(10th Global Big Latch On, a global simultaneous breastfeeding event at SM City San Fernando Downtown. Contributed photo)
In August 2005, the annual celebration of World Breastfeeding Week from August 1 to 7 was proclaimed by Malacañang. This is to revive the indigenous way of nurturing children guided by deep respect for life and environment and to mobilize the parent and children advocates and other sectors of society to promote, support and protect breastfeeding.
SM Supermalls has established the first breastfeeding-friendly mall in the Philippines since the creation of the 1stBreastfeeding Station in SM Megamall in 2006 and now has 70 breastfeeding stations nationwide and have served more than 170,000 breastfeeding mothers.
In this light, the 10th year celebration of the Global Latch On, a global simultaneous breastfeeding event of the City Health Office headed by Health Officer Dra Eloisa Aquino in partnership with the City Tourism and Investment Promotion Office of San Fernando headed by Tourism Officer Ching Pangilinan with SM City Telabastagan and SM City San Fernando Downtown as they join the nation in celebrating this worthy advocacy over the weekend.
n SM City Telabastagan and SM City San Fernando Downtown, over 500 mothers with their babies participated in the simultaneous breastfeeding. The mothers were in for a treat as they had an opportunity to listen to invited guest speakers from Dra Charm Arribe, Breastfeeding Mother Advocate Yannah Christine Guiao and Rural Health Physician Irish Muñoz who share the importance and health benefits of breastfeeding mothers is sustained from infancy to adulthood with stronger immune system, higher IQ, reduces risks of food allergies, diabetes and respiratory problems.
“Breastfeeding is not only a concern for women. The support of partners, family members and even the community is vital to its success”, said SM City San Fernando Downtown Mall Manager Kay Chua. Breastfeeding provides a unique bonding experience for the baby and the mommy and also contributes to the baby’s emotional, psychological and social development.
SM Supermalls support the campaign to strengthen healthcare and nurturing practices like cooperative or shared nursing and the use of baby sling, strengthens family and community support and the other traditional practices that sustained breastfeeding in the past.
