August is the time of the year when we celebrate motherhood and along this is one of the greatest gifts that you can give to your child, breastfeeding. In the Philippines, we commemorate this as National Breastfeeding Awareness Month and International Breastfeeding Week. Yearly, all the moms and moms-to-be, get together and support each other. South PiNanays (or known as SPIN) made that happen here in the Metro!
You might be wondering who are these South PiNanays or known as SPIN. They are the support group for mothers and mothers-to-be living in the South. Their main advocacy is to guide and support all the mothers as they go through their breastfeeding journey and motherhood. The group is also registered as a Non-Government Organization (NGO).
Hakab Na! (a Filipino term for latch on) is the Philippines’ contribution to the Global Big Latch On, an international celebration of breastfeeding. This big event is held annually during the World Breastfeeding Week, from August 1-7. With this year’s global theme of “Sustaining Breastfeeding Together”, which aims to raise awareness and help women sustain successful breastfeeding.
Why is breastfeeding important?
Breastfeeding is not only good for the babies but it also benefits to the mommies as well. Research shows, it can reduce the risk of chronic disease for both and also lower the risk of breast and ovarian cancer of the mothers. Breastmilk contains all the vitamins and nutrients that your baby needs especially in the first six months of life and it can provide lifelong health benefits. It is also packed with the disease- fighting substances that will protect your baby from any illness. Breastfeeding also strengthens bonding of the mother and child and helps in the social and emotional development of the child as well. On a larger scale, successful breastfeeding helps our communities be a healthier place too.
Last August 5, Hakab Na! 2017 was held at Ayala Malls South Park in Muntilupa from 8:00 am- 4 pm. This is the third year for the Philippines (including families living south of Metro Manila) to join this big event and more than 200 families (103 mommies and 106 babies to be exact) collaborated with each other.
Before entering the event, all participants need to sign in the registration booth (manned by volunteer mothers from SPIN). Registrants also got loot bags which contain freebies from sponsors. (Great!)
Registration Area
Main entrance with colorful handmade flowers
On the program (see chart): expert talked about breastfeeding and parenting, testimonials on overcoming breastfeeding challenges, a mompreneur fair, and the main event– a simultaneous latch- on at 10:30 a.m. Games and other fun activities also were done to entertain the participants.
Registration started at 8:30 am; Program Started at 10:00 amOpening Remarks: “Sustaining Breastfeeding Together” by Cong. Emmeline Aglipay- VillarMessage from Sen. Risa Hontiveros for South PiNanays by Fay GumbaSimultaneous Latch On: Hakab Na! at 10:30 amMy Role in My Wife’s Breastfeeding Journey by Marc Joelson ReyesBringing the Reggio Emilia Approach to Your Home by Issa Ocaya- San Jose, Bright Discovery Toddler Learning CenterBridging Mom & the Medical Field Together in Breastfeeding by Marj SibayanFeed Love by NatalacBreastfeeding Fact or Fiction by SPIN Breastfeeding Peer CounselorsBabywearing tips for Nursing MomsBreastfeeding on One Breast by Joy Cabaltera TagleStorytelling ActivityConscious Parenting and Creating a Nurturing Environment for Our Children by Trina Galvez, Acacia Waldorf School
All the participants (mommies) were given a card where they need to have it stamped in all of the mompreneur booths who sponsored and joined the event. By doing this earns them a raffle ticket for a sweet surprise!
Some of the booths were also giving away some freebies. (More reasons to participate in this momentous event!)
Mary Kay was also there to give a free makeover for all the mommies.
Some of the booths during the event…
They were also selling South PiNanays t-shirts for moms (at P120.00) and for kids (at P100.00). And SPIN magnets for only P20.00.
Also here was Bright Discovery Toddler Learning Center as one of the sponsors of the event. One lucky winner won a scholarship (for 3 months) in the raffle draw!
It was a great opportunity for the women to learn something new, meet face to face, get to know each other and develop a friendship with other mommies.
Thanks to these mommies from SPIN, they made this event happen.
Till next time!
xoxo,
Mommy Camille
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