Breastfeeding Awareness Month: “Seed of Mother’s Love”


“A mother’s love endures forever” as a quote once said, and it is proven for eons and eons ago that our mother’s love can nurture the whole world.

Breastfeeding, a seed of mother’s love, is a gift that lasts a lifetime. A lot of mothers feel fulfillment and joy from the physical and emotional connection they experience with their babies while nursing.

Breastfeeding provides many health benefits for both mothers and babies. Mothers who breastfeed recovers fast from childbirth due to oxytocin, a hormone that returns uterus to its normal size as well as the hormone that induces the let-down reflex. It also reduces risks of cancer, type-2 diabetes and arthritis.

The phases of breastmilk transistions are from colostrum, transitional, to mature. Colostrum, the first liquid secreted by mammary glands, builds and boosts the baby’s immune system. It also helps avoid child undernutrition. Breastmilk is packed with essential nutrients in balanced amounts. That is why breastmilk is best for babies.

In addition to the set of essential nutrients, one key nutrient that is found ‘solely’ in breastmilk is Oligosaccharides; it is long-chained carbohydrates like Fiber which are essential keys (prebiotic) for good gut health for babies.

Furthermore, breastmilk is way safer than formula milk because of its preparation method, some foreign matters or microorganisms can thrive in the preparation of formula milk which can harm babies.

The mother’s nutrition plays a vital role on the production of milk, a healthy and nourished mother produces quality milk but an undernourish one produces vice-versa. As we welcome all of these benefits and embrace the beauty of motherhood, we should always have a proper diet and exercise so we can give the best to our children. Mothers must enjoy this hearty meal from Gardenia, the Gardenia Curried Chicken Sandwich.

 

Gardenia Curried Chicken Sandwich

PROCEDURE

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Dredge chicken with flour and curry powder mixture. Fry chicken until cooked.

2. For the dressing, combine mayo and curry powder. Mix until blended. Set aside.

3. For the sandwich, place lettuce leaves on one side of the bread. Top with breaded chicken, mayo mixture and apple slices. Cover with another slice of bread. Serve.

Note: curry powder can be adjusted according to taste

INGREDIENTS

4 slices Gardenia High Fiber Whole Wheat Bread

Breaded Chicken:

  • 2 pcs Chicken breast fillet, pounded
  • 1/4 cup Flour
  • Dash of curry powder
  • Salt & groung black pepper to taste
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Dressing:

  • 1/8 cup Mayonnaise
  • 1 tsp Curry powder

Sandwich:

  • 1 pc Apple, sliced
  • Lettuce leave

 

References:

  • Molgaard et.al. (2011), “Milk and Growth in Children: Effects of Whey and Casein”
  • “RA 7600, RA 10028, and the Philippine Milk Code” https://women4breastfeeding.wordpress.com/2017/11/28/ra-7600-ra-10028-and-the-philippine-milk-code/
  • Ballard, et.al. (2013). “Human Milk Composition: Nutrients and Bioactive Factors”. Pediatric Clinics of North America.
  • Fundamentals in Nutrition and Dietetics – Public Health Nutrition Volume 3. UPLB-IHNF.