Breastfeeding, according to World Health Organization (WHO) is one of the most effective way to ensure child health and survival. Thus, in the Philippines, every month of August is designated as National Breastfeeding Awareness Month, to raise public understanding about the importance of breastfeeding, boost breastfeeding promotion and protection, and gain widespread support for breastfeeding in the country.

Promote Breastfeeding entails providing accurate information about the importance and benefits that breastfeeding can offer to infant, mother, family, and community and as well as the high risks and costs associated with bottle-feeding. The Republic Act (RA) 7600 or the Rooming-in and Breastfeeding Act provides incentives to all government and private health institutions with rooming-in and breastfeeding practices and facilities.

Protect Breastfeeding there are various laws and issuances that protects breastfeeding particularly the Executive Order (EO) 51 also known as Milk Code, and RA 11210 or the 105-Day Expanded Maternity Leave Law. EO 51 was created to curb milk producers' aggressive marketing and advertising of milk formulas in the Philippines, particularly marketing activities directed to mothers. Further, RA 11210 aims to safeguard and promote working women's rights and welfare, as well as to provide women enough time to recover their health and take on parental roles. Mothers and caregivers should be aware of their rights and take an active role in protecting and exercising them.

Support Breastfeeding implies providing constant support to mothers and infants to help them initiate and complete breastfeeding for the first six months. RA 10028 or the Breastfeeding Promotion Act, offers support to working mothers outside their homes to continue breastfeeding practices. Another policy that supports breastfeeding is RA 11148 also known as “Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act” it strengthens the First 1000 Days program, which improves access to the delivery of maternal and child health and nutrition initiatives. Breastfeeding should be supported as the usual, natural, and ideal method of feeding newborns and young children.

Breastmilk is the most ideal and precious gift a mother can offer to her child, and it is the best possible start in life for a child. Breastfeeding, therefore, must be promoted, protected, and supported by everyone at all times. (OIC-NPCFlores/NOIIUtlang)

Reference: https://www.who.int/health-topics/breastfeeding#tab=tab_1

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