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Content Creator Winnie Wong And Her Musings As A New Mom
Janelle Roa Cabrera-Paraiso
Published May 15, 2023 11:12 AM PHT
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Updated May 15, 2023 04:51 PM PHT
“I have the biggest fear of being pregnant and giving birth,” entrepreneur, content creator/vlogger, children's book author, and Pouf founder Winnie Wong expressed when asked about the circumstances that led her to a C-section delivery. Her scheduled birthing is something that she has been planning on with her partner Patrick Soriano, and while it is labeled “unnatural” by a league of unwavering traditionalists, Winnie remains resolute.
“I have the biggest fear of being pregnant and giving birth,” entrepreneur, content creator/vlogger, children's book author, and Pouf founder Winnie Wong expressed when asked about the circumstances that led her to a C-section delivery. Her scheduled birthing is something that she has been planning on with her partner Patrick Soriano, and while it is labeled “unnatural” by a league of unwavering traditionalists, Winnie remains resolute.
“I decided that natural birth was just a no-go for me, so I just opted for C-section. And I think I made the right decision because there are so many factors that in the end, I would have had to opt for a C-section anyway,” Winnie told Metro.Style. As a mother who chose an elective Cesarean method for her childbirth, one common myth or misconception that she would usually hear is how “unnatural” a Cesarean birth can be.
“I decided that natural birth was just a no-go for me, so I just opted for C-section. And I think I made the right decision because there are so many factors that in the end, I would have had to opt for a C-section anyway,” Winnie told Metro.Style. As a mother who chose an elective Cesarean method for her childbirth, one common myth or misconception that she would usually hear is how “unnatural” a Cesarean birth can be.
“I was kind of shocked when the common misconception is that it’s not natural, and I just think that we should be forward-thinking and that you shouldn’t be afraid to choose what’s best for you and what you feel comfortable with,” Winnie asserted. “Those who want to go natural, go ahead—good for you—but those who really are capable of having a choice to do so, go do that. Don’t be afraid because you’re the one giving birth and not the people giving their opinions.”
“I was kind of shocked when the common misconception is that it’s not natural, and I just think that we should be forward-thinking and that you shouldn’t be afraid to choose what’s best for you and what you feel comfortable with,” Winnie asserted. “Those who want to go natural, go ahead—good for you—but those who really are capable of having a choice to do so, go do that. Don’t be afraid because you’re the one giving birth and not the people giving their opinions.”
Originally scheduled for March 13, 2023, Winnie’s daughter Suri came out earlier than expected. On March 10, through Cesarean delivery, the operation was a success. An army of medical professionals made it easier for Winnie to deliver, easing her into the process as her pregnancy came to a close. “I’m glad I chose the path that I did,” she started off. “Do your research. Take in as much opinion as possible but ultimately, you do what will get you mentally prepared.”
Originally scheduled for March 13, 2023, Winnie’s daughter Suri came out earlier than expected. On March 10, through Cesarean delivery, the operation was a success. An army of medical professionals made it easier for Winnie to deliver, easing her into the process as her pregnancy came to a close. “I’m glad I chose the path that I did,” she started off. “Do your research. Take in as much opinion as possible but ultimately, you do what will get you mentally prepared.”
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“You’re the one doing it. If you fear being pressured by other people, it’s really not the best way to start a pregnancy and give birth to a child,” she called on her fellow C-section mothers and those who are setting their eyes on it. Now embracing what motherhood has in store for her, Winnie is more welcoming of wayward experiences and the least-expected. She also shared with us that allocating time for rest and recreation is a top-shelf requirement if stress comes along.
“You’re the one doing it. If you fear being pressured by other people, it’s really not the best way to start a pregnancy and give birth to a child,” she called on her fellow C-section mothers and those who are setting their eyes on it. Now embracing what motherhood has in store for her, Winnie is more welcoming of wayward experiences and the least-expected. She also shared with us that allocating time for rest and recreation is a top-shelf requirement if stress comes along.
“Of course, you have to tend to the needs but take those breaks when it’s possible. Try your best to just enjoy and appreciate it ’cause you deserve it.” As she is capable of taking turns with her partner in terms of parental duties, Winnie is thankful, too, that she didn’t have to work it out alone. “I super appreciate single moms who do this on their own. It’s absolutely amazing ’cause when I’m thinking about not having my partner, that’s so stressful already,” she stated.
“Of course, you have to tend to the needs but take those breaks when it’s possible. Try your best to just enjoy and appreciate it ’cause you deserve it.” As she is capable of taking turns with her partner in terms of parental duties, Winnie is thankful, too, that she didn’t have to work it out alone. “I super appreciate single moms who do this on their own. It’s absolutely amazing ’cause when I’m thinking about not having my partner, that’s so stressful already,” she stated.
