DOH's Breastfeeding TSEK! Campaign

Preparing for a baby is a wonderful & enriching experience which should be enjoyed by the basic unit of the society, the family. One step at a time is very important in eveery process, from pregnancy of a mother until full-pledge individual can stand and live life on his own. To give a newborn a head start in life, give them a healthy and intelligent foundation for the first months of his life.

Breastfeeding is the feeding of an infant or young child with breastmilk, a mother's own way of providing nourishment for her newborn baby. Before 20th century it is a natural way of giving baby the enough food that they need.  It benefits both mother and child in so many ways such as: it takes a little more effort than formula feeding, it can save money, can feel great and prevent high risk of chronic diseases.

As a result, Philippine Department of Health launches the "Communication Behavioral Impact (COMBI) on Exclusive Breastfeeding for six months" which run through the end of August of this year.With a tagline "Breastfeeding TSEK (Tama, Sapat at EKsklusibo)!" Campaign to encourage mothers to 'exclusively breastfeed' their babies and educate them about the benifits within, by reaching especially the expectant mothers primarily in lower-income areas.

Tama means immediate and appropriate breastfeeding within one hour after birth

Sapat means mother's milk is sufficient ( in nutrients and quantity) for the baby up to six (6) months

EKsklusibo means 'exclusive breastfeeding' for six (6) months, just pure mother's breastmilk only, not even water.

DOH Assistant Secretary Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial explained that an intensive promotion about the benefits of breastfeeding and the problems lies within is essential to disseminate mostly at the grassroots and lower-income levels which really needs assistance on this. By showing statistics through bar graphs sectors, regions and district in some parts our country do not reach the target data of having the breastfeeding mothers. Moreover chronic diseases are leveling up in the said places where milk formula are located. In addition, discussed also the palcing of milking stations on different institutions and establishment is very much appreciated and will make significant value for the campaign.

Likewise, the DOH Supervising Health Program Officer Dr. Anthony Calibo, emphasized breast milk is far superior than milk formulas which composed mostly of animal milk and additives that will worsen and take the babies life at risk especially in this developmental years. Added to that the nursing mother should have lactation support from the people that surrounds her to be able to admister right and productive breast milk for her baby. Dr. Calibo says that in breast milk 'dito ka talagang mapapanatag'.

There are so many projects and campaigns will be launch eventually but without the help of each and everyone of us in its own little way, share the information about breastfeeding, this advocacy will not materialized. So please participate in "DOH Breastfeeding TSEK" campaign for us to have a better individuals for the next generations. You can now check the DOH updated website HERE for more information and projects."Like" them on Facebook HERE.