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World Breastfeeding Week in the Philippines: Why This Movement Still Matters

by Kevyn Gohu
August 4, 2025

This August, during World Breastfeeding Week, we honor every mom’s journey—whether breastfeeding came easily, took work, or looked a little different than planned.

While August is recognized as Breastfeeding Awareness Month around the world, it’s mostly celebrated as a weekly event on August 1-7 as World Breastfeeding Week — a global campaign to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding. But here in the Philippines, it hits especially close to home. Breastfeeding isn’t just about nutrition—for many moms, it’s about bonding,

And yet, so many mothers still face unnecessary pressure, stigma, or lack of support.

This August, during World Breastfeeding Week, we honor every mom’s journey—whether breastfeeding came easily, took work, or looked a little different than planned.

The Realities Filipino Moms Face

Breastfeeding may be natural, but it doesn’t always come naturally. Many celebrity moms have been open about their struggles.

Marlann Flores previously mentioned how “complicated” breastfeeding was, recalling how she “overlooked it.” Trina Legaspi had the help of her family. Even Angelica Panganiban became candid about the “truths” about breastfeeding as a mom!

But breastfeeding rates have been improving. According to UNICEF, the number of babies being breastfed exclusively has increased by more than 10%. That would also mean over 48% babies would be able to benefit from a healthier start.

However, there are still some challenges. “An estimated 4.5 billion people — that’s more than half of the world’s population — do not have full coverage of essential health services, so many women do not receive the support they need to optimally breastfeed their babies. This includes access to trained, empathetic, and respectful health advice and counselling throughout a woman’s breastfeeding journey,” share Catherine Russell (UNICEF Executive Director) and Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (WHO Director General).

That’s why this year’s theme, “Closing the gap: Breastfeeding support for all”, matters more than ever.

It Takes a Village—and a Policy

Thanks to the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act (RA 10028), Filipino moms are legally entitled to paid lactation breaks and designated breastfeeding stations in the workplace. But implementation is still in progress.

Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom or a career-driven parent, support means having access to:

Clear information about breastfeeding
Lactation consultants and community health workers
Encouragement from family, peers, and employers
The freedom to choose without guilt

While some companies have already developed spaces, there’s still a lot of work to be done!

Every Journey Counts

World Breastfeeding Week isn’t about creating perfect mothers. It’s about building a world where every mom can make informed choices, without shame or barriers.

So whether you breastfed for two years, two weeks, or not at all—your story matters. You are doing your best. That alone deserves to be honored.

For the stay-at-home moms and working moms who pump amid juggling every other thing in the universe, know that you’re doing an amazing job. And for those who want to support breastfeeding moms, there are so many ways. From managing the housework to attending to the baby’s other needs, mamas may not say it, but they deeply appreciate it.

Happy Breastfeeding Week, Mamas! Your breastfeeding story always matters.