Dede: The Indigenous Breastfeeding Story

A story on breastfeeding, "Dede" explores the indigenous breastfeeding practices of the Irayas in Sitio Balugbog Kabayo, Barangay Bigaan to nourish their children.  A Tagalog word for milk, "dede" is also a term of endearment the Irayas used to call their mothers according to story tellers in the area.   See how breastfeeding nurtures a culture of love and happiness between the mother and her children

The Irayas is one of the seven tribes belonging to the Indigenous group commonly known as the Mangyans in Oriental Mindoro.  The National Center for Health Promotion of the Department of Health specifically suggested the Mangyan communities as good practitioners of breastfeeding.  The photo essay was shot in Sitio Balagbag Kabayo, Barangay Bigaan, San Tedoro, Oriental Mindoro last April 13-16, 2008. VIEW SLIDESHOW