The National Nutrition Council MIMAROPA premiered the first of a three-part video series (see: https://www.nnc.gov.ph/regional-offices/luzon/region-iv-b-mimaropa/4313-join-nnc-mimaropa-s-three-part-nutrition-sharing-session-on-november-2020) on 14 November 2020 via NNC MIMAROPA Facebook page which focused on the Unang Yakap Protocol and the benefits of breastfeeding.

Relating to this year’s nutrition month celebration, one of the ways to focus on stunting is to advocate on the first 1000 days of life. The first 1000 days of life, which spans from the moment of conception until the child reaches two years of age, is one of the strategic thrusts of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) PPAN 2017-2022, the country’s blueprint for nutrition action. Examining closely the first 1000 days approach, having improved nutrition helps address the problem of malnutrition through proper care and infant and young child feeding. This is evidenced by results of the 2019 Expanded National Nutrition Survey which shows that the prevalence of stunting remains to be high, coinciding the period of the recommended start of giving complementary foods. 

Guest resource person, Dr. Aurora Gloria I. Libadia, Clinical Associate Professor and Head, Lactation Unit and Human Milk Bank, University of the Philippines – Philippine General Hospital, began the discussion by highlighting the importance of making the Philippines a mother-baby friendly country, as this benefits not only the child, but also that of the mother, their family, the community, and in long-term scale, poses impacts on national and global development as well.

Some of the main takeaways from the discussion include the following:

1. Unang Yakap protocol save lives. The four core steps are as follows: Immediate and thorough drying, early skin-to-skin contact, properly timed-cord clamping, and non-separation of the baby and mother for early initiation of breastfeeding.
2. Skin-to-skin contact benefits include successful breastfeeding, lymphoid tissue stimulation, exposure to maternal skin flora, prevention of hypoglycemia, and thermoregulation.
3. Properly timed cord clamping helps to reduce anemia by 80% in term newborns and 51% in preterm newborns.
4. Delayed initiation of breastfeeding increases risk of infection-related death.
5. There are many a myriad of breastfeeding benefits, which can further be enumerated using the acronym:

B – bonding. The established connection between the mother and the child, and the involvement of other family members helps prevent physical and emotional abuse

R - readily available. Breastfeeding can be done anytime, anywhere. No preparations, such as boiling of water or washing of feeding bottles are needed.

E – easily digestible. Breast milk is easily digestible, thus allowing ready absorption of available nutrients. Moreover, it also helps reduce the occurrence of feeding intolerances, vomiting, and constipation.

A – antibodies. The antibody content of breast milk sets it apart from formula milk because of the immune-protection property. Colostrum, the yellowish fluid which is secreted first from the mother’s breast after birth, is also called as “liquid gold” for it contains essential nutrients and antibodies for the newborn. These antibodies help to combat infection and prevent the baby from getting sick easily.

S – safe, more savings, saves two lives, easier to be sexy.   Since breast milk is produced by the mother, it is safe and accessible, and there is no need to buy formula milk or water for preparation. It also saves both the lives of the baby and the mother. Short term benefits of breastfeeding for the mother include reduced post-partum blood loss, more rapid involution of the uterus, delayed return of menstruation and natural contraceptive, and helps the mother to return to pre-pregnancy weight. On the other hand, long term benefits include reduced breast cancer up to 28% risk reduction for each year of breastfeeding, reduced ovarian cancer up to 21% reduction for each year of breastfeeding, and reduced postpartum depression.

T – right temperature and beautiful teeth. The temperature of breast milk is always ready. There is no need to find means to heat up. Also, breastfeeding prevents tooth decay versus formula fed babies.

F – perfect food. It contains all the nutrients, vitamins, and growth factors that babies need for the first six months of life. No need for water as breast milk is 88.1% water. Thus, it can be said that breastfeeding prevents all forms of malnutrition and there is no need for formula milk.

E – prevents ear infection.  As breastmilk contains antibodies that help fight infection, breastfed babies are a lower risk for ear infections, also known as luga.

E – environment friendly. It helps not only people, but also the planet. No pollution, packaging, or industrial waste is produced. When it comes to excretion, breastfed babies tend to produce less urine compared to formula-fed babies.

D – decrease child death. Studies show that as opposed to other interventions available to prevent under-five child death, breastfeeding reigns supreme.

I – higher intelligence scores. Even preterm babies who are exclusively breastfed tend to have proper brain development.

N – no contaminants. Breast milk is safe, contains no toxins, and is not a vehicle for transmission of COVID-19 virus.

G – always on the GO! Breast milk is always ready. No need to prepare a bottle. Available anytime, anywhere.

Part 2 of the Nutrition Sharing Session video series will be aired on 21 November 2020 and will focus on hand expression of breast milk, storage of breast milk, and cup feeding (MCLCChen).