Lyn, a 33-year-old mother of four from Muntinlupa City, had healthy deliveries with her first three children. When her youngest daughter, Emma* (not her real name) was born at 38 weeks weighing only 2,000 grams, Lyn grew worried. “I did not know how to manage the situation,” she said, recalling the moment she learned that her baby was low birth weight.
For six years, Lyn has worked as a beauty advisor in a pharmaceutical store. For her latest pregnancy and after giving birth, she relied on the steady support of her husband, parents and siblings. In those uncertain months, their encouragement helped her and Emma navigate this new chapter.
Emma was delivered in a private lying-in clinic. The midwife assured Lyn that the baby was otherwise healthy and suggested a referral to the health center if she had concerns. Hopeful for guidance, Lyn agreed. However, during her visit, there was no discussion about Emma’s weight, only the usual routine of immunizations. While prenatal visits at the health center covered topics like danger signs and preterm labor, the possibility of delivering a low-birth-weight baby was never discussed.
Low birth weight can signal health risks for newborns. This meant Emma needed closer monitoring, proper feeding guidance, and regular check-ups. Without Lyn’s awareness of the risks, vital interventions like kangaroo mother care, exclusive breastfeeding, and timely assessments could be missed, putting Emma’s health at risk.
“As a mother, I wasn’t aware about low birth weight, and I didn’t get to ask the midwife because they were busy. No one guided me on how to help my baby gain weight, I just searched online for information,” said Lyn.
Although she had regular ultrasounds during pregnancy, the results were not clearly explained. She even skipped her last scan before delivery, which costs Php 750, because she cannot afford it. “There should be more focus on explanation, health teaching, and education for us pregnant mothers,” she said, stressing the need for accessible health information.
This gap is what Save the Children’s Healthy Start in Life for Premature and Low Birth Weight Babies Project aims to fill. The project works to reduce newborn and infant deaths and illnesses linked to prematurity and low birth weight, equipping parents with the knowledge, skills, and support they need.
When Lyn learned about the project’s workshop on developing health communication materials for mothers like her, she wasn’t sure she could attend. The location was a little far from her home, and joining a workshop was new to her. But after the project team shared the program’s purpose and benefits, she felt reassured.
Through the workshop, Lyn gained practical knowledge on caring for her baby, including the importance of exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months. Although she had started with mixed feeding due to low milk supply, tips from doctors—such as breast massage to stimulate milk production—inspired her to work toward exclusive breastfeeding
Although it was not a medical consultation, she found the experts’ insights very helpful, appreciating the genuine concern shown for mothers and babies. “I’m happy because many of my questions as a mother of a low-birth-weight baby were answered. Attending the workshop was a big help,” she said.
She also shared her personal insights in developing guides for parents like her, such as information on maternal and mental health, and growth chart references.
“I’m thankful because I felt that there’s genuine concern for both mothers and babies. We were given a voice to suggest what could help us more, and you (Save the Children) really listened,” she said. This inclusive approach ensured the materials reflected real-life experiences and needs.
Since joining the sessions, Lyn has applied what she learned to support Emma’s health. Her daughter now weighs five kilograms, receives regular check-ups, and never misses routine immunizations. Barangay health workers closely monitor Emma’s growth chart, reassuring Lyn that her child is on track.
Today, Lyn feels confident not only in caring for Emma but also in guiding her other children, family members, and friends. She continues working toward exclusive breastfeeding, knowing it’s what her baby needs to develop. She feels better prepared to face similar challenges in the future and to help prevent preterm birth and low birth weight.
Save the Children remains committed to helping parents and caregivers give every child a healthy start in life. Lyn hopes the program continues to grow, “I hope you can help more mothers and babies, and that the program can reach even more places, so every baby has the chance to grow strong and healthy.