Senator Pia Cayetano enlightened new mothers and confirmed that hospitals are required to let them and their newborn babies stay together immediately after birth.
In the “Yes or No” segment of the November 3 episode of “CIA with BA,” Annika of the Mariteam shared her experience of giving birth. She said her baby was only briefly taken to the nursery and was quickly brought back to her.
Out of curiosity, Annika asked if there is a law requiring hospitals to follow that practice.
“‘Yung mom ko po napansin niya kasi ‘yon and sabi niya, hindi naman daw gano’n dati,” she shared.
Ate Pia answered directly with a “yes,” explaining that this practice is part of the “Rooming-In Law” authored by the late Senator Edgardo Angara.
She went on to share that being colleagues in the Senate, Angara taught her how to amend the law when she introduced legislation to promote breastfeeding.
“Sabi niya sa’kin, ‘Pia, may batas ako — rooming-in. They are related, so i-a-amend mo ngayon ‘yung batas ko,’” she narrated.
“Sa Rooming-In Law, automatic ‘yan na ibigay ang baby sa nanay. Why? Because ‘yon ‘yung natural bonding na nagpo-promote ng breastfeeding,” she explained.
“According to studies, ang baby malabo pa ang paningin niyan for months pero gagapangin niya ang dede ng mommy niya,” she added.
“CIA with BA” continues the legacy of the late Senator Rene Cayetano.
It airs every Sunday at 11pm on GMA7, with replays on GTV the following Saturday at 10:30pm.
