Lovely Abella has given birth to her child with actor-dancer Benj Manalo.
In a post on Instagram on Sunday, September 17, 2023, Lovely uploaded an unfiltered photo of her while breastfeeding her newborn son, Liam Emmanuel.
Lovely started her lengthy post with the words, "Di ka man lang nagpaganda!!"
A photo of Lovely sans makeup, clad in what looks like a half-worn hospital gown and only in her underwear, accompanied the post.
"Sa lahat po ng hirap ng pinagdaanan ko, hindi ko na po kayang magpaganda, ang gusto ko lang ay mairaos ng healthy ang anak ko, ng mga oras na to wala akong kinapitan kundi ang Faith ko kay Lord na hindi niya kami pababayaan ang pagmamahal sakin ng Asawa ko @benj Pamilya at mga kaibigan ko at ang mga dasal ninyo," the actress wrote.
SYMBOL OF LOVE AND SACRIFICE
Based on Lovely's post, it was evident that the Kapuso actress had endured a lot in her pregnancy for her second child.
Lovely has a child named Crisha Kaye from a previous relationship.
"Binigla kami ng pagkakataon, di ko alam na mararanasan ko lahat ng hindi ko naranasan sa unang anak ko, kaya ang larawan na to ay nagsisimbulo na mahalin natin ang mga nanay at mga magulang natin," said Lovely.
Lovely will share in her upcoming vlog episode on Saturday, September 23, 2023, her motherhood journey, including all the challenges she and Benj went through.
Lovely said, "Itutuloy ko lang po ang pagpapa breastfeed ko sa anak ko, at hanggang ngayon hirap pa din ako mag produce ng milk, pag aaralan ko ulit hanggang sa magtagumpay ako para sa pangangailangan ng anak ko."
She then went on to thank her doctors for looking after her and Liam Emmanuel, and ensuring a successful delivery.
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SHOWING FULL SUPPORT
Lovely's candid post received lots of messages from followers and fellow celebrities.
Actress Carla Abellana called Lovely "Superwoman" while Iya Villania expressed relief for the safe delivery.
Other celebrities who left congratulatory messages on Lovely's post were Shaira Diaz, Chynna Ortaleza, and Kim Domingo.
Meanwhile, Kris Bernal, who is very open about the challenges of being a mom, commended Lovely for her honesty.
"Let's normalize unfiltered births and postpartum [heart emoji]. This is so authentic!! One thing about you that I really admire! Congrats and enjoy every moment," wrote Kris.
Read: Kris Bernal posts video of baby Hailee Lucca to celebrate daughter's first month
ANSWERED PRAYER
Lovely and Benj were filled with joy after learning about the pregnancy.
The couple tried for three years to conceive.
Lovely shared the good news on February 3, 2023, via Instagram.
Read: Lovely Abella, Benj Manalo expecting their first child after trying for 3 years
Lovely mentioned feeling worried initially, and they waited anxiously for two weeks, hoping to catch even a glimpse of their baby because they were concerned about the possibility of a Blighted Ovum, a condition where a fertilized egg fails to develop properly.
Read: Lovely Abella, Benj Manalo thankful to hear unborn baby's heartbeat for the first time
She credited their faith for keeping them strong and optimistic, stating, "Lahat ng pwedeng isipin maiisip ko na ata, pero yung pagkapit namin kay Lord ang hindi mawala."
Read: Lovely Abella lives up to her name in chic maternity shoot