Non-breastfed babies 17.3% at risk of diarrhea

By Ma. Teresa Montemayor, Philippine News Agency

According to the World Health Organization, only 29 percent of infants born in the country are exclusively breastfed from birth up to five to nine months. (File Photo: Wren Meinberg/Unsplash)

MANILA – Babies aged zero to two months who were not fed with breast milk from birth are prone to having diarrhea by 17.3 percent.

In a Media Kapihan on Friday, Department of Health-Metro Manila Center for Health Development nutritionist dietician Josefina Serneo said newborn babies must be fed with breast milk to receive protection from infections.

“Mataas talaga ang chances na magkaka-diarrhea ang bata kung hindi siya sumusususo ng pure breast milk sa kanyang ina (The chances of having diarrhea among non-breastfed babies are really high),” she said.

“Kapag breast milk, one percent lang ang risk (If babies are fed with breast milk, the risk is only 1 percent), feeding of breast milk with non-nutritious liquids is 3.2 percent, breast milk and nutritious supplements is 13.3 percent,” she said.

She noted breast milk is easier to digest for babies compared to formulas or cow’s milk. It has more whey protein and its casein content is only 33 percent — lower than cow’s milk at 80 percent.

According to the World Health Organization, only 29 percent of infants born in the country are exclusively breastfed from birth up to five to nine months.

Consequently, many babies are unable to receive the high doses of nutrients contained in breast milk.

These nutrients include antibodies, hormones, anti-viruses, anti-allergies, anti-parasites, enzymes, minerals, vitamins, fats, DHA/ARA (docosahexaenoic acid and arachidonic acid or omega fatty acids) carbohydrates, proteins, water and growth factors.

Additionally, breastfeeding produces psychological benefits as it promotes emotional bonding between mothers and babies, and helps children perform better.

To urge parents and caregivers to initiate breastfeeding and continue breastfeeding up to at least two years, the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009 (Republic Act 10028) was created.

It mandates all establishments, public or private, whether operating for profit or not, to support breastfeeding in the workplace, including the creation of lactation rooms for mothers especially in offices and the celebration of National Breastfeeding Month every August.

Apart from breast milk, Sereno encouraged the feeding of colostrum, or the first milk after giving birth, to babies.

“Ang iba tinatapon ang colostrum kase iniisip ito oy panis na. Hindi po. Kailangan po ito mabigay sa mga bagong silang dahil ito po ay may mataas na (Some throw colostrum away, thinking that it is spoiled. It is not. It must be given to newborns because it has high) fat content, protein and lactose,” she said.