Hakab Na! 2018

It has been more than a year since last my little Queen B breastfed from me. She nursed from me for over two years. Even though it has been a while, I do believe that we are still reaping benefits from those two years of breastfeeding.

As numerously stated by UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund), breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to provide children everywhere with the best start to life. From the moment a baby is born, breastfeeding can mean the difference between life and death. Newborns who were put to the breast within the first hour of their life are safeguarded from newborn deaths. Breastfeeding is a newborn's first vaccine. It provides vital antibodies from the mom and an immunity boost. Breastfeeding also promotes bonding between mother and child.

Exclusively breastfeeding a baby for the first six months of life comes with a ton of benefits including prevention of undernutrition, promotion of brain development, and lowering the risk of that child becoming obese. Even toddlers benefit from continuous breastfeeding. The immunity benefits improve the longer a baby breastfeeds. They are also of a lower risk of acquiring ear infections and upper respiratory infections. Despite my little Queen B's small frame, she is very active and not sickly. And if she does get sick, she easily heals. Honestly, it has been a while since we last need to take her to a doctor due to illness and she has never been hospitalized. 

Breastfeeding is not only good for babies but to us, mothers, as well. Mothers who breastfeed recover from childbirth more quickly and easily. They are also of a lower risk of having breast and ovarian cancer later in life. Studies have also shown that breastfeeding may reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and even cardiovascular diseases. Breastfeeding also has practical benefits. 

August 1 to 7 is World Breastfeeding Week and the whole month of August is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month here in the Philippines. And in celebration, the non-government organization Breastfeeding Pinays (BFP) in partnership with the Department of Health, SM Cares, SMX Convention Center Manila, and World Vision is organizing a one-day breastfeeding activity called Hakab Na! 2018. 

Now in its sixth year, Hakab Na! 2018 will be an even bigger gathering of breastfeeding families, lactation experts, peer counselors, and breastfeeding advocacy supporters, to boost awareness of the health, economic, and environmental benefits of breastfeeding, promote the importance of providing proper support to breastfeeding mothers and ultimately, establish the Philippines as a breastfeeding nation. The highlight of this wonderful celebration is the act of mothers simultaneously breastfeeding their children en masse. Hakab Na (also known as Big Latch On) is a nationwide activity with over 40 registered locations around the Philippines and more across the globe, to create a world record. 

Hakab Na! 2018 will be held on August 5, Sunday at Function Rooms 3-5 of SMX Convention Center Manila, Pasay City. Registration will start at 8 AM while the event proper will start at 9 AM. The simultaneous breastfeeding will occur at 10:30 AM. 

For more information, you may contact Ms. Ros Padua-Macachor at 0920-938-0963 or at breastfeedingpinays@gmail.com. For mothers who are interested to know more about breastfeeding and have a support group to help you on your breastfeeding journey, you may join Breastfeeding Pinays Facebook Group . 

In my 2 years of breastfeeding, I have also joined 2 Hakab Na events. Both occasions left me in amazement of this wonderful gift from Above. If ever I'll be blessed with another child, there is no doubt in my mind that I will be breastfeeding that precious child, too, and attend another Hakab Na! event. Maybe, I'll see you there. 

Happy World Breastfeeding Week to all breastfeeding moms!

Yours, 

Lady