Breastfeeding is best

Today, there is a steady decline in the number of breastfeeding mothers. The World Health Organization says a mere 15 percent of all mothers in the country breastfeed, and that most women who do not breastfeed come from low-income families. Only one in six children are exclusively breastfed for the crucial first six months.

Each year, Filipinos import around P20.8 billion in milk formula. Our infant mortality rate stands at 29 per 1000 live births. Our 32 percent child malnutrition rate significantly exceeds the Asia Pacific average of 15 percent. While there is no evidence that these are traceable to bottlefeeding, the use of unclean water has caused our infant mortality to be alarmingly high among Asian countries.

The use of infant formula has reached such a huge extent that it has become the most shoplifted commodity in groceries - an unnecessary crime if only more people knew the greater benefits of mothers milk, which of course comes at no cost.

In 1992, I wrote and sponsored the Breastfeeding Law which encourages, protects and supports the practice of breastfeeding for its distinct advantages. People wondered why I paid so much attention on what seemed like an implicit issue. But the benefits of breastfeeding are wide-ranging: apart from saving families precious money and improving the new mother's overall health, breastfeeding can, above all, save the lives of our children.

Studies prove that breast milk is the best food for infants because it has all the vitamins and nutrients babies need in the first six months of life.

The Philippines is the only country in Asia with a breastfeeding law, and UNICEF itself has taken notice and showed appreciation of our efforts at promoting breastfeeding.

Breast milk is rich in disease-fighting substances that shield infants from illnesses. Breastfeeding protects babies from gastrointestinal troubles, respiratory problems, ear infections and illnesses. It boosts the child's intelligence and guards against obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure later in life. The lack of access to clean water used to prepare infant formula makes it even more important for mothers to breastfeed.

The Department of Health must take aggressive and active intervention. We must wage an intensive education and information campaign for breastfeeding, and do so not only in the month of August but as a year-round endeavor.