Breastfeeding corners are available in all 31 health centers of Taguig City to support and create a safe space for lactating mothers to breastfeed their babies. A Breastfeeding Station is also located within the city hall.

Under Office Order No. 16-109, series of 2016, all health centers were advised to establish breastfeeding corners as part of the city’s efforts to strengthen and sustain their breastfeeding program. It also aims to raise the community’s awareness on the importance of breastfeeding.

In 2011, Focal Nutritionist-Dietitian (ND) and Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) Program Coordinator, Ms. Joann O. Espiritu, spearheaded the establishment of the lactation station in the city hall auditorium. It was certified by the Department of Health as a Mother-Baby Friendly Workplace in December 2015.

“It is important to establish breastfeeding corners and stations not just because of the Republic Act 10028 but it also recognizes the importance of breastfeeding,” Focal ND Espiritu said.

The Republic Act (RA) 10028 or the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009 mandates all public or private establishments, whether operating for profit or not, to support breastfeeding in the workplace through the formulation of workplace lactation policy and provision of lactation station, lactation breaks and breastfeeding information.

“In this way, we can build a community and workplace environment that promotes and supports breastfeeding to encourage mothers to breastfeed their children for a longer period. It provides a safe location where women can seek support for their breastfeeding concerns,” Focal ND Espiritu added.

The breastfeeding corners and lactation station help mothers to nurse in public places when they visit the health centers for check-ups, routine vaccination, and other activities for mother and child as well as when transacting business at the city hall. Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials on the First 1000 Days, Infant and Young Child Feeding, and proper nutrition for the mother and baby are also made available to the mothers.

A successful breastfeeding corner will not be sustainable without the presence of trained health personnel on IYCF. Doctors, nurses, midwives, barangay nutrition scholars, barangay health workers, and NDs provide counseling to breastfeeding mothers.

Breastfeeding is important for the child's nutrition and growth especially during the first 1000 days of life. We encourage other local government units (LGUs) to follow this initiative and set up breastfeeding stations to support breastfeeding mothers.

Visit Taguig City Nutrition Committee Facebook Page for more information on the city’s nutrition programs: https://www.facebook.com/TaguigNutrition

Written by: NO I Janna Alexia M. Necio and NPC Milagros Elisa V. Federizo