CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — Reiterating the need to breastfeed, the Department of Health in Region 10 reminds mothers to put their babies interest first.
Dr. Jocelyn P. Torrecampo of DOH during the “Talakayan sa PIA” media forum held in Cagayan de Oro city on 19 August said pregnant women should do breast feeding because it’s the best milk, “while it’s economically wise, it gives the best start and protection to infants,” she added.
Data shows that of the total 104,685 live births in the region, this year, only 92,779 or 88 percent were exclusively breastfed.
DOH however clarified that the field health information system (FHIS) standard is based on the 2.7 percent of the population versus children seen at the age of six months and not on the live births. In 2014, 92 percent of the infants were exclusively breastfed for at least six months, and dips to 72 percent in 2015.
DOH nurse Gilda Ajoc said that apart from mothers who didn’t adopt the natural method of feeding their infants, the drop is also heavily affected by the change in denominator which the standard 2.7 percent of the entire population.
“Women should study and understand the breastfeeding process and benefits. Mothers to prepare both physically and psychologically to be able to provide the best possible care for their infants,” Ajoc said. (JCV/PIA10)
