LACK of appreciation of its benefits and the continued dumping by giant Western companies of infant formula products to Third World countries are just two of the challenges that continue to bug the decades-old campaign of the country to embrace breastfeeding among mothers.
This was revealed by Dr. Maria Theresa “Terry” Ungson, regional coordinator of the National Nutrition Council, an agency attached to the Department of Health (DOH).
These, despite the current positive action of government offices and business establishments, including shopping malls, in providing breastfeeding stations for working mothers, she said.
She lamented that many Filipina women still continue to entertain a misconception that breastfeeding will destroy their bodies. This is exacerbated by husbands who are just as ignorant of the benefits of breastfeeding to the wife, baby and the family in the long run.
Dr. Ungson said this is one reason why the NNC is holding a nation-wide photo contest that showcases the beauty and beneficial concepts of breastfeeding in cooperation with the Davao Photographers Club.
Dr. Terry Ungson stressed the importance of breastfeeding given that it could give full nutrition to the child in which formula milk could not provide. “The mother would just have to let the baby suck [in order for the breast to get stimulated and provide milk] because it is the purpose of the breast of a woman [to lactate]” Dr. Ungson said.
“A single woman can even lactate, a lola (grandmother) can also relactate” added Dr. Ungson.
Meanwhile, Lawyer Constantine Agustine explained to reporters attending Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM Ecoland annex yesterday, Monday, that the Davao Photographers Club which he heads will handle the technical aspects of the photo contest, including the rules and mechanics, the screening and final judging of the competition.
The nationwide photo contest will accommodate professional, commercial and hobbyist photographers. The photo must be submitted online and should be in accordance to the theme “Breastfeeding: Epitome of Mother’s Love Towards a Strong Nation.”
Due the role played by the photographers club ias a co-sponsor and event organizers, its members are disqualified from joining the contest.
For those who are interested to join the contest, details and mechanics are available at the Facebook page of Davao Photographers Club.
