Kudos to the Inquirer for coming out with the article “Confessions of a milk machine.” (Inquirer, 6/15/11) Its message was in line with the Nutrition Month theme for this year: “Isulong ang Breastfeeding—Tama, Sapat at Eksklusibo!” We hope to see more articles about breastfeeding and nutrition in the Inquirer.
We noted with concern the difficulties experienced by the author in breastfeeding—her baby unable to latch properly, flat nipples, engorged breasts, among others—and we praise her for her persistence and determination in pursuing breastfeeding despite the many challenges she encountered. We liked the part where she implied that breastfeeding now is the norm and the way to go, and that formula milk is a thing of the past generation.
The author’s breastfeeding experience could have been less painful and challenging had she been given the proper support and correct advice. Most mothers when they are given a supportive environment and correct advice through supportive counseling are able to enjoy and experience the beauty and joy of breastfeeding.
The Department of Health has launched early this year the campaign on breastfeeding advocacy, “Breastfeeding—Tama, Sapat, Eksklusibo,” to increase awareness of breastfeeding and to increase the number of breastfed children in the country. The National Nutrition Council, an attached agency of the DOH responsible for nutrition policy and coordination, is also doing its share in training and mobilizing breastfeeding peer counselors to help mothers, like the author, have successful breastfeeding experiences. However, we need the entire country to provide the supportive environment to ensure that all babies are breastfed. These include changing the behavior of medical professionals who automatically and consciously prescribe formula milk; the marketing strategies of milk companies that may continue to undermine breastfeeding; and the many misconceptions about breastfeeding as well as the inadequate support system for breastfeeding moms, among other things.
It is hoped that with the full implementation of Republic Act 10028 or the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009, we will be able to advance the cause of breastfeeding. We also hope that the Inquirer will include its advocacy to promote breastfeeding as part of its social responsibility.
—MARIA BERNARDITA T. FLORES,
assistant secretary
and executive director,
National Nutrition Council,
Nutrition Building,
2332 Chino Roces Avenue Ext.,
Taguig City