Title
National Policies on Infant and Young Child Feeding
Law
Doh Administrative Order No. 2005-0014
Decision Date
May 30, 2005
The Department of Health's initiative establishes comprehensive national policies to enhance infant and young child nutrition through optimal breastfeeding practices and timely complementary feeding, aiming to reduce malnutrition and improve child survival rates.
administrative order
infant feeding
child nutrition
A

Guiding Principles

  • Based on the 1987 Philippine Constitution, guaranteeing children's rights to care, nutrition, and protection.
  • Complies with UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the National Strategic Framework for Children (Child 21).
  • Builds on existing laws such as the Milk Code (EO 51, 1986), Rooming-In and Breastfeeding Act (RA 7600), and nutrition-related statutes.
  • Supports Executive Order 286 (2004) on "Bright Child" initiative, promoting integrated services for children.

Program Goals and Objectives

  • General objective: Improve survival, nutritional status, growth and development via optimal feeding.
  • Specific objectives:
    • Initiate breastfeeding within one hour after birth.
    • Exclusively breastfeed infants for 6 months.
    • Provide timely, adequate, and safe complementary foods.
    • Continue breastfeeding up to two years and beyond.

Coverage and Scope

  • Applies across all health sectors in the Philippines: government, private, professional groups, local government units (LGUs), and other stakeholders.

Policy Guidelines

A. Target Beneficiaries

  • Infants aged 0-11 months.
  • Young children aged 1-3 years.

B. Breastfeeding Practices

  1. Early Initiation:
  • Breastfeeding must start within one hour of birth.
  • All medical and birth attendants are responsible for supporting early initiation.
  • Health facilities must facilitate this practice.
  1. Exclusive Breastfeeding for Six Months:
  • Only breastmilk allowed, no other foods or drinks except vitamins or medicines.
  • Exclusive breastfeeding supports optimal growth, reduces infections, and lengthens postpartum amenorrhea.
  1. Extended Breastfeeding:
  • Continue breastfeeding on demand up to two years or longer.
  • Provides significant nutritional energy even with complementary foods added.

C. Complementary Feeding Practices

  1. Appropriate Complementary Feeding:
  • Timely introduction at six months.
  • Adequate nutrient content.
  • Safe preparation and feeding practices (clean utensils, no bottles/teats).
  • Feeding responsive to child's appetite and development.
  1. Access to Appropriate Foods:
  • Promote diversified approaches including home and community food technology.
  1. Use of Local, Culturally Accepted Foods:
  • Nutrition counseling tailored to culture.
  • Agriculture sector ensures availability and affordability.
  1. Low-Cost and Industrial Foods:
  • Encourage small-scale production of complementary foods.
  • Industrially processed foods must meet Codex Alimentarius standards.

D. Micronutrient Supplementation

  • Universal Vitamin A supplementation for infants 6-11 months and postpartum women.
  • Iron supplementation for pregnant/lactating women, infants, anemic and underweight children.
  • Iodine supplementation for target populations in deficient areas.

E. Universal Salt Iodization

  • Educate families on using iodized salt in infant and young child foods.

F. Food Fortification

  • Encourage fortification of staple and processed foods per regulatory standards.

G. Alternative Feeding Options

  • Breastfeeding is preferred but alternatives include expressed milk, wet nursing, human milk banks, or breast milk substitutes fed by cup.
  • Only exceptional medical conditions prohibit breastfeeding (e.g., galactosemia, phenylketonuria, maple syrup urine disease).
  • Breast milk substitutes must be used under guidance, with proper preparation instructions.
  • Non-breastfed infants receive special attention due to increased risk.

H. Feeding in Difficult Circumstances

  • Feeding options prioritized as breastfeeding, expressed milk, wet nursing, human milk banks, then formula by cup.
  • Support families in crisis to maintain feeding practices.
  • Limit donations and distribution of breastmilk substitutes; avoid bottles and teats.
  • Provide information on risks of improper feeding.
  • Special care for malnourished infants including relactation.
  • Address feeding for low birth weight infants and HIV positive mothers with counseling and tailored feeding options.
  • Children in special circumstances (orphans, adolescent mothers, disabled parents) require extra support.

Support Systems

  1. Provide unbiased, comprehensive information on infant/child feeding to caregivers.
  2. Skilled support must be accessible during prenatal, delivery, postnatal, and child health visits.
  3. Infant and Young Child Feeding Specialists must be available to assist with breastfeeding challenges.
  4. Community networks and breastfeeding counselors play crucial roles.
  5. Develop communication and marketing plans to garner political and public support.
  6. Strengthen and expand Mother Baby Friendly Hospital Initiatives.
  7. Enforce Rooming-In and Breastfeeding Act (RA 7600) to protect breastfeeding rights.
  8. Health facilities must comply with the Milk Code, eliminating promotion of substitutes.
  9. Hospitals to support breastfeeding of hospitalized children and allow maternal presence.
  10. Institutionalize continuing training for health workers on feeding practices.
  11. Workplaces must provide breastfeeding-friendly environments including facilities and breaks.
  12. Implement maternity protection laws consistent with ILO standards for working mothers.
  13. Department of Health leads coordination, partnering with government and NGOs, avoiding conflicts with formula manufacturers.

Implementing Mechanism

A. Management

  • Department of Health Management Committee oversees the program, including representation from key centers and bureaus.
  • Designation of focal persons for key program components.
  • Establishment of an interagency group for technical support and policy recommendations.
  • Regional and local coordinators mobilized for program acceleration.
    B. Supervision, Monitoring, and Evaluation
  • Institutionalize regular monitoring and evaluation integrated into maternal and child health reviews.
  • Strengthen monitoring teams to enforce compliance.
  • Develop incentive and award systems to encourage promotion and protection.
  • Document and disseminate best practices.
    C. Research and Development
  • Support ongoing research for program improvement including breastfeeding support, maternal nutrition, and HIV-related interventions.

Repealing Clause

  • Repeals inconsistent provisions from prior issuances including DC 76-A s. 1992.

Effectivity

  • The order takes effect immediately upon adoption on May 30, 2005.

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