Hello, #BagongNanay!
It’s been almost two years since I gave birth via C-section, and it’s only recently that I have come to really appreciate and love my “new” body.
Growing up, I was constantly underweight. When I was in college, I used to weigh 78 lbs. I’m not proud of it because I was not also eating healthy then. No exercise too. So my skinny body was borne out of my unhealthy lifestyle.
But since I got pregnant with my firstborn, I changed my eating habits. I added more fruits and vegetables to my diet. I’ve been breastfeeding her, and just recently, I started getting myself into physical exercises – in May I’ve tried classes on Zumba, Pound Rockout Workout, Belly Dancing, and KPop Dance (thanks to my oily friends for the free classes).
And I was also influenced greatly by my husband who has started to do some weight-lifting exercises at home – because physical fitness is part of our family goals for 2021. I told him that our goal for having a healthy and fit body as parents should not just be about looking great, but more on being physically and mentally capable to take care of our child.
So I try to get myself moving, even if that means dancing my daughter’s favorite Banana Chacha or Hotdog dance.
But what inspired me the most was seeing and meeting virtually this Bagong Nanay, who happens to live just in our neighborhood! I’ve seen her in mommy groups, and I’ve always wanted to try joining her classes. She is a certified pre/postnatal fitness coach, and a certified postpartum core rehab specialist.
So I took the leap and asked her if I can share her #KuwentongBagongNanay, and her answer was a resounding yes. She is the mama behind MamafitPH, Coach Mindy Lagdameo.
May we all be inspired and empowered with her story.
1. What was the toughest challenge you faced when you became a Bagong Nanay?
I literally had no clue how hard it was going to be to lose my sense of self. My first pregnancy was such a breeze I didn’t think that I would change or compromise so much after. I felt like I was literally just winging it and was terrified most of the time. My body didn’t feel like my own. I had a fit pregnancy, but ended up with an emergency CS and horrible postpartum period. I really struggled with the lack of support and knowledge of how to move properly or get back into feeling like myself.
How did you overcome? What helped you?
It really does take a village. My mom lived nearby, plus I had a circle of Mama friends that really supported me through my early postpartum phase. Then I decided as well to educate myself on how to properly recover and regain strength after childbirth. I took pre and postpartum rehabilitation and wellness certification courses in order to better equip myself, and also to be able to raise awareness and help other Mamas as well.
3. As a Bagong Nanay, how important is it to be physically fit? What is your definition of being a ‘fit’ mama?
“Fit” is a relative term, and honestly being fit as a mama doesn’t need to mean that you can lift barbells, or run marathons or have 6 pack abs. Those are definitely great, but to be a fit mom is simply being able to be physically, emotionally and mentally capable to look after yourself and your family and have complete connection and full control of your body. Yung kaya mo buhatin si baby ng ilang oras na walang back pain, or if maisipan mo na gusto mo mag jogging or mag join ng Zumba class na walang fear na you might pee yourself.
“To be a fit mom is simply being able to be physically, emotionally and mentally capable to look after yourself and your family and have complete connection and full control of your body.”
Mindy Lagdameo for Bagong Nanay
4. What are top 3 items that Bagong Nanays can use to do simple workouts in their home?
You actually just need your beautiful body!
When returning to movement and exercise postpartum, as you are still getting to know your body again, it is best to start with bodyweight exercises. Also kung simple lang and exercises mas mataas and chance na you will be motivated to start and continue the exercises. This is why my Mamafit core restoration program is a completely bodyweight program; all you need is a mat.
5. What is your advice to Bagong Nanays who have insecurities about their postpartum body?
Mama, your body just achieved an amazing, wonderful feat. It has also gone through the biggest change it will ever go through. Be kind to yourself. Your body is brand new and can change again, it has the capacity to heal itself, and be strong and amazing again. Just don’t ever give up on yourself.
Your body is brand new and can change again, it has the capacity to heal itself, and be strong and amazing again. Just don’t ever give up on yourself.
Mindy Lagdameo
6. In only six words, describe what kind of Bagong Nanay you are.
Trying my best, day by day.
I am Mindy Lagdameo from Eastwood, Quezon City. I am the Bagong Nanay of beautiful Ellie, 6 years old; and Erica, a very makulit 3-year-old. When I’m not constantly picking up after my kids and ignoring my laundry, I workout, meditate and read.
Bagong Nanay 
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