As one of the identified places in the non-Accelerated Hunger Mitigation Program (AHMP) Priority Areas in CALABARZON Region, the City of Calamba conducted Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) Training for Midwives and Nurses at El Cielito Inn, Sta. Rosa City, last 11-14 October 2011. This was initiated by Ms. Aleli Catalina Y. Jimenez, City Nutrition Action Officer of Calamba in coordination with the local government unit (LGU).

Ms. Ma. Eileen B. Blanco, OIC-Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator of National Nutrition Council Regional Office IV and Ms. Belinda C.Beltran, Nutrition Officer II, served as the facilitators and resource speakers during the training sessions.

Ms. Ma. Eileen B. Blanco, discussed the first seven topics of the training session, namely: Introduction to Infant and Young Child Feeding; Why Breastfeeding is Important; How Breastfeeding Works; Assessing a Breastfeed, Listening and Learning Skills and Listening and Learning Skills Exercises. On the other hand, Ms. Belinda C. Beltran assisted Ms. Aleli Catalina Y. Jimenez during the rest of the training period.

The IYCF Training was comprised of sessions which used a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, demonstrations and work in smaller groups including practical applications and exercises. The participants counseled mothers at the City Health Office-Main Health Center, as well as breastfeeding mothers at the Sta. Rosa Community Hospital. During the practicum, the participants applied their knowledge on listening and learning skills and building confidence and giving support skills. At the classroom practical sessions, breast and doll models were utilized to demonstrate further the breastfeeding practices.

After the 4-day training, the participants are expected to be able to counsel and support mothers to carry out the World Health Organization recommended feeding practices for infants and young children from birth up to 24 months of age. Also, they were expected to counsel and support HIV-infected mothers to choose an appropriate method of feeding for the first six months of birth.

Impressions during the closing ceremony on the last day of the training overflowed from the participants. According to them, they have attended a very fruitful and informative training.