BDH Mother-Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative

20/06/2025

Magic of Breast Milk ❤️

15/09/2024

We are incredibly grateful for our colleague and breastfeeding advocate, whose dedication serves as an inspiration to lactating mothers. Her experience and encouragement show that it’s possible to continue breastfeeding and maintain a breastmilk supply, even as a working mom.

06/05/2024

Dissemination of information about Breastfeeding to mothers in our USAPAN Room 💕

03/05/2024

Breastfeeding in the early weeks can be hard. You and baby are leaning a new skill, baby feeds lots and you have all the physical and emotional work of caring for another human while your body recovers from pregnancy and birth.

Parents often ask me 'When does it get easier?' Of course it's impossible to say, as everyone is different. Some may feel like they master breastfeeding after the first couple of weeks, especially if they've done it before (although juggling a baby with an older child can make it just as hard as the first time!) Whereas others may feel it take a couple of months. But at some point it does become easier until it's simply one of those things you do... baby wants a feed; you feed them... your breasts are there and ready to go.

If you are struggling in the early weeks, others may suggest you give baby a bottle. But does bottle-feeding actually make things easier? The first week or so of bottle-feeding takes effort. Again it's a new skill to learn just like changing baby's nappy or giving baby a bath. And then for the next few weeks it may take less effort than breastfeeding. But whilst breastfeeding becomes easier with time, bottle-feeding requires the constant effort of buying formula (or expressing), sterilising bottles, making up bottles, packing milk/bottles for trips out etc. These jobs don't disappear. Some argue that bottles mean that someone else can feed the baby. This is true, but I'd always ask if this person will regularly be there to feed the baby. Partners return to work. Friends and family stop visiting as much. And that's only thinking about the feeding bit... is that person also going to do their share of the formula buying, bottle sterilising and making up bottles?

Long story short... yes breastfeeding is hard work in the early days but it does get easier. If you are struggling, seek breastfeeding support rather than a bottle to make things easier in the long run.



Graphic based on the graph 'Breastfeeding: An Investment That Saves Time' found in 'Breastfeeding Made Simple' by Nancy Mohrbacher and Kathleen Kendall-Tacket

03/05/2024

During those first couple of months it might feel as if your baby is attached to you and that’s because they are.

Your baby only wants you bc your baby only knows you. Your baby knows your voice. Your baby knows your smell. Your baby knows your heartbeat. You are the only constant that your baby has ever known.

Rest, let your body heal, & cuddle with that baby! You can’t “spoil” a baby & touch + human connection is crucial. Let your baby sleep on you. Let your baby nurse for hours because babies nurse for more than food, they nurse for comfort, thirst, closeness, eye contact. Let your baby find solace in you and nurse on!

02/05/2024

01/05/2024

From a Baby-Friendly Facility to a Mother-Baby Health Facility, CONGRATULATIONS Bantayan District Hospital for achieving this Accreditation! 🎉👏❤️