It is in giving that we receive, a phrase proven true by the eighty-five (85) mothers who participated in the 3rd Mass Milk-letting Activity of the Quezon City Human Milk Bank (QCHMB) last August 8, 2018 at the SB Hall of Quezon City General Hospital. The said activity was a venue for mothers to donate their breastmilk which in turn had the sense of fulfilment by extending their help to the premature infants, those with illness and mothers who cannot express at all or enough for their infants. In contrary to the common belief that donating breastmilk would not provide enough for their infants, mothers present during the event were more than willing to donate after hearing the lecture conducted by specialized doctors and real life experiences shared by breastfeeding champions.
The mass breastmilk-letting activity lasted half a day and a total of 4,860 milliliters was collected from all the breastmilk donors. Mothers who successfully donated their breastmilk were entitled to avail of the free make-up and facial spa services set up in the booths that were put-up during the event.
Mothers who fail to attend the event but wanted to donate were also given the chance to participate through the partnership of Quezon City Human Milk Bank and Lalamove Philippines Inc. By simply downloading Lalamove App in Google Play, mothers who have a tight schedule can donate and buy breastmilk easier and hassle-free.
One of the highlights of the event was the recognition given to the different health centers and lying-in clinics in Quezon City where milk-letting is conducted weekly all year-round. Sustainability of the Human Milk Bank is made possible by the collective efforts of these health facilities. Awards bagged by the top performing health facilities are Highest Amount of Collected Milk, 100% Outstanding Pasteurization Result and Yield of Human Milk and Most Number of Donors Attended.
This breastmilk-letting activity is done annually in celebration of the establishment of the Quezon City Human Milk Bank that started in 2015 as mandated by an ordinance principally authored by Councilor Julienne Alyson Medalla. Councilor Medalla graced the event together with Councilor Juico and Ms. Joy Sotto. Under the said ordinance, the QCHMB shall operate as a non-profit business but a minimal fee will be charged to cover the screening and processing costs.
They say that in a world where people seek to get more, be one of those people who seek for opportunities to give more to those in need. Through the Quezon City Human Milk Bank, every drop donated can reach thousands of mothers. Kasi sa Kyusi, ang gatas ni MARE ay gatas para sa MAREmi! (TAR/NPC MEVF/NNC-NCR)
Written by: Ms. Jirah Asa M. Sideco, Nutritionist-Dietitian II, Quezon City
Ms. Sideco is a member of the Regional Nutrition Writers' Guild and C/DNPC of Metro Manila Association, Inc.
