Mama Muse • Mayda Chua
"Sleep deprivation and moments of self-doubt about whether I was doing things “right” made the experience overwhelming at times, but having a strong support system made all the difference."
Introduction
’m a 32-year-old Filipina, a first-time mum to my 3-year-old son, and currently 28 weeks pregnant with my second child. One of my proudest accomplishments as a mum was exclusively breastfeeding my son from birth to 2.5 years old—a journey that required patience and perseverance but was so rewarding. Professionally, I’m a licensed tour guide and work as a Multi-Media Artist at Blanc Studio. My role allows me to explore my creative side while balancing the demands of motherhood. Traveling has always been a passion of mine, and I feel grateful that it aligns so beautifully with both my work and leisure.
Motherhood has truly been a transformative journey. Juggling the roles of mom and my profession often feels like walking a tightrope—one hand cradling a child who needs you, the other managing tasks that demand your focus. There are days when I feel like I’m barely holding it all together, but then I catch a glimpse of my little one’s smile or hear his laughter, and it all feels worth it. It’s not about striving for perfection; it’s about showing up—for them, for my work, and myself. Balancing these roles is challenging, but it’s also a constant reminder of the strength and love that motherhood brings into every aspect of life.
What was your favourite thing about the newborn phase?
The precious moments of holding my son and seeing his tiny expressions for the first time are memories I’ll cherish forever. There’s a special kind of magic in watching a new life grow and develop each day, his milestones—it’s a beautiful reminder of how fleeting time can be and how important it is to savour every moment.
What did you find challenging about being a new mother?
Adjusting to the constant demands of a newborn while recovering from an emergency C-section was a significant challenge. The recovery process was painful, but thanks to my mum’s daily support and my husband’s unwavering presence, I managed to overcome those early postpartum hurdles. Sleep deprivation and moments of self-doubt about whether I was doing things “right” made the experience overwhelming at times, but having a strong support system made all the difference.
How were you supported during your postpartum period, and what would you change if you could go back in time?
My husband and mum were my greatest pillars of support during the postpartum period. They handled practical tasks, offered emotional encouragement, and gave me the space to focus on healing and bonding with my baby. If I could go back in time, I’d seek additional professional guidance on breastfeeding and postpartum mental health. Over time, I’ve realised how vital it is to not only care for your baby but also prioritise your well-being as a new mum.
Top 3 essentials would be:
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A Support System – Having family and a partner you can rely on is truly invaluable. Their presence and help make all the difference during those challenging first weeks.
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A Reliable Breast Pump – As a breastfeeding mom, a wearable, hands-free breast pump was a game-changer. It gave me the flexibility to take breaks and ease back into work without compromising my milk supply.
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Easy-to-Prepare Snacks – Refuelling is essential, so I always stocked up or baked healthy one-handed snacks like granola bars or homemade oatmeal cookies. I also paired these with moringa drinks or soups to help boost my milk production.
See Instagram post here.