by Chandler Hastings
 Burps, slurps and thirsty cries echoed as 3,738 Filipino mothers
breastfeed their babies as they took part in an event aimed at
promoting breastfeeding at the San Andres Sports complex in Manila May
4, 2006.
The gathering in the sports complex was part of efforts to smash the
Guinness world record for the most number of women simultaneously
breastfeeding their babies.
The large number of tired moms was a coup for organizers, trying to
promote breastfeeding in a country where many poor families believe
that expensive powdered milk is more nutritious.
Around 16,000 children die every year in the Philippines because
their milk formula is mixed with dirty water or the wrong amount of
powder, according to the World Health Organization.
Only 16 percent of Filipino mothers breastfeed their children for the
first six months of their lives, local health authorities say.
Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, whose city is one of the event's
organizers, said 3,738 mothers simultaneously breasts-fed their babies
for at least one minute, breaking the Guinness World Record.
The result will be submitted to Guinness for evaluation.
The United Nations Children's Fund said the previous record was held
by the City of Berkeley, California, where 1,135 mothers simultaneous
breast-fed babies for a minute on August 3, 2002.
The event was also held to raise awareness about the benefits of
breast-feeding.
Dr. Nicholas Alipui, UNICEF representative to the Philippines, said
breast-feeding can help curb malnutrition in children under two years
old, provide children with antibodies to fight diseases and boost the
country's economy because families save on infant formula.
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