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.
Nurture Run
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.’”
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