“Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children and the nursing infants. Let the bridegroom come out of his room and the bride out of her chamber” – Joel 2:16, New American Standard Version

“It came to pass, as he said these things, a certain woman out of the multitude lifted up her voice, and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts which nursed you!”- Luke 11:27, World English Bible

These are just two verses lifted from the Holy Bible that talk about breastfeeding. Even Pope Francis supports breastfeeding in public. In the recent news, Pope Francis, in a baptism ceremony in the Sistine Chapel where he baptized thirty three (33) children, encouraged mothers to breastfeed their children as long as they want.

Pope Francis probably believes that breastfeeding can save lives of infants and young children and an effective strategy to fight hunger and malnutrition. Breastmilk is the optimal food for infants. Breastfeeding is the most natural way and the gold standard in feeding infants. Needless to say, breastfeeding is priceless.

Breastfeeding has many advantages not only for infants but for the mothers and their families as well. Aside from promoting strong bond between the mother and the child, breastfeeding reduces the mother’s risk of having breast and ovarian cancer. The family also saves as much as P2,000 to P3,000 per month if the mother breastfeeds instead of using infant formula or breastmilk substitute. A breastfed child is less likely to get sick and this means savings for the family as they do not need to spend for medicines. Parents do not need to be absent from work to care for their sick child, allowing them to be more productive which is good for the family and the country.

Mothers are encouraged to breastfeed their babies exclusively from birth up to six months and give appropriate complementary foods while continuing breastfeeding for two (2) years and beyond for optimum growth and development. They should not be ashamed to breastfeed their infant and young children even in public as they have the right to give them the best nourishment which is breastmilk. Just like Pope Francis, let us help support, promote and protect breastfeeding. (ELF/MEVF/NNCNCR)