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As Expo Mom celebrates its tenth year, the longest running event of its kind pays tribute to #TeamMoms that have served as a lifeline for mothers all over the Philippines. Here, meet our mommas from Bacolod who think that breastfeeding is one of life’s most important endeavours.
There are many ways to be a mother. Though motherhood is universal, the experience of it is unique for every mom. But when moms believe in a cause greater than all of them, they bond together to reach out to many others. The Bacolod Mom & Baby Club, a breastfeeding support group for moms and families in Bacolod City, was formed precisely through such a manner.
Jireh Grace Poquita, Yolly Mae Hortillosa, and Krystyna Quimpo met each other through the Breastfeeding Pinays group on Facebook. When they started bumping into each other at breastfeeding-related events, they eventually thought of holding their own to help their fellow moms. It was inevitable that they’d attract other women who believe that breast milk is best until they formed a #TeamMom of eight passionate and dedicated individuals: Jireh Grace Poquita, Maria Althea Rose Mauricio, Dr. Kat Villapando, Yolly Mae Hortillosa, Krystyna Quimpo, Cata Ereneta-Manaloto, Katherine Maguad, and Joyann Yngson.
Jireh explains, “We have a very unique relationship. Though we differ in parenting style, we all unite for breastfeeding.”
The Bacolod Mom & Baby Club is dedicated to protecting and promoting breastfeeding. In this regard, it conducts activities and breastfeeding awareness campaigns like its quarterly Mommy Meet-ups to educate and correct misinformation, especially among mothers and expectant parents. The club brings in resource speakers and breastfeeding experts from Manila to give talks or conduct trainings. It also considers itself as a protector of the The Milk Code (EO51) and reports violations to the proper authorities.
It’s good to note that all members of the core group are Arugaan-trained Peer Counsellors, equipped to provide support and counselling to mothers experiencing problems in breastfeeding. For difficult cases or for other needs, they have a network of breastfeeding experts, lactation consultants, and breastfeeding-friendly pediatricians which they could count on and refer moms to.
Jireh explains, “One of the many reasons why we set up BMBC was for community. It really does take a village to raise children and having fellow moms to chat with about breastfeeding, babywearing, attachment parenting, homeschooling, or anything under the sun makes a huge difference. It’s so wonderful having that sense of community amidst all the chaos and busyness of modern life.”
While it is breastfeeding which unites them, it is the friendship which nourishes them. Jireh says, “I think it’s very important, even life-saving for a mom to have a #TeamMom. Humans are social beings by nature and it’s always good to have someone hear you out or to have a support group whenever you’re going through something. Being a mom makes you very busy and you barely have time for some ‘me’ time. Knowing you have a #TeamMom and reaching out to them is one way for a mom to ‘relax’. A minute away from mom chores, when done regularly, contributes to a healthy work-life balance.”
Every mom has a #TeamMom cheering her on. Share your #TeamMom story on social media. Join Expo Mom #TeamMom as it continues its nationwide roadshow on June 24, 2017 at The District North Point in Negros. Bring your #TeamMom along and connect with other Team Moms.
Join the Mommy Mundo #TeamMom Grand Giveaway!
Go #TeamMom!
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