500 mothers simultaneously breastfeed babies in Albay event

Around 500 mothers breastfed their baby’s simultaneously in an event by the Department of Health Bicol in Legazpi City. the event “Hakab 2018” sought to further spread awareness on the importance and benefits of breastfeeding. Photo by Michael Jaucian / Inquirer Southern Luzon

LEGAZPI CITY – More than 500 mothers from different towns in Albay province joined the simultaneous breastfeeding event at Ibalon Centrum for Recreation in this city on Saturday.

The activity called “Hakab 2018” bore the theme “Sabay-sabay na pagpapasuso para sa malusog na mundo” (Simultaneous breastfeeding for a healthy world), was sponsored by the Department of Health (DOH) Bicol.

Dr. Rita Mae Ang Bon, family cluster head DOH Bicol, said the activity would educate the mothers on the importance of breastfeeding.

“This is the best venue for open forum where we explain to the mothers the benefits that a child can get if she/he [is] exclusively doing breastfeeding,” she said.

If breastfeeding is done from birth up to two years old, this would  strengthen the baby’s immune system, she said.

Ella Briones, 23, who came with her infant son, said she is in favor of breastfeeding.

“It is cheap, always available, and best part of it (is the) mother and child bonding,” she said.