MANILA, Philippines - Last week my Maryknoll College High School batch, class of 1982 (MCHS 1982), finally opened the daycare and breastfeeding center, which was our class? silver jubilee gift to the school. A joint project between Migi?s Corner Foundation and MCHS 1982 in cooperation with the Superferry, this project is the first of its kind in the country.

UNICEF OIC for Health and Nutrition, Dr. Martha Cayad-an was very much pleased with this initiative and hoped that other private schools in the country would follow Maryknoll/Miriam College?s lead. ?Establishing daycare and breastfeeding centers in workplaces is totally aligned with UNICEF priorities,? she said. Due to the increasing number of women joining the labor force it was imperative to create an enabling environment to ensure that early childhood care and development of children, especially those under the age of five, is ensured. ?A supportive and enabling environment in workplaces that will significantly complement home-based care in every household and workplace will contribute to laying down the best start to life for every child,? Cayad-an stressed.

In accepting the class gift, Dr. Patricia Licuanan said that she was very pleased and elated at the unique gift because of its importance to employees and families. ?Daycare services are not yet a usual feature of the work place. Look around you and you will find that in this day and age, with the increasing number of women in the workforce and heightened recognition of the value of work-life balance, facilities such as this are still a rarity.? She also thought it fitting that Miriam College should have a center such as this, having had a long tradition of excellence in the field of Early Childhood Education, ?Our daycare services are a logical instrument as well as beneficiary of this expertise.?

The daycare and breastfeeding center is situated in a quiet spot inside the campus, on the edge of a mini-forest. It is housed inside a 40-ft container van and can comfortably accommodate up to 12 children and four breastfeeding mothers at one time. The center is expected to be manned by school personnel and Early Childhood Education majors and will be operational this summer.

Breastfeeding tools

While we are on the subject of breastfeeding and mothers, I?m always fascinated by young and enterprising mothers nowadays who continually find new ways and means to create products that help improve mother-baby bonding. I came upon a company called Indigo Baby (http://indigomanila.multiply.com) set up by two mothers who have created all-natural, organic products that are very helpful and reasonably priced.

Although my ?babies? are way past the breastfeeding age, I like discovering ?tools? to help enhance the breastfeeding experience. Indigo Baby has two products?the Reversible Baby Pouch which is quick and easy to use and can accommodate babies snugly from the time they are born until the time they can talk (good for babies up to 30 lbs). Studies have shown that babies who are carried in pouches or slings tend to cry less, learn faster, and get ?humanized? earlier. Let me explain that. It has been found that the proximity between parent and child increases interaction, and the baby is constantly learning how it is to be human. Carried babies are intimately involved in their parents? world because they participate in what their mother and father are doing. The baby is more exposed to and constantly involved in what is going on around him.

Another product that is very practical and stylish is the Reversible Nursing Bib that has an adjustable strap for easy wearing. It is made of lightweight and breathable material to ensure comfort for both mother and child. Indigo?s Reversible Nursing Bib is available in hip prints and is reversible to match your wardrobe.

Indigo Baby also makes a full range of organic, all-natural baby products. I love their Jar of Hope, which is excellent for insect bites, cuts, diaper rash, wounds, or any other skin-related irritations. The gel contains azulene from blue chamomile essential oil, which has extraordinary antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps relieve pain caused by sore nipples from breastfeeding and is a balm for teething pains, fatigue and insomnia.

The Shoo-fly Don?t Bother Me insect repellant is a light non-greasy milk lotion. It is a lavender, geranium, eucalyptus and citronella-based insect repellent that keeps mosquitoes and other insects away from you and your baby.

E-mail the author at cathybabao@gmail.com