On August 1, 2022, the Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center (ZDSMC) successfully launched the National Breastfeeding Awareness Month with the theme “Sama-samang Itaguyod tamang kaalaman at kalinga sa Pagpapasuso”. The month of August has been dedicated to advancing advocacy, protection, and promotion of breastfeeding to ensure that all families have the opportunity to breastfeed. This year’s campaign aims to raise awareness of the importance of breastfeeding and empower the government, health systems, workplaces, and communities to provide a nurturing environment for families. During the activity, PNAO Ms. Grace Sumogue discussed the importance and effects of breastfeeding on both the infant and mother. ZDSMC as a medical institution leads this monthly campaign.
The Department of Health (DOH) suggests that starting from the first hour after giving birth, it is best for the mother to exclusively breastfeed her baby for the first 6 months of life. Breastmilk contains various essential nutrients, antibodies, growth factors, and hormones that breastmilk substitutes cannot replicate. Breastfed babies are found to perform better in school and have higher IQs compared to their non-breastfed counterparts. Breastfeeding also contributes to sensory and emotional circuitry for normal cognitive and socioemotional development.
Optimal nutrition in the first 1,000 days has a substantial impact on growth and development. Long-term health outcomes are 1) Optimal Growth; 2) Higher IQ; 3) Better performance in school; 4) Better health; 5) Lower risks; 6) Higher Income, and 7) Reduced child deaths. The National Nutrition Council (NNC) with the DOH recommends the following:
- Initiate breastfeeding within the first hour after birth (skin to skin contact)
- Exclusive breastfeeding in the first 6 months
- Provide counseling and support to help mothers breastfeed successfully
- Establish lactation stations and provide paid breastfeeding breaks for working mothers (In accordance with RA 10028)
- Enforce the Milk Code – no marketing and donations of breastmilk substitutes and related products (In accordance with EO 51 or the Philippine Milk Code)
May this month-long celebration meet its objectives of echoing the significance of giving breastmilk to all babies during their early years and this can only be achieved if we will work together and put learned things into practice so that we can anticipate not just a better future for these young individuals but for our nation to prosper where the citizenry is healthy and well-nourished.
DMO II Marie-Claire Gaas
References:
- National Breastfeeding Month by National Institute of Children’s Health Quality
- First 1000 days ni Baby pahalagahan para sa malusog na kinabukasan PowerPoint by the National Nutrition Council
