Babies who were breastfed, especially those who were breastfed for 2 years and beyond, are the most fortunate children the world over. Their mothers gave them the greatest gift they will receive in their whole lifetime - the benefits of a mother's breastmilk. They are fortunate because breastmilk contains all the nutrients they need for their early period of growth & development. This miraculous milk also gives them the antibodies they need to fight off infection and diseases.

As one of the efforts of the city to promote breastfeeding, the Breastfed Baby Contest of Makati was held last year when mothers who exclusively breastfed their babies were invited to join. Months after the contest, the babies are still winners because their mothers continue to breastfeed them.

Last year's Breastfed Baby Contest winner and two other participants have attested to that. Jhodyne Galon Corpuz, mother of last year's 1st placer, said that she breastfeeds her baby, "Dahil ito 'yung number 1, the best milk for Baby". She explained that breastmilk has many vitamins and minerals and it also contains disease-fighting substances that protect the baby from sickness.

Katherine Joy Batiller, whose daughter placed second, said that being a nurse, she knew the benefits of breastfeeding her baby not only by theory but also by real practising behavior. According to her, it is interesting to note that breastfeeding helped her heal faster and regain her pre-pregnancy body figure. She was so proud to say that "Nagkaroon din ako ng confidence na naibibigay ko sa aking anak ang tamang nutrisyon".

Jane Daryl Gray whose daughter got the third top spot said, "Matipid magpabreastfeed". Moreover, she emphasized that breastfeeding provided her the opportunity to bond with her child. Beaming with pride, she described her child as "malakas, hindi tabain, at hindi sakitin”.

Breastfeeding is part of the priority program on Intensified Preventive Health Care in Maternal and Child Health of Mayor Abby Binay. The City of Makati through the Makati Health Department hopes to enhance the consciousness not only of mothers but of everyone from all walks of life about the importance of breastfeeding. By continuing to hold the annual Breastfeed Baby Contest, the brains behind this endeavor hope to encourage and sway more mothers to breastfeed their babies. After all, according to the UNICEF website, "Breastmilk, more than anything else, is a gift of life.”

Written by: Ms. Ma. Carlota D. Go, Nutritionist-Dietitian I, Makati City
Ms. Go is a member of the Regional Nutrition Writers' Guild and City/District Nutrition Program Coordinators of Metro Manila Association, Inc.