#LetsBeReal, Filipina Mothers
We’ve all
been told that breastfeeding’s best for babies; but why are less than half of
Filipina mothers opting for exclusive breastfeeding?
Reality bites,
and in fact, recent figures released by the Food and
Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI-DOST) say that
breastfeeding rates are at 47 percent and more alarmingly, there are actually
areas in the country that have breastfeeding rates of only 27 percent. That’s 7
out of 10 mothers who opt for infant formulas and other artificial milk
substitutes.
Beauty,
Brains and Breastfeeding together with UNICEF are looking to shift this
mindset. “Filipina mothers aren’t keeping it real and we want to help change
that,” says Iza Abeja, Executive Director of Beauty, Brains &
Breastfeeding.
In keeping
with the thrust to promote, support and protect the rights of the breastfeeding
mother and child, BBB is organizing the Nurture Run, one of the biggest
breastfeeding awareness initiatives in the country to date. More than 10,000
runners and breastfeeding advocates are expected to join Nurture Run.
Iza also
shares that proceeds of the Nurture Run will go to mobilizing skilled
counselors, sustaining mommy groups and organizing breastfeeding awareness
activities as well as supporting Milk Banks through Milk Letting Days.
“All these
initiatives will be carried out in strategic areas in the country specifically
in disaster prone provinces,” notes Iza. “As the recent disasters in Tacloban,
Bohol and Zamboanga have taught us, breastmilk can save lives.”
The Nurture
Run is set on April 13, 2014 Sunday from 5:30 am to 10:00
am at the Quezon Memorial Circle. It covers 3km and
5km options with race kits costing PHP 450.00 inclusive of the race bib and
Nurture Run shirt. The event is co-presented by UNICEF, International Labour
Organization (ILO), National Nutrition Cluster group for Haiyan/Yolanda and
Department of Health (DOH) in coordination with venue-host the Quezon City
Government.
“Our children
deserve the most genuine form of care and nutrition they can get. Support
breastfeeding and help us spread the word by joining the ‘Nurture Run.’”
UNICEF is an agency of the United Nations devoted to serving the
world’s children. UNICEF began providing assistance to the Philippines in
November 1948. Since then, they have been partners with the Philippine
government in protecting Filipino children.
UNICEF Philippines has more than 60 people working to promote and
protect the rights of children. They aim to provide the best quality of life
for every Filipino child through programmes that help them survive and
flourish.
About Beauty,
Brains and Breastfeeding
Beauty,
Brains & Breastfeeding was established and registered at SEC in 2006. It aims
to bring back the breastfeeding culture in the country and elevate the stature
of breastfeeding and eradicate the misconception that breastfeeding is only for
those who can’t afford formula milk.
In
recent years, BBB has not only participated in the promotion of breastfeeding.
We have also taken part giving support to mothers. Providing free breastfeeding
counseling at evacuation areas and informal settlers vulnerable of
displacements in times of calamities BBB is also an active lobbyist when it
comes to the protection and implementation of legislations promoting
breastfeeding.
For updates and
more information:
(Press Release)
