Breastfeeding seen to minimize infant deaths

The government appealed to mothers yesterday to breastfeed their babies to reduce the number of infant deaths.

Tomas Osias, Population Commission executive director, said breast milk contains antibodies needed to fight illnesses.

"Aside from breastfeeding, illnesses to infants and children can be prevented through appropriate immunizations and giving the right kind (and) amount of food," he said.

Osias said studies show the number of infant deaths have gone down to 29 percent today from 36 percent per 1,000 live births nearly 10 years ago.

"Although the decrease is modest, this is a remarkable improvement," he said. "It says a lot about a significant improvement of the quality of life of Filipinos."

Osias said mothers must take care of their babies during their most critical period of growth and development.

"Parents must be conscious of proper nutrition, psycho-social stimulation and early education of children as the toddler-stage to pre-school years," he said.

The country marks Family Planning Day today amid the Arroyo administration’s reluctance to promote artificial methods of birth control.

The national government supports natural methods, but leaves it to local officials to procure their supply of contraceptives. — Sheila Crisostomo