Breastfeeding
may be considered a challenging phase of motherhood but the physical, mental,
and emotional benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and babies truly make the
journey worthwhile. While more and more mothers recognize that breastmilk will
always be superior compared to formula milk, there is still a need to spread
awareness on its benefits and to encourage people to support breastfeeding.
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(L-R) Dr. Anthony Calibo of
the Department of Health; World Vision Breastfeeding Ambassador Erika Padilla,
Carleneth F. San Valentin, Health and Nutrition Technical Programme Manager of
World Vision Development Foundation; Camille Prats Yambao, Jennica Garcia
Uytingco, Event Host Erin Valera, and Jun Godornes, Resource Development
Director of World Vision Development Foundation
In
response to the global campaign of protecting, promoting, and supporting
breastfeeding, World Vision Development Foundation, in partnership with the
Department of Health, launched Mother-Baby Friendly Philippines. This two-year
project aims to:
1. Support and strengthen the
implementation of Executive Order 51 (The Philippine Milk Code of 1986),
Republic Act 7600 (The Rooming-In and Breastfeeding Act of 1992), and Republic
Act 10028 (The Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009).
2.
Increase awareness and educate
health professionals and the public regarding these laws.
- Encourage
people to promote, protect, and support breastfeeding by involving them in
monitoring the implementation of breastfeeding laws in the country.
Carleneth
F. San Valentin, Health and Nutrition Technical Programme Manager of World
Vision Development Foundation, believes that encouraging mothers to nurture
their child is a way to empower a mother’s ability to breastfeed and care for
their child. “We are here to educate mothers so that they are empowered to make
the right choice in nurturing and caring for their child. We want them to realize
that if these laws are not implemented, we are impinging on their rights and of
their child’s,” she shared.
According
to Dr. Anthony P. Calibo of the Department of Health, this responsibility to
uphold the breastfeeding rights of mothers is not just the responsibility of
concerned organizations and government sectors; it is a responsibility of the
general public. “If a mother is investing herself for the betterment of the
future of her child, then she is also investing in the betterment of the future
of this country,” he emphasized.
To
stay true to their mission and vision for this project, the team conducted
Mommy Forum: Mother-Baby Friendly Philippines last October 2, 2018 at Little
Owl in New Manila. #MBFPH was graced by mom celebrities like Camille Prats
Yambao, Jennica Garcia Uytingco and Erika Padilla.
Erika
Padilla, World Vision Breastfeeding Ambassador, shared her breastfeeding
journey. “It is a huge sacrifice. It is difficult, painful, and a lot of work.
But definitely worth every single drop because I see my son getting stronger
and healthier every day,” she recalled. Her story encouraged more moms to share
and ask for more tips from Erika as well.
Rommel
Fuerte, Executive Director of World Vision Development Foundation, reminds
long-time moms and new moms the reason behind this gathering: the breastfeeding
normalization is still a work in progress and it’s a must to constantly promote
and protect breastfeeding to empower moms and to ensure a healthy start for
their children.
To
know how you can support Mother-Baby Friendly Philippines, log on to https://mbfp.doh.gov.ph/ or download MBF PH via Google Play or Appler
Store.
