HIGHLIGHTS: Hakab Na CDO 2019- Enabling Parents, Enabling Breastfeeding

Hakab Na, a Filipino term for Latch On, is a nationwide simultaneous event gathering hundreds and thousands of mothers, parents, and families from different parts of the country with key role in the promotion of breastfeeding with its advantages. It is in celebration of the Global Big Latch On, a worldwide awareness that aims to promote, protect, and support breastfeeding every August.

What started at as a group of young, dynamic, and, passionate breastfeeding mothers in 2013 headed by Ms Nadie Gadia-Casiño known as Mommy Bright Side, became a strong, and passionate breastfeeding advocates that gathered, and celebrated the Hakab Na in Cagayan de Oro annually. In 2015, the group became known as Modern Nanays of Mindanao and grows in an almost 12,000 members, comprised of single, working and stay-at-home moms. Modern Nanays of Mindanao is recognized as a non-government organization and named as one of the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations in 2017, with active chapters in Bukidnon, and Iligan City.

This year, the Modern Nanays of Mindanao together with Maria Reyna - Xavier University Hospital and its partners celebrates Hakab Na 2019 Cagayan de Oro last August 16-18, 2019  in SM Downtown Premier with different sets of activities to learn. On the 3rd day, 18th of August, there are 105 mothers simultaneously latched or breastfed their babies in participation for the Global Latch Onheld at the Ground LEvel Event Center of the SM CDO Downtown Premier. The numbers grew at large when compared to 2018 that had a record of some 73 mothers.

Modern Nanays of Mindanao aims to raise awareness and education to families and the public the good benefits of the mother's milk, as well as the mothers' rights to breastfed their babies anywhere. A series of talks and activities are also part of the three-day event such as the Breastfeeding Portrait Exhibit by Artsada Kagay-an, Inc at the Skypark at the 5th, Mommy Set Go! Preparing parents for the new adventure by Dr. Raissa Paje-Bayawa, and Malunggay Cooking Contest last August 17, and the 5 differents topics on the 3rd day: 

- More Than Just a Drop of MILK: Extended Benefits of Exclusive Breastfeeding by Dr. Rico Borromeo and Dr. Raissa Paje Bayawa

- Getting to Know the Guardians of Breastfeeding: Related IRRs and Laws by Dr. Cheryl Balane

- Primary Teeth: A Shared Responsibility by Dr. Gian Paolo Duterte

- Keeping aBreast: Self Adjustment and Changes in Family Dynamics by Rhyselle Bernadette Descallar, RN,MN

- If You Think You Can't. You CAN! Correcting Myths and Misconceptions by Dr. Jessamine Sareno

HAKAB NA is a nationwide simultaneous latch on!

Together with Maria Reyna Xavier University Hospital, SMDowntown Premiere, SM Cares, Department of Health, LGU-City Health Office, Philippine Pediatric Society, Philippine Obstetrics Gynecologist Society and Modern Nanays of Mindanao, this year's Breastfeeding endeavor is truely a success!

Photo credits: Joan Sheng of The Geek Mom Blog