This pandemic has been a hindrance to so many things, including reaching out to health care workers in times of need. Most of the time, mothers, especially first-time moms, have many questions or worries concerning their infant’s health and nutrition. But with the virus spreading, how can they reach out to the experts without risking their family’s health?

As part of the campaign in promoting proper infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the City/District Nutrition Program Coordinators (C/DNPC) of Metro Manila Association with the assistance of the National Nutrition Council – NCR (NNC-NCR) established an online counseling for mothers/caregivers who have concerns or problems in feeding their infants or young children. Mothers can send their inquiries through the NNC-NCR Facebook page and they will be referred to the NCR Breastfeeding Friends (BFFs). The NCR BFFs are registered nutritionist-dietitians from the 17 local government units in Metro Manila who are trained on IYCF. Since it started on April 8, 2020, the group has received a total of 340 inquiries to date.

Mommy Rizzalyn, a breastfeeding mother from Muntinlupa City messaged the NNC-NCR Facebook Page because she thinks that her breastmilk is not enough for her 2-month-old baby. She was also worried if this was caused by her not eating healthy foods such as vegetables and fruits. Her family rely mostly on food packs given during the lockdown since her husband lost his job. Her case was referred to Ms. Rhonda E. Rabino, a Nutritionist-Dietitian from Muntinlupa City Health Department and who is a member of the NCR-BFFs.  Through Facebook Messenger, Ms. Rabino advised Mommy Rizzalyn to continue breastfeeding her baby since frequent suckling on breasts will produce more milk. Breastfeeding even at night, staying away from stress, eating nutritious foods, and drinking lots of water would also boost her breastmilk production. Healthy recipes using canned goods found in food pack ration were also shared which Mommy Rizzalyn can cook at home.

Mommy Rizzalyn found the online counseling a big help. She was thankful that she availed the online counseling service to address her breastfeeding concern while in the comforts of her home. She hoped that the group will be able to help more mothers in the future.

“Malaking tulong po itong online counseling lalo ngayon sa panahong may pandemic dahil hindi po kami nakakapunta sa mga center para makahingi ng payo para sa aming mga nanay na bagong panganak,” Mommy Rizzalyn said. She added, "Malaking tulong din po ang mga binibigay ninyong recipe para samin. Nakadagdag po ito ng sustansya para sa mga baby naming. Thank you po sa inyo.”.

Mommy Bhing, another mother from Muntinlupa City expressed her worries on feeding her 9-month-old baby because of the risk of choking. Ms. Rabino, who was also Mommy Rizzalyn’s counselor, advised her to mash, mince, and shred the foods into smaller pieces to prevent choking. She also taught Mommy Bhing how to do cup feeding since Mommy Bhing is a working mom. 

When asked on what they felt upon seeing the post on online IYCF counselling, Mommy Rizzalyn felt doubtful but still messaged the NNC-NCR Facebook page hoping that her questions will be answered. On the other hand, Mommy Bhing felt excited knowing that there is someone who can help her even through online. Both were grateful and appreciative of the online IYCF counselling and thankful to Ms. Rabino for being their counselor. Both mothers commended Ms. Rabino for taking the time and effort in teaching them. Ms. Rabino continues to guide them by doing follow-up consultations.

Upon asking what advise they can part to other mothers/caregivers who are having problems on breastfeeding or in feeding their young ones, both mothers said to not hesitate to ask questions and seek experts’ opinions for they know what is best for you and your child.

“Mahirap kung iisipin kasi maraming sakripisyo para masustain ang goal mo na exclusive breastfeeding o successful complementary feeding pero umpisa lang naman yun. Basta isapuso mo lang ang bawat ginagawa mo para sa mga anak mo.” Mommy Bhing added. 

The C/DNPC Association and NNC-NCR are committed to help mothers breastfeed their babies and give appropriate complementary foods while continuing breastfeeding.

As the quote said, “Breastfeeding is not always easy, but it is always worth it.”. Let us protect, promote, and support breastfeeding and proper complementary feeding especially during this COVID-19 pandemic. (DKFV/TAR/NPC MEVF/NNC-NCR)