Active Bhw Brgy. 12 Dolores E.Samar, Brgy. 12 Dolores Eastern Samar, Dolores (2026)

11/09/2024

𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐃𝐚𝐲𝐬: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲

Pursuant to Republic Act No. 10028 more commonly known as the “Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009”, Breastfeeding Awareness Month is observed during August in order to recognize the significant impact of breastfeeding for building a healthy community. The National Nutrition Council-NCR (NNC-NCR) emphasizes the critical role breastfeeding plays in the First 1000 Days— a period known as the "golden window of opportunity" for a child’s growth and development. This year’s theme, “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All,” highlights the need for inclusive and sustained support for breastfeeding mothers to ensure optimal nutrition and health outcomes for their children.

The First 1000 Days, spanning from conception to a child’s two years of age, is a critical period where proper nutrition has the most profound impact on a child’s physical and cognitive development. Proper nutrition during this time is vital for preventing stunting and other forms of malnutrition, and long-term health issues. Did you know? Breastfeeding is important in this period. Breast milk provides all the essential nutrients the baby needs in the first 6 months for healthy development, while also providing protection against common childhood illnesses and chronic diseases later in life. It also provides mother-child bonding that no substitute can replace. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by continued breastfeeding alongside complementary foods until at least age two, is recommended to ensure optimal growth.

Despite its proven benefits, many mothers face challenges in breastfeeding due to lack of support, misinformation, and social barriers. The theme “Closing the Gap” calls for all sectors—families, employers, healthcare providers, and policymakers—to work together to remove the barriers that prevent mothers from breastfeeding. This includes ensuring access to accurate information, creating supportive workplace policies, and fostering a societal culture that values and normalizes breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding is not just a personal decision— it is a public health priority. In the Philippines where malnutrition remains a significant concern, breastfeeding is the key in combating stunting and other forms of malnutrition. Supporting breastfeeding also means investing in the health and nutrition of our children, our families, and our entire community. The commitment of NNC-NCR to promote and protect breastfeeding is integral to achieving "𝘕𝘶𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘚𝘢𝘱𝘢𝘵 𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘢 𝘴𝘢 𝘓𝘢𝘩𝘢𝘵," ensuring that every child has the best start in life.

As we celebrate National Breastfeeding Month, let us reinforce our collective responsibility to support breastfeeding as a key strategy during the First 1,000 Days. By doing so, we contribute to the long-term health and well-being of our children and future generations.

For more information on breastfeeding and the First 1000 Days, visit First 1000 Days PH.

Written by: JBRAC/NPC MEVF/NNC-NCR

National Nutrition Council (Official) DOH Metro Manila Center for Health Development Healthy Metro Manila