In a heartwarming incident that gained global attention, a Filipino flight attendant has become a symbol of compassion after aiding a distressed mother traveling with a hungry infant.
Patrisha Organo, self-identified as a breastfeeding activist, took to Facebook to share the now-viral account of her extraordinary mid-flight gesture. Organo, who was scheduled for a crucial check flight to qualify as a Cabin Crew Evaluator, described the experience as a significant milestone in her aviation career.
The incident unfolded when Organo heard a baby crying during the flight. Concerned, she approached the mother, who tearfully revealed she had run out of formula milk for her child. The passengers observed the tiny, fragile infant, prompting Organo to feel an emotional pang.
Realizing there was no formula milk available onboard, Organo made a compassionate decision. “I thought to myself, there’s only one thing I could offer, and that’s my own milk. And so I offered,” she shared in her Facebook post.
In an interview with Smart Parenting, Organo explained that the baby’s mother had been at the airport since 9 p.m. the previous night, while the flight departed at 5:10 a.m. Clearly, unexpected delays had depleted her formula supply sooner than anticipated.
Organo’s supervisor, Sheryl Villaflor, played a crucial role in assisting the mother and baby. Initially planning to pump for the baby, Organo adjusted her approach when the infant’s cries intensified. Sheryl suggested Organo nurse the baby directly, with the mother’s consent.
Describing the moment, Organo said, “The baby started rooting; she was so hungry. I saw the relief on her mother’s eyes. I continued to feed the baby until she fell asleep. I escorted her back to her seat, and just before I left, the mother sincerely thanked me.”
The photo Organo shared of the incident, carefully obscuring the baby’s face for privacy, quickly gained traction, appearing on news outlets worldwide.
While some may find the concept of a stranger breastfeeding another’s baby uncomfortable, the Centers for Disease Control highlights that few illnesses are transmitted through breast milk. However, both the CDC and the Food and Drug Administration recommend screening donors when breast milk is provided by someone other than the mother—an impracticality in cases like Organo’s, where immediate action was required.
This story exemplifies the essence of one mother extending a helping hand to another, illustrating the beauty of compassion in unexpected circumstances. It serves as a poignant reminder that acts of kindness can create a village of support, transcending conventional boundaries.
