by Albert John Enrico Dominguez
On October 15, the Lactation, Attachment, Training, Counseling, and Help (LATCH Los Baños) held a fundraising photoshoot showcasing breastfeeding mothers. The photoshoot was conducted at the Continuing Education Center (CEC) Building at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB).
Kate de los Reyes, a member of @LATCH Manila, initiated the #GoBreastfeedBoldly photoshoot as a way of normalizing breastfeeding in public. de los Reyes explained that mothers need not be embarrassed to breastfeed in public since there is nothing wrong with it.
Lady Doretes, one of the seven LATCH Los Baños members who participated in the photoshoot, explained that the photoshoot is part of the “movement to normalize breastfeeding para hindi na mahiya yung mga mommies na mag breastfeed in public – para mawala yung impression ng ibang tao na it’s something that you should be embarrassed about.”
LATCH is a non-profit organization that aims to educate mothers on the proper breastfeeding techniques and offer peer counselling to breastfeeding mothers.
In April 2016, LATCH established its chapter in Los Baños with ten core peer counsellors. According to Armi Anastacio Baticados, coordinator of LATCH Los Baños, the local chapter was formed “by mothers to help other mothers and their babies succeed in breastfeeding.” She added that in establishing a Los Baños chapter, they would be able to “bring the LATCH breastfeeding support closer to home.”
The photoshoot on breastfeeding mothers is LATCH’s third activity for October 2016. Last October 1, 28 participants including mothers and their support persons from various parts of CALABARZON attended LATCH Los Baños’ breastfeeding and lactation seminar held at the CEC Building in UPLB. The seminar on “Best Beginnings in Breastfeeding” aimed to educate expecting parents and mothers on the realities of breastfeeding. The topics discussed included:
- benefits of breastfeeding and risks of artificial feeding,
- the father’s role in breastfeeding,
- “Unang Yakap” protocol,
- what to expect and what to do during the first week of breastfeeding,
- proper latch and breastfeeding positions,
- breastfeeding and the working mom, and
- busting breastfeeding myths.
Prof. Lynette Carpio-Serrano, a LATCH Los Baños peer counselor and assistant professor at the UPLB College of Development Communication, served as the resource person for the seminar.