“Honestly, right now, there isn’t much going on. It’s a lot of caring, which is making sure you understand your baby’s cues—sleeping, napping,” Winnie responded, when asked how she is adapting to her role as a mother. “I haven’t seen much change. All I do is appreciate and look at my daughter. I enjoy looking at her,” she answered, mulling things over. To her, the labor and love that is packaged with motherhood—regardless of methods—is priceless.
“Honestly, right now, there isn’t much going on. It’s a lot of caring, which is making sure you understand your baby’s cues—sleeping, napping,” Winnie responded, when asked how she is adapting to her role as a mother. “I haven’t seen much change. All I do is appreciate and look at my daughter. I enjoy looking at her,” she answered, mulling things over. To her, the labor and love that is packaged with motherhood—regardless of methods—is priceless.
7 lessons on pregnancy and motherhood discoveries so far that digital content creator Winnie Wong has learned:
1. “You shouldn’t be afraid to choose what you want to do.”
For Winnie, irrespective of the mother’s intention and decision as to what type of delivery she will go into, giving birth is one of the best moments of being a mother. That is why she emphasizes comfort as top priority and notes that pushing oneself into something else will only cause unnecessary stress. Others’ opinions may be a matter of discussion, but doing what is best for you and your baby should be second to none—be it a natural, Cesarean childbirth, or even water birth. “It’s your labor and you choose what makes you comfortable. You don’t want to be resentful. It’s only a very small part of your child’s growth so having all these other influences shouldn’t impact your decision,” she said, stressing that we should think ahead of tradition.
For Winnie, irrespective of the mother’s intention and decision as to what type of delivery she will go into, giving birth is one of the best moments of being a mother. That is why she emphasizes comfort as top priority and notes that pushing oneself into something else will only cause unnecessary stress. Others’ opinions may be a matter of discussion, but doing what is best for you and your baby should be second to none—be it a natural, Cesarean childbirth, or even water birth. “It’s your labor and you choose what makes you comfortable. You don’t want to be resentful. It’s only a very small part of your child’s growth so having all these other influences shouldn’t impact your decision,” she said, stressing that we should think ahead of tradition.
2. “You just have to change your mental direction.”
When a new mom is navigating motherhood, according to Winnie, it is essential that she appreciates everything that comes with the experience. It may not make you the happiest all the time, but it teaches you how to adapt. “Honestly, there are a lot of people that say it’s life-changing but for me, I never felt an overwhelming sense of change yet. It’s more of changing schedule and patterns but life moves forward. That’s the way I’ve seen it,” she harked back, bringing up that while she is crossing into a new chapter of her life, it doesn’t leave her feeling like she is forced into a rut of responsibilities. “All you’re doing is making sure she is capable of being safe and healthy until she’s able to start.”
When a new mom is navigating motherhood, according to Winnie, it is essential that she appreciates everything that comes with the experience. It may not make you the happiest all the time, but it teaches you how to adapt. “Honestly, there are a lot of people that say it’s life-changing but for me, I never felt an overwhelming sense of change yet. It’s more of changing schedule and patterns but life moves forward. That’s the way I’ve seen it,” she harked back, bringing up that while she is crossing into a new chapter of her life, it doesn’t leave her feeling like she is forced into a rut of responsibilities. “All you’re doing is making sure she is capable of being safe and healthy until she’s able to start.”
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3. “Take everything with a grain of salt and understand that all children’s development looks different.”
No parent is ever perfect, and no all-encompassing act applies to children from all walks of life but love. The whole parent-and-child experience is unique to everyone, and a child’s progress is not necessarily bound to a linear one. “Being an early educator—because that was what I majored in—one thing I’ve known is that a child’s development looks different for everybody. There are boundaries as to what is right and what is wrong, but telling a person directly that ‘this is how you should do it’ is never the right answer,” Winnie began. “As long as you and your partner understand that you are doing whatever you can to make sure that your baby is developing and going in the right direction, you are doing well. I don’t feel like people should punish themselves or feel bad.”
No parent is ever perfect, and no all-encompassing act applies to children from all walks of life but love. The whole parent-and-child experience is unique to everyone, and a child’s progress is not necessarily bound to a linear one. “Being an early educator—because that was what I majored in—one thing I’ve known is that a child’s development looks different for everybody. There are boundaries as to what is right and what is wrong, but telling a person directly that ‘this is how you should do it’ is never the right answer,” Winnie began. “As long as you and your partner understand that you are doing whatever you can to make sure that your baby is developing and going in the right direction, you are doing well. I don’t feel like people should punish themselves or feel bad.”
4. “You can’t succeed all the time.”
