10.23.2011

Smart, Glamorous and Hardworking Women Breastfeed

"Breastfeeding is one of the most natural and joyous acts of human love. And yet many Filipina mothers today, misled by a number of mistaken notions, continue to depend chiefly on formula milk to nourish their infants." - BBB


Over a week ago, I was invited to a press conference for UNICEF's breastfeeding campaign in partnership with Beauty, Brains & Breastfeeding, Inc. (BBB), an NGO advocating breastfeeding led by Ms. Iza Abeja.  As much as I wanted to attend this noteworthy event, my daily mom duties did not allow me to. Still, I decided to share these important facts I've learned from their press release as I am an advocate of breastfeeding as well.

According to UNICEF statistics, only 34% of mothers in the Philippines practice exclusive feeding during their babies' first six months, and close to 50% depend on artificial milk in varying degrees.


BBB would like to correct several misconceptions about breastfeeding that discourage many mothers:
  • Exclusive breastfeeding in the formative first six months of an infant is NOT a hindrance to a mother’s professional or personal goals
  • Exclusive breastfeeding is a commitment to give one’s child with life-nourishing food and a good start in life; to think of breastfeeding as only for the poor should be dismissed immediately
  • Continued breastfeeding DOES NOT cause  a woman’s breasts to deform, sag or make her look haggard and unattractive
  • Breastfeeding in public places is not an act shame and therefore should be encouraged
The event brought together three equally beautiful and accomplished women, composed of Ms. Abeja, media personalities Patricia Bermudez-Hizon and Daphne Oseña-Paez, to speak out and recount their breastfeeding experiences, and inspire more mothers to nurse their babies.

Patricia Bermudez-Hizon

 Daphne Oseña-Paez

Iza Abeja

These amazing moms and their kids will appear in billboards around Metro Manila to bring their messages across and create more awareness about the importance and benefits of breastfeeding.

I have written my personal breastfeeding experiences here and have also encouraged many of my friends to breastfeed as well.  Breastfeeding was truly one of the most fulfilling part about my being a mother.


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