Legarda Champions Breastfeeding & Breast Milk Banking: A Vital Push for Filipino Mothers & Babies

2025-08-22
Legarda Champions Breastfeeding & Breast Milk Banking: A Vital Push for Filipino Mothers & Babies
Inquirer

Manila, PhilippinesSenator Loren Legarda has once again underscored her unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of Filipino mothers and infants, strongly backing Senator Pia Cayetano’s recent privilege speech advocating for robust breastfeeding practices and the establishment of accessible breast milk banks across the nation. Legarda’s renewed support highlights the critical need to bolster existing legislation and initiatives aimed at protecting and promoting breastfeeding as a cornerstone of public health.

Breastfeeding is widely recognized globally as the gold standard for infant nutrition, offering a multitude of benefits for both mothers and babies. For infants, breast milk provides essential antibodies, nutrients, and growth factors crucial for optimal development and a stronger immune system, reducing the risk of infections and chronic diseases later in life. For mothers, breastfeeding offers numerous advantages, including reduced risk of certain cancers, quicker postpartum recovery, and a unique bond-building experience.

Senator Legarda, a long-time advocate for maternal and child health, emphasized the importance of addressing the challenges that often hinder breastfeeding practices in the Philippines. These challenges include inadequate maternity leave policies, lack of breastfeeding support in workplaces, and misinformation regarding infant feeding. “We must create an environment that actively supports and encourages breastfeeding mothers,” Legarda stated. “This includes providing comprehensive education, ensuring access to lactation support services, and enacting policies that safeguard mothers' right to breastfeed in public spaces.”

The breast milk banking initiative, a key component of Cayetano’s speech and Legarda’s backing, holds immense potential for vulnerable infants who may not have access to their own mother’s milk. Breast milk banks collect, screen, process, and distribute donated breast milk to premature babies, infants with medical conditions, and those whose mothers are unable to produce sufficient milk. This provides a lifeline for these fragile children, offering them the crucial nutrients and antibodies they need to thrive.

Legarda noted that while the Philippines has existing laws promoting breastfeeding, there is a pressing need for stronger enforcement and expanded programs. She pledged to continue working with colleagues in the Senate and relevant government agencies to strengthen legislation, allocate resources for breastfeeding support programs, and raise public awareness about the importance of breastfeeding and the benefits of breast milk banking.

“Investing in breastfeeding and breast milk banking is an investment in the future of our nation,” Legarda concluded. “Healthy mothers and healthy babies are the foundation of a strong and prosperous Philippines. Let us prioritize these vital initiatives and ensure that all Filipino families have the support they need to embrace the benefits of breastfeeding.”

The renewed push for breastfeeding and breast milk banking underscores the ongoing commitment of Filipino lawmakers to prioritize the health and well-being of mothers and children, paving the way for a healthier and more resilient future for the nation.

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