Fayette C. Riñen
CEBU, June 29 (PIA) – A fashion show to showcase the
different designs of maternity outfits will kick off the celebration of the
National Nutrition Month (NNM) on Friday, July 1 at 3:00 p.m. at the SM Seaside
City.
Dr. Parolita Mission, regional program
coordinator of the National Nutrition Council (NNC-7), said the maternity
collection will consist of the different designs conceptualized by various
nurses working in different hospitals in Cebu.
“We want to bring back the norm that being
pregnant to being lactating mothers and the practice of breastfeeding is normal
for any woman and that even in such a period, one must maintain the poise and
glamour to feel beautiful,” said Mission.
Mission said the outfits can also be sold
afterwards to those who are interested to purchase any of the maternity collection.
Mission said the fashion show is one of the
three phases being highlighted in this year’s National Nutrition Month
celebration which carries the theme ‘Baby’s First 1,000 Days Pahalagahan
Para sa Malusog na Kinabukasan” while its English translation means
“Nurture Your Baby’s First 1,000 Days for a Healthy Future.”
The first 1,000 days of an infant’s life is very
crucial for the baby’s optimal growth and development in both the physical and
mental aspects, said Mission.
According to Mission, the first 1,000 days
consist of three phases --- pregnancy period of nine months or equivalent to
270 days; the first six months of life or 180 days where exclusive
breastfeeding is required; and the remaining 550 days or until two years of age
when complementary feeding is introduced.
The maternity fashion show represents the first
phase of pregnancy stage, said Mission while a photo and video exhibit will
showcase the second phase or the breastfeeding period and the third phase is
the complementary feeding respectively.
Mission said the photo and video is actually a
contest and that the exhibit will showcase the products of the finalists.
Chosen winners of each category will get P8,000 in cash prize, said the NNC-7
chief.
The NNC-7 kick-off activities in celebration of
the NNM in July is open to the public. (rmn/fcr/PIA7)