Breastfeeding 'rockstar' visits Davao

“Breastfeeding ‘rockstar’ visits Davao”

Sun.Star Davao, August 30, 2014

They say that “it takes a village to raise a child”. Indeed, the same rings true for mothers for it takes a village to help a mom rear her young.

And, it is with this motto that LATCH, a group of breastfeeding peer counselors, has made it possible to bring Dr. Jack Newman, a renowned pediatrician in the field of breastfeeding, recently for a breastfeeding symposium at the SMX Convention Center Davao.

L.A.T.C.H. (Lactation, Attachment, Training, Counseling, Help) is a non-profit organization that offers quality lactation education and peer counseling services to mothers who wish to breastfeed.

“It is the mission of these breastfeeding advocates to educate and empower doctors, nurses, midwives, doulas, mothers, fathers and other members of the family not only on the benefits of breastfeeding but the risks of artificial feeding; to break the myths by providing evidence-based studies; and to simply listen to their stories”, says Julie Lapaz of LATCH Davao.

"At Dr. Newman’s breastfeeding symposium, he talked about the norms of a breastfed baby including the numbers that dealt with weight gain; misuse of growth charts and scales; and jaundice. He also showed several video clips on babies and mothers with whom he has consulted and helped”, Julie shares.

Doctors and nurses from leading hospitals, a team from a maternity center and mothers and fathers came to listen to the breastfeeding ‘rockstar’ and learn as he answered questions from the audience, dispel several myths and illustrate the correct and proper ways to address each need.

The latest edition of his bestselling book, “Guide to Breastfeeding”, was also sold onsite and was signed personally by Dr. Newman to the delight of the attendees.

Davao City is just one of the three cities visited by Dr. Newman this year. Aside from Davao, he also conducted a symposium in Manila and Cebu during his Philippine tour.

The theme for this year’s tour is entitled “Breastfeeding Uncovered: Mission Possible”.

"This is a very apt theme as the mission of LATCH is to help and support mothers and their families. It is also to show to the public that it is indeed possible to breastfeed successfully”, explains Julie.

The Dr. Jack Newman symposium also coincided with the Breastfeeding Awareness Month this August.

“Breastfeeding is a public health issue and mothers should be educated and enlightened so they are able to make an informed decision in nourishing and giving the best to their baby”, Julie, the ever passionate breastfeeding advocate, enthuses.

E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit www.momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com.