Celebrity mom and DZMM anchor Maricel Laxa, meanwhile, gave tips on how to handle sibling rivalry in the family as a new baby arrives through establishing good communication between the children and parents.
Maricel presented her self-authored book titled “Kuya Na Si Bunso” that contains the key message “A mom’s heart gets bigger as her tummy does when she is pregnant to give enough love for each of her children.”
DZMM anchors Winnie Cordero, Onse Tolentino and Maresciel Yao entertained the attendees as hosts, while ABS-CBN Manila Radio Division special projects head May Ceniza, Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary David Lozada Jr. of Department of Health and Midwives Foundation of the Philippines president Celestina Chua welcomed them.
Other health experts also served as speakers in the seminar including National Nutrition Council chief Dr. Jovita B. Raval, who talked about nutrition in pregnancy; Midwives Foundation of the Philippines vice president Elizabeth Dumaran on the importance of birth and emergency plan for safe motherhood and birth registration; Dr. Anthony Calibo from DOH’s Newborn Care Program on the significance of newborn screening; DOH’s Infant and Young Child Feeding coordinator Dr. Shari Ludovina L. Sabalvaro on the breastfeeding and complimentary feeding guidelines; and Population Commission regional director Eleonor Cura on the importance of family planning and responsible parenthood.
“Buntis Congress” is DZMM’s annual project to help in nurturing future mothers with knowledge they need during and after pregnancy. There were 741 would-be moms who flocked in this year’s congress highlighting 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. DZMM also aims to address the country’s growing number of maternal fatalities, teen-age pregnancy and overpopulation.
