ABSTRACT
The University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) has expressed its support for breastfeeding promotion and setting up of lactation stations through the issuance of Memorandum No. 017, Series of 2017. Despite the administration’s unwavering support, many units in UPLB still face challenges in establishing lactation stations. This study generally aimed to provide a basis for recommendation in establishing lactation stations in UPLB. Specifically, it aimed to identify units in UPLB with lactation stations, assess the provisions supplied by units, and identify potential barriers to the establishment of lactation stations. The assessment, which involved 78 out of 119 UPLB units from different col- leges and offices, found that awareness on breastfeeding promotion did not necessarily translate to the presence of lactation stations. Only eight (8) units had established lactation stations and offered provisions. Despite the interest of various units in setting up lactation stations, disinterest observed in some units were due to the lack of space, absence of plan or proposal, individual offices already serving as lactation space, limited facilities, and few possible end-users. Overall, units with lactation stations were able to offer provisions and amenities that made them operational, although these still need further improvement. Hence, funding priorities must focus on units with existing lactation sta- tions to improve provisions and amenities.
