DAGUPAN CITY (PIA) — At least 150 mothers from Urdaneta City, Pangasinan, and nearby areas learned proper breastfeeding techniques during the Pangasinan Latch Na 2024 event, held at the Events Center of SM City Urdaneta Central on August 31.
The event, themed “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support For All,” was made possible through the public-private partnerships of the Urdaneta City Health Office (CHO), SM City Urdaneta Central, and the Pangasinan Mother Support Group.
The Pangasinan Latch Na 2024 is an initiative designed to promote proper breastfeeding practices and provide valuable insights into the benefits for both mothers and their children.
MyBreastfriend, a Baguio-based support center specializing in lactation and counseling services, spearheaded the lecture on proper breastfeeding that provided participants with essential knowledge and practical application.
Following this was the one-minute latch activity which allowed participants to put into practice the lesson they learned from the program.
Moreover, Marjorie Manongsong, medical officer of Urdaneta CHO, highlighted the benefits of breastfeeding for both mothers and children.
“Breast milk is best for babies because it protects them from diarrhea, influenza, and pneumonia. It also provides colostrum which protects them from allergens and enhances their brain development,” Masongsong affirmed.
“It has a good impact on mothers by decreasing postpartum hemorrhage, delaying ovulation, and saving up to P2,000 on artificial milk,” she added.
Manongsong assured that their office will continue to promote and support exclusive breastfeeding.
Further, Jane Dela Cruz, a 29-year-old mother of a two-year-old boy, reflected on her breastfeeding journey following the Pangasinan Latch Na 2024.
“I feel more confident now after learning the proper breastfeeding techniques,” she said.
The Department of Health (DOH) recommends that all babies be exclusively breastfed for the first six months.
After six months, appropriate foods should be gradually introduced while continuing breastfeeding for two years or longer.
Stopping breastfeeding is a personal decision for both the mother and the baby.
Meanwhile, Abraham Malicdem, mall manager of SM City Urdaneta Central, said that SM Supermalls have been advocates of breastfeeding since 2006.
He said that all SM branches nationwide are equipped with lactation areas, which have already catered to about 1.2 million mothers since its inception.
“Our breastfeeding station is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.,” said Malicdem, encouraging mothers to make use of their facility to support their breastfeeding journey. (MJTAB/JCDR/KCC/PIA Pangasinan)
