Republic Act No. 7600

Date:    July 22, 1991

Source:    Republic of the Philippines, Congress and Senate

Subject:    The Rooming-In and Breastfeeding Act of 1992

The State adopts rooming-in as a national policy to encourage, protect and support the practice of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding has distinct advantages which benefit the infant and the mother, including the hospital and the country that adopt its practice. It is the first preventive health measure that can be given to the child at birth. It also enhances mother-infant relationship. Furthermore, the practice of breastfeeding could save the country valuable foreign exchange that may otherwise be used for milk importation.

Breast milk is the best food since it contains essential nutrients completely suitable for the infant's needs. It is also nature's first immunization, enabling the infant to fight potential serious infection. It contains growth factors that enhance the maturation of an infant's organ systems.