Jason Abalos, Vickie Rushton Are Now Parents To A Baby Boy, 'Tayo Ay Ganap Nang Pamilya'

Actor Jason Abalos and Vickie Rushton are now parents!

The couple shared a photo of their child's little finger on Instagram today, September 1.

"Our greatest blessing. Our little love. We still can’t believe he’s finally here in our arms. We love you more than you’ll ever know, Knoa," the Mutya ng Pilipinas-International 2011 wrote. They announced their pregnancy last May. 

The new parents are also celebrating their first wedding anniversary. Jason penned a heartfelt message to his wife, expressing how he admires Vickie as a new mother (published as is).

"Isang taon na tayong mag asawa.

Isang taon hindi lang tayo dalawa.

Biniyayaan, tayo ay ganap ng pamilya.

Ating nasilayan, at siya ay tinawag mong Knoa.

Nasasaksihan ang iyong pagiging Ina,

Alam kong hirap ka pero kinakaya.

Maibigay mo lang ang gatas para sa labi niya.

Pagmamahal mo sa kanya wala ng papantay pa.

Lahat gagawin upang makatugon

Para sa akin ikaw ay inspirasyon.

Atensyon ko sa iyo nakatuon

Aalalayan ka sa oras oras na pagbangon

Happy anniversary baba. @vimrushton

Mahal ko kayong dalawa :)"

How spouses can support their wives postpartum

Jason's message beautifully captures the support new mothers need from their partners. It recognizes Vickie's determination to breastfeed their child and emphasizes the importance of being a present husband and dad during this special time.

1. 'Alam kong hirap ka pero kinakaya'

As women go through matrescence, or the transition to motherhood, it is normal to feel worried and anxious in the first two weeks. This is called baby blues. However, when their spouses acknowledge that what they are going through is challenging, it helps in making them feel seen and less alone. 

2. 'Atensyon ko sa iyo nakatuon'

Besides acknowledging their wives' struggles, spouses can play an active role in ensuring that their needs—including mental health—are met during the postpartum period, especially during the fourth trimester. 

They can assist with the household chores, offer to take care of the baby at night so their wives can get enough sleep, and sometimes, just listening to their thoughts and feelings would mean the world to them. 

READ ALSO: Postpartum Recovery Plan: A New Mom’s Checklist Following A Vaginal Birth

3. 'Aalalayan ka sa oras oras na pagbangon'

Some say the fourth trimester is the most challenging for new parents. Thus, all forms of support spouses can provide during this time are crucial. Dads need to learn about the symptoms of postpartum depression so they can seek professional help when needed.

READ: Is it Postpartum Depression or Baby Blues?

In turn, mothers should also recognize that dads can experience postpartum depression too. Having open communication with each other is key to surviving and thriving in parenthood.

Congratulations, Jason and Vickie! Join us over at the Smart Parenting Village, and let's figure out this parenting thing together!

Finally, there's a pill that can treat postpartum depression. Read about it here.