Breastfeeding is often portrayed as the most natural thing in the world—a seamless, instinctive act of nurturing that flows effortlessly from mother to child. However, for many women, the reality of breastfeeding can be vastly different, filled with challenges, pain, and a sense of isolation. This is where a lactation consultant like Tin Cervantes steps in, providing the support and guidance that can make all the difference in a mother’s breastfeeding journey.
Tin Cervantes, a certified breastfeeding counselor for 15 years, is deeply committed to helping mothers navigate the complex world of breastfeeding. Her journey into this field began in a deeply personal way—after giving birth to her youngest child, Tin became a wet nurse, which introduced her to the breastfeeding community. This experience sparked a passion that has only grown over the years.
“It has become a lifestyle for me to be of aid sa mommies and their [little ones],” Tin shares, reflecting on her years of dedication.
Image from Yokabed Facebook
The Role of a Lactation Consultant
Lactation consultants are healthcare professionals trained to assist mothers with breastfeeding. They provide guidance on a wide range of breastfeeding-related issues, including latch techniques, milk production, and addressing any discomfort or pain.
Yokabed: A Sanctuary for Breastfeeding Mothers
In August 2022, Tin co-founded Yokabed, a center dedicated to supporting lactating mothers. The idea to establish Yokabed was born out of the difficulties faced by lactation counselors during the pandemic. Strict lockdowns and checkpoints often prevented them from reaching mothers in need.
“There were so many instances noong pandemic na strict ang pagpapapasok or hindi makapasok ang lactation counselors sa condos, villages, and even provinces due to checkpoints,” Tin recalls. This led to the creation of Yokabed, which has since become a home for mothers seeking support and guidance in their breastfeeding journey.
Yokabed is more than just a business for Tin; it’s a community hub where mothers can find solace, understanding, and expert advice.
“Yokabed became a home to our lactating moms that need support on their breastfeeding journey,” she explains.
The center offers a safe space where mothers can share their experiences, seek help, and learn from one another, all under the guidance of experienced professionals like Tin.
“We do medical missions, provide counselling to barangay health centers, and moms even give us their extra stashes of milk for donation sa mga nangangailangan.”
Image from Yokabed Facebook
The power of community and support
One of the key challenges Tin faced in her early days as a mother was the lack of support and information. “I was only able to breastfeed my eldest for a month due to misinformation,” she shares. This experience fueled her determination to ensure that other mothers would not have to go through the same struggles. Her involvement in the breastfeeding community has allowed her to help countless mothers overcome the challenges of breastfeeding, from physical pain to emotional stress.
Tin recalls one of her most memorable success stories—a mother with lupus who was determined to exclusively breastfeed her baby. “We know how dangerous lupus can be, and to have a strong mom that’s willing to exclusively breastfeed her [little one] is such a success story!” Tin says with pride. This mother’s determination, coupled with the support she received, allowed her to achieve her breastfeeding goals, a testament to the power of community and expert guidance.
Lactation consultant practical advice for new mothers
Tin offers practical and compassionate advice for new mothers embarking on their breastfeeding journey. “Wag matakot na masaktan, mapagod, dahil ito ay parte ng motherhood journey mo,” she advises. She emphasizes that the challenges of breastfeeding are part of the broader experience of motherhood, helping women become wiser and stronger. For those who find themselves struggling, Tin’s message is clear: seek help. “There’s an army of moms that’s on your side to help you,” she assures.
Image from Yokabed Facebook
Future plans for Yokabed
As Breastfeeding Awareness Month unfolds, Tin continues to look toward the future with hope and determination. Her vision for Yokabed is to expand its reach. Their goal is to open branches nationwide to provide support to even more mothers and babies. “Just to continuously provide breastfeeding help to all moms who are in need,” she says of her dream for the future.
For aspiring breastfeeding counselors, Tin offers a piece of heartfelt advice: “Walang industry o community na madali, please be sure that your heart is with moms and their [little ones]. Dapat may puso. We don’t do this for business. We do this because we genuinely care.”
In a world where breastfeeding can sometimes feel like an insurmountable challenge, Tin Cervantes and Yokabed stand as pillars of support, ensuring that no mother has to face the journey alone. Their work is a powerful reminder of the difference that compassion, expertise, and community can make in the lives of breastfeeding mothers.
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