Breastfeeding TSEK Launched!

Last Wednesday, I was able to attend the launch of the Department of Health's "Breastfeeding TSEK (Tama, Sapat, Eksklusibo) (Correct, Enough/Sufficient, Exclusive) program campaigning for mothers to exclusively breastfeed for the first six months of their newborns' life.Although this news report quoted Sec. Ona, I didn't see him at the launch, which was a pity because I was hoping to meet them. According to DOH Undersecretary David Lozada, they plan to reinvigorate the breastfeeding campaign due to the continued low prevalence of breastfeeding, despite their efforts to promote it. Among the steps DOH plans to take would be (1) sending peer counselors to communities and workplaces to educate couples about the benefits of breast milk, (2) coordinating with barangay health workers, civic organizations and other volunteer groups to train peer counselors and reach out to new and expectant moms and (3) bombard print media, TV, radio and internet with advertisements and other marketing strategies to promote a breastfeeding culture in the country.

The entire program was divided into 3 parts but I only got to attend the launch, with Gladys Reyes as host. As Dr. Silvestre said, what struck her most about the talk of Ms. Vanessa Tobin (UNICEF Representative) was her statement about complacency when it comes to breastfeeding - moms becoming complacent that it comes naturally, stakeholders thinking that it's the same banana over and over again (more about this next post). There were presentations and I was happy to see that Stan's breastfeeding photographs were exhibited on stage.

Sorry for the grainy photos!! Taken from my camera phone.

I was happy to get reconnected with fellow LATCHers and other breastfeeding advocates like Velvet of Arugaan, Kate of NNC, Iza of Beauty, Brains and Breastfeeding and Dr. Mianne Silvestre. We discussed about the problems our groups faced and the things we could do to further support breastfeeding in the Philippines.

Honestly, we lost a great breastfeeding advocate when former DOH Secretary Francisco Duque was transferred to the Civil Service Commission. I am hopeful though that with the launch of this project, Sec. Ona will indeed push and support the campaign for exclusive breastfeeding in the Philippines.

LATCHers at the launch with QC Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte

*photo courtesy of Mec who blogs at http://www.mecasmom.com/

What do you think of the new campaign?

Break Time for Nursing Mothers

If you've been reading this blog since last year, you would know that along with several officemates, we were able to establish 2 lactation rooms at my office and that we are currently working on a policy. To document our efforts, I wrote a multi-part post starting with this. Yesterday, I received an email from Nanay Ines about a news report on the US federal law - "Break Time for Nursing Mothers", which was signed last 23 March 2010. This law "requires companies with at least 50 employees to provide reasonable time and a private space - not a bathroom - to pump milk until the baby is a year old." Interestingly, although the law is almost 1 year old, the US Labor Department has yet to draft guidelines and is still seeking comments from the public until today, 22 February 2011.

Understanding the Milk Code

I have been receiving several queries from various groups in connection with the sponsorship of bottle companies of their events and activities. I decided to put my JD and LLM to use and write this discussion about the Milk Code and its effects. However, what is wonderful about the law is that it is subject to various interpretations and each litigant actually has a chance, depending on the creativity of your lawyer :D. Hence, the following discussion is based on my own interpretation and is open to rebuttal or counterarguments.

Classes/Events for February 2011

This post is late - considering that it's already mid-February! If you're looking for weekend breastfeeding classes/meetings, here are upcoming ones:

1. La Leche League Makati is moving to its new home!! Meetings will now be held at Mothercare Greenbelt 5 branch from 11am to 1230pm. February meeting will be on 26 February 2011. Please pre-registered by emailing Abbie Yabot or texting your name, edd or baby's age, email add and contact number to 09228292268.

2. The Breastfeeding Club will be holding a breastfeeding class at the Medela House on Saturday, 19 February 2011 from 9am to 11am. Topic will be sustaining breastfeeding with a review of Breastfeeding 101. Fee is P500 (which entitles you to 2 other classes in the series). Interested participants may register at 0917-5614366 or email Medela House.

3. Yaya trainings are also conducted at the Medela House. For February 19, 2011 (1-4pm) topic will be all about newborn care and the support that a yaya should give to a breastfeeding mom. Other topics are included in the yaya seminar modules. For details and fees, email Medela House.

4. If you're in Davao City, check out MommySense's seminar on Breastfeeding 101 for Yaya. I can't over-emphasize how important caregiver's support is in a successful breastfeeding relationship especially for working moms! Class will be on 22 February 2011 at The Pod. See poster for more details.

*LATCH has no classes for February. Next class will be on 12 March 2011 at The Medical City. See you there!

Breastfeeding Counselors in the Philippines

I previously posted about IBCLCs in the Philippines but realized that a lot of moms are still unable to get help because these IBCLCs are usually busy or charge an arm and a leg for consults. Aside from IBCLCs, new moms can get in touch with breastfeeding counselors for their breastfeeding issues.

Unlike IBCLCs or lactation counselor, there is no specific number of training hours or credits needed to be considered a breastfeeding counselor. While IBCLCs take on the difficult issues of breastfeeding, counselors normally handle issues on positioning, latching, first two weeks and are usually able to resolve the questions raised by new nursing moms. What is essential however is that the breastfeeding counselor has received proper training so moms can be correctly advised on their breastfeeding issues.