06/08/2020
Women all across the globe are celebrating .
(Big hugs to all the mummas)๐คฑ๐ป
And this month, marks the 5th month of my ebf journey. I will share that it wasnโt an easy start, (everyone has their own journey) but I didnโt give up because I know the benefits of breastmilk for babies. I wanted to make sure I could give my little one the best nutrition I could โค๏ธ
Exclusive breastfeeding is the most effective, complete and sustainable way of feeding babies from 0-6 months. If breastfeeding is continued beyond 2 years old along with giving babies appropriate and clean foods from 6 months, this will help boost immune system, cognitive skills and brain development.
In the Philippines, the entire month of August is declared as Breastfeeding Awareness Month.
The theme for this yearโs BF awareness month ay โI-BIDA ang Pagpapasuso Tungo sa Wais at Malusog na Pamayanan,โ at may apat na mensahe ang temang ito para sa pagpapasuso ngayong panahong laganap ang COVID-19.
First, โBโ ay โbawal magpasuso nang walang mask kung may sintomas o exposure sa COVID-19.โ Please remember that one cannot get COVID from breastmilk. The virus is transmitted through droplets or air. If moms are not sure of their COVID status or they have symptoms or are exposed to COVID, it is a must to wear a mask. It is important to practice and maintain the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures at home and in the community.
Second, โIโ ay โi-sanitize ang mga kamay bago magpasuso.โ Please ensure that moms are practicing good hygiene, hand washing, cleaning their bodies before their babies latch/feed.
Third, โDโ ay para sa โdistansya ng isang metro mula sa iba kung magpapasuso,โ or the practice of proper physical distancing.
At last, Aโโalamin ang mga tamang impormasyon tungkol sa pagpapasusoโ especially now that there are several sources of information: we have to know the right sources. Breastfeeding should be natural to all mothers; breastfeeding will also minimize trash, garbage or waste. This will help preserve our healthy environment.
From myself, UNICEF and Department of Health, happy breastfeeding awareness month! ๐
I just wanted to add - to the mamas who truly tried their best but BF didnโt work for them, you do you. Making sure your baby is nourished is what matters the most โค๏ธ