The Department of Health (DOH) has issued a reminder to new mothers to ensure that their newborns are exclusively fed with breast milk to guarantee optimal health benefits.
Krisia Rocero Mallari-Romero from the Provincial DOH Office emphasized the irreplaceable benefits of breast milk, particularly the colostrum, which is produced by the mammary glands in the early stages of breastfeeding.
“Only breast milk contains colostrum, which is not found in any formula milk,” Romero emphasized.
Colostrum offers several benefits, including being rich in protein, low in carbohydrates, and containing less fat compared to the subsequent stages of breast milk and formula milk.
Additionally, Romero highlighted that breastfeeding fosters a strong physical and emotional bond between mother and child, which is essential for the baby's overall development. This bonding is facilitated through skin-to-skin contact during breastfeeding, which also helps regulate the baby's body temperature, heart rate, and breathing.
To support mothers who may experience difficulties with breastfeeding, particularly those with low milk production, the DOH is encouraging municipalities across Romblon to establish breastfeeding support groups. These groups are intended to offer breastmilk to other mothers.
“We encourage our officials to come together to address our malnutrition problem. By promoting breastfeeding, this will be one of the solutions to tackle this issue,” Romero said.
Romero and other personnel from the PDOHO Romblon were guests at the Kapihan sa PIA Romblon on August 5.
