The Importance of Breastfeeding for Infant Health

The National Nutrition Council (NNC) 7 is encouraging mothers to breastfeed, highlighting its role in boosting infant immunity.

Dr. Parolita Mission, NNC 7 nutrition program coordinator, mentioned that breastmilk provides immunization for the child and helps prevent diseases due to the presence of colostrum, a vital substance only found in breastmilk.

Despite the benefits, some working mothers find breastfeeding challenging due to their work schedules. Sheila Gelig, a virtual assistant, shared her struggle with pumping breastmilk during her work hours, leading her to stop breastfeeding her nine-month-old daughter.

Another mother, a nurse named Jane, faced low milk supply issues while working in a clinic, making it difficult for her to continue breastfeeding after a year.

Dr. Mission reassured that breastfeeding can be resumed even after a break, mentioning the lactation break provision under Republic Act 11148 for working mothers to pump milk during work hours.

She emphasized the benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and child, including uterine recovery, bonding, cost-efficiency, and accessibility.

According to the source: SunStar Publishing Inc.