan ko lately."
Angelica has been sharing snaps of her breastfeeding journey, and just a few weeks back, she reported that it has been a struggle.
“As a duguan and sugatang mom, and [it has] only been one week of breastfeeding, Haakaa and hand express is the key,” Angelica posted on IG, as quoted by Inquirer.
READ ALSO: Judy Ann Shows Us How To Support A New Mom Like Angelica Panganiban
“Medyo nakaka-proud at nakakawala ng depression ‘yung turn of events. Two rounds of pumping pa lang at parang may mabubusog nanaman akong [napakatakaw] na baby,” she added.
Nevertheless, she also said "Malumanay naman kami mag-ina kapag di kami nagkakasakitan sa padede."
Celebrity parents like Camille Prats, Bianca Gonzales, and Chito Miranda lauded Angge's abundant supply of liquid gold.
Chynna Ortaleza, who struggled to breastfeed her son Salem, hopes Angge's breast milk can also bless other babies.
Angge said, "I'm sure aabot ito sa kanila kapag confident na ko sa feeding routine ni Bean." She added, "Palakas siya ng palakas kumain. Parang naamoy niya yung kapasidad ng dede ko."
A netizen replied to Angge, "Ang totoong silbi niyan!"
READ ALSO: 'My Boobs, Which Were Non-Essential For 29 Years, Finally Had A Purpose'
What a new breastfeeding mom needs
While the comment section on Angelica's post was filled with "Sana all" and "Pinagpala!" breastfeeding is never easy. Behind those overflowing breastmilk storage bottles is a mom who has to endure breastfeeding on demand and constant pumping.
That's why parents say the most important thing for a mom to successfully breastfeed is having a support system.
Here are what breastfeeding moms like Angelica need.
1. Breastfeeding essentials like pumps and treats
In Angelica's post, she shared that she is using a breast pump like Haakaa. While she breastfeeds Bean on one boob, the Haakaa is attached to the other boob to catch her letdown. Read here why we also love Haakaa, and where to buy it.
READ ALSO: 'No Matter How Long Or Short, Breastfeeding Taught Me A Lot,' Real Stories Of Breastfeeding Moms
In her IG stories, Angge shared that she has been also taking lactation treats. Check out what are our favorite breast milk booster drinks and snacks here.
2. Hubby's support
Ted Gonder, a 29-year-old American entrepreneur and co-founding CEO of Moneythink, shared what new dads can do to help new moms, especially in their breastfeeding journey. One of his tips is for dads to take on other chores like diaper changing.
While it seems like a dirty job, Ted tells dads that taking on the nappy changer job is worth it, "When all your wife’s friends are complaining about how absent and unsupportive their husbands are, your wife will be bragging about you."
3. Healthy and balanced diet
Take it from padede mom Coleen Garcia, who has been breastfeeding her son Amari for more than two years now. "Kailangan talaga kumakain. Kasi breastmilk stays the same, nutritious talaga no matter what. Pero kapag kulang, kinukuha talaga from my nutrition. So ako 'yung parang nanghihina, ako 'yung nakukulangan sa nutrition," Coleen said.
And she's correct. According to Renezzi Libay, a registered nutritionist-dietitian, the diet for lactating women is different from a pregnant woman due to the changes in her body. Read the general dietary recommendations when breastfeeding here.
The last thing a breastfeeding mom needs is shaming. If you need breastfeeding support, join our Smart Parenting Village.
Watch this video to find out why Coleen Garcia almost gave up on breastfeeding.
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