SM
Supermalls has always been a strong advocate of breastfeeding. Pioneering 41
breastfeeding stations nationwide, SM believes in creating an environment that
supports, protects and empowers breastfeeding mothers.
Last
February 4, 2012, SM Supermalls’ Breastfeeding Committee took part in the first
running campaign that focused on breastfeeding at SM Mall of Asia. Dubbed as “Run to Save Lives! Run for
Breastfeeding!” the 5K run and 2K walk event aimed not only to promote breastfeeding
but also the proper infant and young child feeding practice.
Thousands
of avid runners, athletes, mothers, and breastfeeding advocates gathered before
the break of dawn to support the campaign. Every step that the participants took
drew attention in raising awareness to improve child nutrition through
breastfeeding.
Partnering
with international and national organizations; Food and Agriculture
Organization, International Labor Organization, UNICEF, World Food Programme
and World Health Organization, Millennium Development Goals Achievement
Fund-2030, Department of Health’s National Nutrition Council, speakers shared
their experiences and gave inspirational talks to correct
several breastfeeding misconceptions.
Dr. Jacqueline Badcock, United Nations’ Resident Coordinator,
recommended that infants should be exclusively breastfed from birth to 6 months
of age, with continued breastfeeding up to 2 years and beyond. Evidences on the
importance of exclusive breastfeeding and early initiation show that
breastfeeding provides long-term benefits such as better protection against
chronic disease, gastrointestinal and respiratory infections, allergies,
diarrhea and neonatal sepsis.
In addition, breastfeeding is the healthiest and most economical
way to nourish a new born baby. “Breastfeeding is the best anti-poverty and
anti-hunger strategy which is why it is so important for mothers to breastfeed.”
said Assistant Secretary Maria-Bernardita Flores, Executive Director of the
National Nutrition Council.
With these, SM joins the world
in celebrating the profound experience of motherhood and national
endeavor to support breastfeeding.