Exclusive breastfeeding from birth to six months
urged
By Regina M. Pagaspas
MANILA, April 13 (PIA) - Did you know that
Filipino mothers have shortened the duration of breastfeeding their babies
exclusively? From what used to be 3 months exclusive breastfeeding, this has
now gone down to 2.3 months.
This is according to the 6th and 7th National
Nutrition Survey results conducted in 2003 and 2008, respectively by the Food
and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology
(FNRI-DOST).
The revised Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos
developed by a team of experts led by the FNRI recommends that infants should
be breastfed exclusively from birth up to six months and then be given
appropriate complementary foods while continuing breastfeeding for two years
and beyond. This is to ensure optimum growth and development by the baby.
Exclusive breastfeeding until six months is very
important for the infant because it is the only food that the infant needs
during this period. Some mothers complain that they do not have enough milk
when they give milk formula and other liquids to their infants causing
breastmilk flow to decrease. This is because there is less sucking of the baby
from the breast when he is given milk substitutes like milk formula and other
liquids. The less sucking, the less breastmilk is produced. The sucking reflex
during breastfeeding signals the hormone to produce more milk and the more
frequent the mother breastfeeds, the more milk is produced.
Mothers should be taught not to give up at once
on breastfeeding if they are having difficulty in increasing their milk flow.
Instead, teach them not to give any other milk or fluids to their infants other
than breastmilk because this will them the opportunity to breastfeed their
babies more frequently. With increased milk flow, longer exclusive
breastfeeding duration will surely be achieved.
For more information on food and nutrition,
contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research
Institute, Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST), Gen. Santos
Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City; Telephone/Fax no.: 837-2934, 837-2071 local 2295;
e-mail: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph; mar_v_capanzana@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST website:
http//www.fnri.gov.ph. (FNRI-DOST S&T Media Service/PIA-Caraga)
