Let’s make the whole of March women’s month, shall we? From last week’s article to this week’s article on Lactation Periods from RA 10028.
Republic Act No. 10028 or Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009
Among others, aims to create an environment where basic physical, emotional and physiologocal needs of mothers and infants are fulfilled. This is through the practice of rooming-in (in hospitals and other health facilities) and breastfeeding.
To support this, workplaces should have:
Lactation Stations. This should be equipped with the following:
- lavatory for handwashing (unless there is a nearby one)
- refrigeration or appropriate cooling facility for storing expressed milk
- electrical outlets for breast pumps
- a small table
- comfortable seats
Note that this should not be located in the toilet.
Lactation Period. Lactating women should also be given a total of not less than 40 minutes every 8-hour work schedule. This is on top of lunch/meal or other break intervals.
Of course, number of women employees, physical size of the establishment and number of women who visit are taken into consideration.
Other Support:
There are lactation coaches and counselors, too. My lactation coach was Lita Nery (mostly catering to the southern part of Metro Manila). You can also reach out to Coach Pau Oria at Coach Pau Lactation Support.
Happy breastfeeding!!!