THE National Nutrition Council (NNC) 7 is urging mothers to breastfeed, citing its role in boosting infant immunity.
“Breastmilk provides immunization sa imo bata and prevents the child from acquiring diseases,” said Dr. Parolita Mission, NNC 7 nutrition program coordinator, in an interview with SunStar on Thursday, July 3, 2025.
She noted that infant formula lacks colostrum, a key substance present only in breastmilk. Despite its benefits, some working mothers said breastfeeding remains difficult due to work schedules.
Sheila Gelig, a virtual assistant, said she stopped producing breastmilk for her nine-month-old daughter due to difficulty pumping during her 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. shift.
“I used to mix feed… but stopped when she was seven months old… due to lack of time pumping during the day while at work,” she said.
A nurse, who asked to be identified only as Jane, said she stopped breastfeeding after about a year due to low supply.
“The biggest challenge for me while at work is to find the time to collect or pump milk during my duty period, especially working in a clinic,” she said. Jane tried to boost supply through fluids and supplements.
Mission said breastfeeding can resume even after a pause.
“Naa tay mga testimonial nga bisan ni-stop og breastfeeding… mobalik ra gyud basta iyaha lang ipa-suck sa baby,” she said.
Mission cited Republic Act 11148, or the Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act, which grants working mothers an extra 30-minute lactation break. “Naa siyay additional 30 minutes nga pwede siya magpatotoy,” she said, adding that mothers can bring their babies to work if lactation stations are available.
She emphasized that breastfeeding benefits both mother and child, aiding uterine recovery and enhancing bonding, while being cost-efficient and accessible. / Ruyz Angela Lois Manacap, CNU Intern