by Ernesto T. Solidum
Kapehan guests on breastfeeding are shown (l to r) Eula D. Magwale with her breastfed child, Cecille De Lemos, Dr. Myrtle M. Pelayo, Dr. Vic Santamaria, Letty Arguelles, Rossini T. Mortalla, and PO2 Nida L. Gregas.
While July is Nutrition month, August is declared World Breastfeeding month with DOH–PHO leading the celebration. Kapehan highlighted the celebration on August 15, 2009 with a bevy of health practitioners as guests and enthusiasts. They are Cecille R. De Lemos, Breastfeeding Coordinator–PHO, Rossini T. Mortalla, IYCF Coordinator, Crescini S. Roxas, Provincial Nutrition Coordinator, Dr. Victor A. Santamaria, Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Myrtle M. Pelayo, Aklan DOH representative, Letty Arguelles, Pres. BHW, Lezo Chapter, Eula D. Magwale, Breastfeeding Champion of Aklan and PO2 Nida Gregas.
Atty. Allen S. Quimpo testified that all of them – 10 siblings were exclusively breastfed. Despite afford-ability and availability of infant milk formula, bottle feeding is considered taboo. The former Aklan solon once romped away with the prize on healthy baby contest. Because of health and economic benefits all his three kids were breastfed with excellent result. Atty. Quimpo believes integ-rating breastfeeding education into our educational, social and religious milieu would encourage more adherents to the program.
Dr. Santamaria pointed out that based on National Demographic Health survey of 2008, some 50 percent of mothers practice breasfeeding.
The international theme for this year’s observance is "Breastfeeding – A Vital Emergency Response, Are You Ready?" Local theme is "Gatas Ni Nanay Laging Handa Sa Oras ng Pangangailangan". Santamaria said that information campaign is basically on developing awareness on advantages derived from breastfeeding and the need of sustained efforts till the baby has attained six months old and beyond. Studies indicate that extended method of child rearing provides 50 percent of a child’s nutrition for the first year and 33 percent for the second year.
Breastfed babies according to Dr. Santamaria are physically and mentally alert, not prone to obesity and allergies. They are emotionally stable because of mother’s bonding. Marked improvement of intelligence quotient is also attributed to mother’s milk because of wholeness, digestibility and protective attributes as human food.
PO2 Nida Gregas mentioned that despite her tight schedule, she finds time to breastfeed her baby. During slack time that she is in the office, she takes the opportunity to personally deliver the "goods". Now Police Officer Gregas has active, alert baby, anyone could be proud of.
Magwale gave up her lucrative job in Manila, went home to Aklan just to breastfeed and care for her baby. "Breastfeeding is a vital lifeline in times of emergencies that may happen anytime in our lives," said Magwale.
De Lemos mentioned E.O. No. 51 of DOH that strongly recommends mothers to breastfeed their babies for at least six months. De Lemos stated that the first milk known as colostrum is rich in vitamins. It serves as first immunization against many infections.
Starting this August, all 135 priority barangays will be targeted for intensive training on breastfeeding and nutrition said Ms. Roxas. This will be coordinated with Barangay Health Workers, Brgy. Nutrition Scholars, Brgy. Officials and other agencies.
Issues and concerns are on 2008 data of National Demographic and Health survey which shows that only 50 percent of mothers subscribe to breastfeeding compared to 53 percent in 2003. A number of reasons can be postulated among which is the power and influence of milk companies in product promotion.
The World Bank recently reported that one third of Filipino families subsist on one dollar a day income. Hence, buying imported milk would be absurd. Why buy when you can provide? Data suggest that breastfeeding has the potential to save 10 percent of budget for dairy milk.
Based on tradition, our forebears practiced breastfeeding as a natural way to good health and social acceptance. It has also a parallel view in Africa where buxomed women were the reigning beauties and popular choice of full bloodied males because of milk reserves.
This was disrupted however during the American colonial regime when milk, soya, wheat, and sorghum meal were rationed as part of US Food Aid programme. Of the products above, milk and wheat stuck to our culinary taste and approval.
Strange alchemy of Hollywood stars and local artists through deceit and misrepresentation conveyed the impression that breastfeeding is outdated, unfashionable and unthinkable is wholly accepted as biblical truth. Pan de sal is widely accepted although it is basically carbohydrates rich food. This made our milk and dairy products along with wheat importers very happy indeed.
Now turning the tables around could be doing the same tactic of popular endorsement by movie stars, business icons, and beauty gurus. It plays to do some commercials and selective advertisements.
While breastfeeding must be highly encouraged and supported as a strategy to ensure a baby’s health must also be considered. A significant percentage of pregnant–lactating mothers are suffering from nutritional anemia and will most likely jeopardize the mother’s health unless proper nutrition is first fully addressed. Dr. Santamaria cautions that mothers may be prohibited to breastfeed their babies if they suffer from com-municable diseases like TB, HIV/AIDS.
Obviously, others can be mental patients and users of prohibited drugs. Ms. De Lemos says however, that all measures must be exhausted to convince our mothers focusing on positive values.
It is unfortunate that both PHO and DOH has set no target number in breastfeeding acceptors for the current year. Although included in the Provincial Investment Plan, nonetheless program must be given due emphasis with proper funding con-sidering that a strong nation starts with a healthy mother and child. /MP
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