(Second of three parts )
August was Breastfeeding Month.
I went to an amusement park last weekend and saw a cute infant (a girl). I asked the yaya how young her ward is. The girl is one month old. The baby was being bottlefed, so I asked if it was pumped breastmilk. I was shocked to find out that inside that bottle was formula milk. The newborn was only one month old. Babies must be breastfed exclusively for at least six months, meaning, no formula, no vitamins — not even water.
I have no right to cast judgment on the mother of that baby girl. When I asked the yaya why the mom didn’t breastfeed the baby, she didn’t know why. I just wished the mom was empowered to know the beneficial effects of breastfeeding her newborn. I’m sure she knows. But perhaps she has a valid reason why she is giving formula to her baby.
To the moms reading this article, especially those who are pregnant and who commit to breastfeeding their future baby, to those who are currently breastfeeding, and to the moms who are missing out on the wonderful experience of breastfeeding their child, this article is for you.
I recently hosted the Breastfeeeding Forum produced by Baby Co. and Sm Malls (special thanks to Clair Moran-Alino of Baby Co. for inviting me. Clair is also a breastfeeding advocate). In the panel were breastfeeding experts Nona Andaya-Castillo, Abbie Yabot and Ob-Gyn Maricel Vergel de Dios.
Nona showed videos of the wrong and right way of suckling, and statistics on breastfeeding. She told me that because of media efforts and information dissemination of breastfeeding advocates, there has been a slight improvement this year in the percentage of mothers who breastfeed (a little over 30 percent). But this is not enough. The culture of breastfeeding has to get better.
Abbie, founder of the Breastfeeding Club and La Leche League leader demonstrated the different effective breastfeeding positions: The cradle, cross-cradle, football hold and lying down. She also emphasized that women can breastfeed whether they have small or big breasts. “Hindi porke’t maliit, ay walang gatas.” Dr. De Dios had a powerpoint presentation which showed the proper nutrition a pregnant mom should have for optimum health not only for her but for the infant in the womb, and to prepare her body for lactation. Craving for ice cream?
“Try ice chips or non-fat yoghurt,” she reminds us.
Hungry for a snack? “Instead of chips or junk food, always bring a healthy mix of nuts, raisins or dried fruits and store in a handy ziplock bag so you can eat anytime.”
Thanks for the healthy tips, Doc!
They shared their own personal breastfeeding tales. Dr. De Dios wasn’t too empowered during her first pregnancy so she didn’t get to breastfeed her firstborn as much as she did with her second child. She was told at first that once a mother goes back to work or resumes her career, she can no longer breastfeed.
Now she knows better. She is a busy doctor but breastfeeds successfully. She is empowered.
A reminder to all working, lactating moms: It is your right to breastfeed your child in your workplace.
Republic Act 10028, the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act 2009, signed into law by her Excellency Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo last March 16:
The Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009
Sec. 2 “The state shall likewise protect working women by providing safe and healthful working conditions, taking into account their maternal functions….”
Sect. 11. Establishments of Lactation Stations.-It is hereby mandated that all health and non health facilities. Establishments or institutions shall establish lactation stations…”
Sec. 12. Lactation Periods. — Nursing employees shall be granted break intervals in addition to the regular time-off for meals to breastfeed or express breastmilk….”
Parentin.TV Talkseries
Inviting all parents to my PARENTIN.TV Talkseries 3, today, 2 to 7 p.m. at St Luke’s Global City Taguig. Just log on to www.parentin.tv to register and confirm attendance to this free talk series. Bring your hubby, mommy friends and kids! There is a Galileo activity corner for your kids while you attend the sessions. Free food and drinks. Up for grabs: Baby Co. Nursery showcase, David’s Salon pampering package, Nikon appliance showcase. First Food Link Negosyo start-up package and many more! Stay tuned for program details in this column.