DZMM Buntis Congress: Nurturing mothers for 11 years

When 41-year-old housewife Marife Milano missed her menstrual period for two months and started to feel dizzy and nauseated, she thought she was going through menopause. Little did she know she was already pregnant with her fourth child at the time.

Because her last pregnancy happened 12 years ago, Marife admitted that she had already forgotten the do’s and don’ts of pregnancy, and was thus encouraged to join the DZMM Buntis Congress, which she heard was being promoted on DZMM Radyo Patrol 630 every morning.

“I have to refresh my knowledge on baby caring, so when I learned about the Buntis Congress, I was very eager to attend it,” Marife said.

Marife was one of the 741 participants in DZMM’s 11th Buntis Congress, which was held at the SM Megamall Megatrade Hall 1 last May 25 and focused on Department of Health’s (DOH) campaign called Breastfeeding TSEK: Tama, Sapat, Eksklusibo, which promotes the importance of breastfeeding, as medical studies have proven that it aids the baby’s sensory and cognitive development and protects it against infectious and chronic diseases.

According to Dr. Anthony Calibo, a medical specialist from DOH’s New Born Care Program, immediate breastfeeding within one hour after birth and exclusive breastfeeding during the child’s first six months is one of the most effective strategies to prevent infant mortality as breast milk provides sufficient nutrients children need in early life stages.

Infant and Young Child Feeding coordinator Dr. Shari Ludovina Sabalvaro, meanwhile, taught the expectant mothers the basics of breastfeeding, as well as techniques of complementary feeding.

Dr. Jovita Raval, chief of the National Nutrition Council, gave guidelines on proper nutrition, noting that the normal weight gain of a pregnant woman should be 11 to 16 kilos or at least one kilo per month, which they should attain through appropriate diet with five to six rice servings a day partnered with protein-rich foods, fruits and vegetables, milk and iron supplements.

Every year, 211 out of 1,000 mothers die due to hemorrhage and anemia, said Health Usec. David Lozada Jr. Thus, he advised the Buntis Congress attendees to regularly take iron supplements to lessen the mortality rate and protect the babies from birth defects, slow growth and being underweight.

Dr. Bles Salvador, DZMM anchor and resident OB-Gynecologist, discussed the possible complications during and after pregnancy, as well as the ways to prevent them.

Moreover, celebrity mom and DZMM anchor Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan presented her self-authored book titled Kuya Na Si Bunso and provided tips on dealing with sibling rivalry in the family.

Eleonor Cura, regional director of Commission on Population (POPCOM)–National Capital Region, talked about the importance of family planning and responsible parenthood.

To entertain the participants, Pilipinas Got Talent season two’s grand winner Marcelito Pomoy sang duet songs that brought warm cheers from them.

Like Marife, 27-year-old Aira Ramos also benefited from the event by learning the proper ways to take care of her baby. A first-time mom, Aira revealed that she is not excited at the arrival of her first baby because her boyfriend, the father of her child, left her for another woman.

Urged by the staff in her barangay health center to attend the Buntis Congress, Aira appreciated the lectures and even promised to apply everything she learned in raising her baby.

“At first I thought that I would just sit here, but now I can say that I am ready to face motherhood on my own,” Aira expressed.

Equipped with knowledge and techniques on proper breastfeeding and baby caring, Marife and Aira, both eight months pregnant, said that they are determined to breastfeed their babies to safeguard them from sudden death and diseases.

Marife, Aira and the rest of the participants also took home baby bags. Garments, pillow sets, baby supplies and bathroom, bedroom and recreation showcases were also raffled away.

Singing competition Buntis Diva was also launched to mark DZZM’s more than a decade of conducting the Buntis Congress. The contest featured the face-off of five women, where 15-year-old band singer Jaira Florencio, currently six months pregnant, emerged as the winner for singing I Will Survive.

“I feel overwhelmed to become the first (winner) of Buntis Diva because this is something I can proudly recount to my child. I already won even before joining the singing competition, because I gained knowledge at the seminar that I can use as a first-time mom,” said Jaira, who received cash and other special prizes. The other contestants took home consolation prizes.

DZMM, in partnership with DOH, NNC, Midwives Foundation of the Philippines, POPCOM and Philhealth, has been staging Buntis Congress for 11 consecutive years now to help nurture and enrich future moms with knowledge that they need in motherhood.