Pia bats for 'breastfeeding-friendly' evacuation centers
to fight diarrhea and malnutrition among 'Ondoy babies'

Breastmilk remains the cheapest, safest and most effective emergency response against malnutrition and the outbreak of diseases, particularly among infants and young children staying in evacuation centers.

This was stressed by Senator Pia S. Cayetano as she expressed support for the initiative of the Department of Health (DOH) to actively promote and encourage breastfeeding among mothers even in times of calamity.

In her medical and relief missions to various municipalities devastated by typhoon Ondoy, the lady senator has been encouraging local officials to make their evacuation centers "breastfeeding-friendly." She has also been urging mothers not to be dependent on formula milk since this would be counter-productive for them in the long-run.

"Breastmilk is free and remains the most potent means of addressing malnutrition, diarrhea and respiratory illnesses among 'Ondoy babies.' It gives them natural protection from diseases that easily spread in highly congested areas like evacuation centers and flood-stricken communities," said Cayetano, Chair of the Committee on Social Justice and author of the "Expanded Breastfeeding Act."

The lady senator said the intervention of local government officials and disaster relief workers is crucial to prevent mothers staying in evacuation centers from stopping breastfeeding and becoming dependent on infant formula milk.

"Improper milk feeding and contaminated water used for preparing milk formula can be a deadly combination. Formula-fed babies will be more prone to contracting diarrhea since potable water is scarce in evacuation centers where water supply and sanitation have been compromised due to leaking pipes and continued flooding."

"Mothers who become dependent on milk formula while in evacuation centers will eventually stop producing milk and will face difficulties once they start returning to their own homes where they won't have access to milk formula."

Breastfeeding is already recognized worldwide as a life-saving intervention and the beast means of protection for young children in times of disaster. She noted that World Breastfeeding Week which was observed last August had even bannered the theme, "Breastfeeding: A vital emergency response. Are you ready?"

To integrate breastfeeding education and promotion in the country's disaster-risk management system, Cayetano has included provisions in the "Philippine Disaster Risk Management Act of 2009" (Senate Bill No.3086) which has been passed in the Senate and currently pending with the House of Representatives.

"There's a need to integrate a program where disaster relief and aid workers will be educated and trained on how they can actively support breastfeeding before, during and after a disaster or emergency."