Every mom, especially the new ones, tend to overpour their need for success or sometimes, even perfection. As excruciating as it is, though, we cannot truly be perfect and our best comes in fluctuating figures. Winnie cannot agree more. To her, acknowledging what you can and cannot do is definitely important. “For people who are perfectionists like me, it is the most frustrating thing that you ever have to emotionally go through,” she shared. “There is that aspect where they cannot fully communicate what they want. The only way they communicate is by crying and you don’t know why they’re crying. ‘What am I doing wrong?!’ It’s really frustrating so you just have to keep telling yourself that you can,” Winnie insisted.
Every mom, especially the new ones, tend to overpour their need for success or sometimes, even perfection. As excruciating as it is, though, we cannot truly be perfect and our best comes in fluctuating figures. Winnie cannot agree more. To her, acknowledging what you can and cannot do is definitely important. “For people who are perfectionists like me, it is the most frustrating thing that you ever have to emotionally go through,” she shared. “There is that aspect where they cannot fully communicate what they want. The only way they communicate is by crying and you don’t know why they’re crying. ‘What am I doing wrong?!’ It’s really frustrating so you just have to keep telling yourself that you can,” Winnie insisted.
5. “Things go by slowly but it goes by fast as well.”
In case you did not know, Winnie is close to the Gonzaga sisters, particularly Toni Gonzaga-Soriano. Winnie’s partner Patrick is Paul Soriano’s sibling, so Winnie and Toni share a connection, too. When asked what motherhood advice from Toni she received that she can remember on a regular basis, she quickly butted in: “Oh my gosh, Toni gives me so much advice! She just says ‘enjoy every moment because things go by slowly but it goes by fast as well,’ and I completely agree with it! That’s one takeaway that I always really appreciate from her—to appreciate every moment.”
In case you did not know, Winnie is close to the Gonzaga sisters, particularly Toni Gonzaga-Soriano. Winnie’s partner Patrick is Paul Soriano’s sibling, so Winnie and Toni share a connection, too. When asked what motherhood advice from Toni she received that she can remember on a regular basis, she quickly butted in: “Oh my gosh, Toni gives me so much advice! She just says ‘enjoy every moment because things go by slowly but it goes by fast as well,’ and I completely agree with it! That’s one takeaway that I always really appreciate from her—to appreciate every moment.”
6. “Your body can do so much and can take so much.”
Winnie walked us through the wonders of being a mother. She believes not until now that women’s bodies work many miracles once motherhood opens its doors. “I am capable of doing more than I think that I can, like the ability of not sleeping the first month. I think a lot of people don’t tell you enough that you won’t sleep. I thought I was going to get a bit of beauty rest or something but right off the bat, when you give birth, you have to feed every three hours. You’re testing yourself—your physical capabilities,” she declared. “I’m amazed that I could last on one hour of sleep. [I can] sleep and adapt when the baby is sleeping. Just your ability to adapt is something that I am amazed at.”
Winnie walked us through the wonders of being a mother. She believes not until now that women’s bodies work many miracles once motherhood opens its doors. “I am capable of doing more than I think that I can, like the ability of not sleeping the first month. I think a lot of people don’t tell you enough that you won’t sleep. I thought I was going to get a bit of beauty rest or something but right off the bat, when you give birth, you have to feed every three hours. You’re testing yourself—your physical capabilities,” she declared. “I’m amazed that I could last on one hour of sleep. [I can] sleep and adapt when the baby is sleeping. Just your ability to adapt is something that I am amazed at.”
7. “Don’t feel guilty.”
Contrary to the stigma that mothers shouldn’t cease working, Winnie attests to the wonders of taking breaks. A true soul-saver, going out once in a while for a good time or a tinge of fresh air invigorates an exhausted mother’s mood. “I have the privilege of having help so I make sure I don’t feel guilty when I have help. One thing I want to tell people is don’t feel guilty because as long as you are taking care of your baby and you’re there every step of the way, leaving one hour to two hours or even the day [is okay],” Winnie explained. “One of the things that I really love was being able to just get out of the house and just walk around. I remember the first time that I ever experienced that. Even though it was one hour, it was the best feeling ever.”
Contrary to the stigma that mothers shouldn’t cease working, Winnie attests to the wonders of taking breaks. A true soul-saver, going out once in a while for a good time or a tinge of fresh air invigorates an exhausted mother’s mood. “I have the privilege of having help so I make sure I don’t feel guilty when I have help. One thing I want to tell people is don’t feel guilty because as long as you are taking care of your baby and you’re there every step of the way, leaving one hour to two hours or even the day [is okay],” Winnie explained. “One of the things that I really love was being able to just get out of the house and just walk around. I remember the first time that I ever experienced that. Even though it was one hour, it was the best feeling ever.”
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Lead photo by @nextbymetrophoto via @winniewong
Lead photo by @nextbymetrophoto via @winniewong
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