The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is taking custody of the child shown on a viral video being slapped by his mother while confined at a hospital.

DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman has instructed the DSWD-National Capital Region to immediately check on the situation of the child at the hospital.

In a report to Sec. Soliman, the social worker assigned to handle the case said that the baby is now at the Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit while the mother is in a separate ward. Other mothers voluntarily breastfed the baby.

According to the resident doctors on duty, if the blood culture test of baby turns out okay, he can be discharged within two to three days.

Meanwhile, the mother will remain in the hospital since she still has to undergo blood transfusion and psychiatric check- up.

Upon discharge, the baby will be taken to a DSWD-managed center pending the identification of a relative who will eventually take care of the child, while the mental and psycho-social capability of the mother is being evaluated.

Sec. Soliman said that it is important to let the youth understand that if they enter into a relationship, they should first understand that parenthood is a great responsibility.

She said that the young mother may have difficulty adjusting to this new responsibility as a result of post-partum depression. ###