3 August 2020, Cagayan de Oro City – August is designated as the “National Breastfeeding Awareness Month” per Republic Act 10028, otherwise known as the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009. The law mandates the Department of Health (DOH) to lead the implementation and enforcement of the provisions of this Act.

In the observance of the 2020 National Breastfeeding Awareness Month celebration, the theme is “Breastfeeding TSEk (Tama, Sapat at Eksklusibo!): I-BIDA ang pagpapasuso tungo sa wais at malusog na pamayanan!”. It emphasizes the importance of breastfeeding and its benefits not only to the child but to the breastfeeding mothers and the community as well.

Meanwhile, the key messages of this celebration for breastfeeding mothers are:

• Exclusive breastfeeding of newborns and infants is a defense against diseases, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Breastfeeding mothers and their babies should be supported by family members, healthcare workers, and the community.
• Exclusive breastfeeding provides health for the growing child.

Breastfeeding TSEk or Tama, Sapat at Eksklusibo is the DOH campaign on Communication for Behavioral Impact on breastfeeding which promotes and supports correct breastfeeding practices. The TSEk means:

• “Tama” by immediate skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby after birth, and initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour of life.
• “Sapat” by encouraging and assuring mothers that little breastmilk is enough for the first week and that frequent breastfeeding ensures continuous breastmilk supply to respond to the increasing needs of the baby.
• “Eksklusibo” by giving only breastmilk and no other liquid to the baby for the first six months. Breastmilk has all the water and nutrients that the baby needs for the first six months after which the baby should be given appropriate complementary foods while continuing breastfeeding.

Also, the theme urges the mothers to continue breastfeeding, especially in this time of COVID-19 pandemic, with observance of strict minimum health standards. To date, there is no sufficient evidence that COVID-19 can be transmitted through breastfeeding or breastmilk. Even the World Health Organization (WHO), still recommends on the initiation and continued breastfeeding of infants and young children of mothers with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. Breastmilk has antibodies that protects newborns and infants from infections and diseases e.g., respiratory disease.

DOH reminds breastfeeding mothers to (1) wear facemask if they have symptoms or exposed to COVID-19, (2) to sanitize their hands prior breastfeeding, (3) to keep a social distance of 1 meter while breastfeeding and, (4) to find out real information about breastfeeding.

The National Nutrition Council (NNC) Region 10 joins the celebration through the hanging of tarpaulin and continuous information dissemination campaigns through the quad media. Interventions that support nutrition for the First 1000 Days are also advocated to the local government units.

The promotion, protection and support of breastfeeding are among the most effective intervention to improve a child’s health and survival. According to the WHO, universal breastfeeding could save about 820,000 infant lives each year. Early initiation of breastfeeding, within the first hour after birth, can save up to 22% of infants from death and about 16% when they are breastfed within the first day thus, decreases the rate of infant mortality significantly. Indeed, breastfeeding can do wonders!

DOH with NNC and stakeholders continue to campaign for each child’s right to have a brighter future that starts with exclusive breastfeeding in the first 6 months of life and continued breastfeeding from 6 months onwards.

With the government, private institutions and community collaborative efforts and supports to the Breastfeeding TSEk campaign, we can have healthier children and communities, even in the middle of COVID-19 situation. (NO I Arlie Joy O. Damiles)