Extended Maternity Leave: A Victory to Mothers and Babies

From the current 60 days, the recently signed Republic Act No. 11210 or otherwise known as the “105-Day Expanded Maternity Leave Law” extends paid maternity leave to 105 days with an option to extend for 30 days without pay.

Senator Risa Honteveros, who is the author and principal sponsor of the law said that the passage of such law is “a victory for mothers and their families making the Philippines at par with international standards” in terms of the minimum number of maternity leave days.

With the additional 45 days of paid maternity leave, it is without doubt that mothers and their babies would greatly benefit this development as there will be more time to care and nurture children as well as for the mother to recuperate after giving birth.

The passage of the law will also pave way for a more strengthened support system for the mothers which is important because the post-partum period (6-8 weeks after childbirth) is marked with emotional and physical changes experienced by the mother. Time out from work, and support from the family members can go a long way in helping the mother recover.

With the mother being able to care for her child for a longer period, there are more chances for exclusive breastfeeding and better psychosocial stimulation. In Central Visayas alone, only 55.2 % of mothers have exclusively breastfed their babies for the prescribed six (6) months (FNRI-DOST, 2015). The Central Visayas Nutrition Committee anticipates higher numbers of exclusive breastfeeding in the coming years because of this law.

On 29 November 2018, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act 11148 otherwise known as Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act which aims to strengthen national and local health programs for pregnant and lactating women, adolescent girls, infants and young children in the first 1000 days.

With national policies aimed to empower women for improved health and nutrition, it is without doubt that the Philippines is on the right track in achieving the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. (ROP)

Source: nnc.gov.ph