In line with the celebration of World’s Breastfeeding Awareness Month, 60 lactating will simultaneously breastfeed their babies in the first-ever “Hakab Na” happening on Sunday, August 18 at SM City Puerto Princesa.
The “latch-on” event, being the first in the province, was facilitated by moderators of a local online group called Palawan Breastfeeding Moms.
Coleen Mae Bundal, one of the creators of the page and a known breastfeeding advocate, said she drew inspiration from her own personal journey when she became a mother.
Bundal said she went into a rough breastfeeding journey and likes to help other breastfeeding moms, especially those who are new to motherhood.
“With all the hardships I went through, I saw how important breastmilk is for babies and sadly, how little information moms have to provide milk for their little ones,” Bundal said.
“With all the mom friends I got in our group, I realized we can work together in spreading breastfeeding awareness in Palawan,” she added.
Presently, 60 mothers have registered to join but Bundal said they are still open for registration until Sunday morning.
The term “Hakab Na” was derived from the English term “latch on,” which means “to breastfeed.”
Bundal said the event was adapted from the world famous celebration called Big Latch On which is now on its 10th consecutive year.
Hakab Na is now celebrated in some key cities in the Philippines and is now being introduced to Puerto Princesa.
Bundal also said that aside from talks from medical profesionals, the event will highlight success stories from moms who also experienced difficulties in producing breast milk but nevertheless succeeded in their breastfeeding journeys.
Palawan Breastfeeding Moms is an active Facebook page where local Palawan moms interact with each other through queries experienced in motherhood and child upbringing.
Some members of the page have also been regular donors of breast milk to newborn babies who are confined in intensive care units in hospitals around Puerto Princesa.
The page has been growing its members despite of being just created early this year.
Bundal assured that they will continue to provide a helping hand for mothers around the province.
“We want to strengthen the organization and continue helping moms. We want to be the support system every breastfeeding mom needs,” Bundal said
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