Camarines Sur Joins Observance of World Breastfeeding Week

Naga City (11 August) -- In line with the celebration of the World Breastfeeding Week (WBW), the Bicol Medical Center conducted various activities aimed on raising the awareness of mothers on the importance of breastfeeding, not just for the benefit of their child but also on its over all impact on the wellness of the breastfeeding mother.

This was disclosed by Mrs. Rose San Luis, BMC Health Education Promotion Officer during the opening of the said celebration early this week. In the said interview, San Luis also stated that they are also strictly monitoring the implementation of the "twenty (20) -hour Training on Lactation Management."

"This is one of the policies being implemented by the management of BMC, and is being reiterated to all health care staff. This is to ensure that the new born baby will receive the proper amount of milk from their mothers. We are also implementing the Eight (8) Hour Orientation on Lactation Management to all the non-clinical staff."

Various activities were also conducted to build up the awareness on the benefits of breastfeeding. BMC personnel and staff joined the FunWalk which served as the celebration's kick-off activity on the onset of the celebration. It was followed by a daily program sponsored by nursing students from University of Nueva Caceres, Naga College Foundation, University of Saint Anthony and Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges.

Patients admitted on the maternity ward were also given lectures pn specific topics concerning Breastfeeding, nutrition during pregnancy and baby care.

The awarding of Dakilang Ina, together with the selection of Best Exhibit, Best Slogan and Best Poster served as the event's culminating activity, wrapping up the week-long celebration of the Breastfeeding Week.

Dr. Ruben Peñafiel, BMC Director said that BMC will continue to implement the breastfeeding program of the hospital, along with other mandatory regulations to ensure that both the health of the infant and the mother is given utmost attention.

Breastfeeding Week is being celebrated all over the world, supporting the fact that breastfeeding is the best way to provide newborns with the nutrients they need. (PIA CamSur)