Cognizant of the power and reach of the radio as a key channel to inform, advocate, and influence positively the perception of the general public, the NNC-Region III continuously collaborates with DOH Central Luzon Center for Health Development for the airing of 2020-2021 Nutrition School-on-the-Air (NSOA) with the aim of improving the nutrition situation of mother and his/her child during the First 1000 (F1K) days. A NSOA-F1KDays and Beyond radio magazine will be aired by October 2021.
Early January 2021, one of the topics in 10 NSOA episodes aired in DWRW-FM 95 is the importance of breastfeeding in improving and sustaining the breastfeeding practices among lactating mothers. It was articulately discussed by Ms. Ching Pangilinan, the President of Breastfeeding Pinays (BP) in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga, who certainly believes that breastmilk is a liquid gold. We must not forget: Breasfeeding “TSEk”: Tama, Sapat at Eksklusibo, which can also be re-written as “Breasfeeding: Tama, Sapat at Eksklusibo mula sa “Gintong Likido”!
Inspired by how Ms. Ching Pangilinan narrated the learning experiences of the BP association, I was also prompted to share the flight of an equally experienced mother, who requested not to mention her real name but just unlock her wonderful experience how she battled the challenges as a working breastfeeding mom. I asked her why she continues breastfeeding while working and going through the troubles of breastfeeding, she just simply answered: “I wanted to give my baby a heads-up and a head-start in life, through the best, safest, most nutritious milk there is”.
She narrated: “I have always believed that one of God’s gifts to us women is breastfeeding – our capacity to nurture our children naturally. I also read and researched about breastfeeding when I was pregnant to equip myself. I thought it would be a breeze. The reality sets in when I first latched John and realized that it entails a lot of hard work. I have to deal with sore and painful nipples and a fussy baby. I have to learn the proper position and make sure that he is latched correctly. In the wee hours when I have to get up to express milk for my four-month-old son, John whom I breastfeed exclusively, I also ask myself why I breastfeed. He consumes 20 ounces of milk from 8:00 am to 7:30 pm and I can only produce 12 ounces of milk in the office while I am away. With the additional 8 ounces that he needs I must express at home between 11:00 pm to 7:00 am. Though breastfeeding is natural, it needs to be learned and practiced. At some points, I also learned that the support of my husband and the entire family is a must. I made my husband understand that I need time to express milk at home and he has to take on other household chores to relieve me.
Our helper has to feed Joaquin with my expressed milk while I am at work and she has to learn the proper way of thawing milk and the concept of first-in, first-out. My family has to understand that my milk stash will take over our fridge and freezer, so we have to give up the space for ice cream for the time being. Also, I have to get the support of my direct supervisor and colleagues allowing me to take a break, expressing and pumping three times a day while at work between 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Luckily, I got their support. Though my boss and colleagues understand, it does not hide the fact that I am away from my desk or from my normal working hours for at least 45 minutes every day. I compensate for this by going to work early, working efficiently, and minimizing downtimes. I also started bringing food for lunch to cut short my lunch breaks so I could express longer during my lunch period. Though tired and sleep-deprived, where my husband and two sons are snoring in lala land, whenever I nurse my son and he looks at me in the eye all my troubles seem to vanish. My heart melts just by simply looking at him fall asleep while am nursing him. I know John and I have developed a special bond brought by the warmth and physical closeness breastfeeding brings. It is the same bond that I now enjoyed with my eldest son, James whom I also breastfeed for almost four years. I will take comfort in the fact that I have given my sons a heads-up and head start in life – my love and commitment through my breastmilk, through my liquid gold.”
Evidently, the benefits of breastfeeding cannot be undermined. With certain data, studies and testimonies of women who experienced similar circumstances, NNC-Region III will always pursue the information and advocacy campaign in support of Breastfeeding. Come November, as we celebrate Children’s Month, we will continue pushing for the strong implementation of the First 1000 Days program for both women and 0-23 months-old children.
By: Angelita M. Pasos, Nutrition Officer III
