MANILA, Philippines - Good news for working moms who breastfeed their children.
Philips Avent has launched an advocacy program that seeks to encourage offices across the country to make it easier and more comfortable for moms to breastfeed in the workplace.
For its part, Philips will support parents and their babies by pushing for breastfeeding stations in offices and urges companies to to sign up for its breastfeeding-at-work program. Philips will help design ideal breastfeeding spaces and also provide support to moms in the workplace through Philips AVENT breastfeeding packs.
RJ Buenaventura, general manager for Philips Consumer Lifestyle, said the launch of the program last month coincides with World Breastfeeding Month in the Philippines.
“We know that most new moms want to breastfeed their baby because they believe it’s healthier for them. We’re committed to supporting parents and their babies, giving them the best start in life to set the stage for healthy futures,” he said.
It is recommended that a mother exclusively feed her child on breast milk for the first six months. But for working moms, expressing milk at the work place is often difficult due to time or a lack of facilities and support.
By fostering work environments that make it possible to balance the demands of breastfeeding and work, mothers will be more productive and able to continue their career pursuits while their children will benefit directly from improved health and well-being.
Pia Umayam, business development manager for Philips Avent, said a breastfeeding room at the workplace should not only offer moms a hygienic, private and comfortable place to breastfeed but also make a real difference to them during a precious time in their lives.
“We believe that breastfeeding moms should feel comfortable wherever they choose to breastfeed, whether at home or at work,” she said.
The Comfortable Anywhere program also supports Republic Act 10028, which mandates every health and non-health institutions to have a breastfeeding room or lactation station.