Pablo Picasso's "Breastfeeding"
Motherhood can bring about exhaustion, confusion, excitement, thrill, joy, and many other different feelings. But above all this, there’s gratification. Throw in breastfeeding into this whole spectrum of emotions and the mother is out for the ride of her life!
Yet there are millions of moms who would prefer to breastfeed their children. This commitment is laudable, hence, the World Health Organization came up with this week to celebrate the selfless act of breastfeeding.
August 1-7 is World Breastfeeding Week and this is an annual celebration that centers on the art of breastfeeding. After all, this is the phase wherein the infant feels most secure because he’s in the arms of his protective mom.
Breastfeeding exclusively for six months is a great way to nurture the baby. It is also a wonderful preparation for his tummy for his upcoming solid meals. It is also advisable to breastfeed a baby up until the second year of his life. This way, he gets all the essential nutrients that his growing body needs, not to mention that he’d be protected from infection and many diseases.
It isn’t always easy to set up a breastfeeding schedule especially if the mother is a working mom. Everything has to be carefully mapped out so that the infant would still be able to get the freshest breastmilk in the next few hours.
There is one law that requires employers to provide a space for women who would want to express some breastmilk. There are also health plans that include support and counseling for moms who are planning to or who are already breastfeeding their babies.
This is a great law in the U.S., but then, we’re in the Philippines so I really dunno what laws were enacted when it comes to breastfeeding employees. But kudos to SM for setting up breastfeeding stations in most of their malls. If you know of any other malls or establishments that offer this rare space for women, kindly comment on this blog.
Once again, Happy World Breastfeeding Week to all moms!
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