LANAO DEL NORTE, August 24 (PIA) — Department of Health (DOH) Region 10 unraveled the myths and revealed the truths about breastfeeding through a Breastfeeding “MOM” Advocacy Forum in Lanao del Norte on August 24, 2018.

Telesfora G. Madelo, Nutritionist-Dietitian IV of DOH 10, shared that lactating mothers should not forget and undermine the importance of breastfeeding to the babies and themselves.

She reiterated the Breastfeeding TSEK “Tama; Sapat; EKslusibo.”

‘Tama’ or ‘Correct’ means immediate skin-to-skin contact and initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour (within 3 to 4 hours if by caesarean delivery); “Sapat” or “Enough” for little is enough but frequent breastfeeding increases breastmilk supply; and “EKslusibo” or “Exclusive” which says only breast milk and no water nor any other liquid for the first six months.

DOH said that BF TSEK is important because it reduces risk of death with early initiation, improves survival rate by 26 percent with breastfeeding within the first hour and 16 percent within the day, reduces risk of serious illness with other milks, and contributes to higher intelligence which translates to better school performance.

The Milk Code through Executive Order 51 and Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations have also been discussed to contribute to the provision of safe and adequate nutrition for infants.

Madelo corrected misinformation about breastfeeding with the aim to bring back the culture of breastfeeding among Filipino communities.

Among the misinformation corrected were the following: colostrum (yellowish milk) is not dirty milk and must be given to the babies to protect them from sickness; babies need to be fed on demand; babies are content with breast milk alone; breastfeeding will not cause breasts to sag; breasts do not produce spoiled milk; mothers can breastfeed even when ill; mothers can continue breastfeeding even after returning from work, among others.

Barangay nutrition scholars and provincial health officers in Lanao del Norte also helped in the conduct of the forum in line with the Breastfeeding Month celebrated in August which advocates breastfeeding to be promoted, protected, and supported.

This year’s Breastfeeding Month carries the theme: “Pagpapasuso’y Pundasyon para sa Malusog at Mahabang buhay ng Ina at Sanggol.” (April Al Ian T. Jacob, PIA -10 LDN)