Marian Rivera Assures Fellow 'Padede' Moms: Ziggy's Main Food Is Still Breast Milk

A few days after Marian Rivera’s son Ziggy turned four months old in August 2019, she shared a cute photo of her son’s first taste of solid food, pureed broccoli. Many moms questioned the Kapuso star's decision since the typical recommendation is to introduce solid foods to babies starting on their sixth month.

Marian has already released a statement on Instagram explaining her decision. But at the press conference of the second season of her TV show Tadhana held on September 5, 2019, the mom of two reassured fellow moms that Ziggy’s primary source of nutrition is still breast milk.

“Ang breast milk pa rin ang tanging source talaga ng food na pinaka-main. Kumbaga ini-introduce ko lang sa bata ang mga solid,” Marian told GMA News. “Hindi naman nangangatwiran na nagpakain ako ng solid food, ang ibig sabihin ay bibitawan ko ang pagpapasuso sa anak ko. No, definitely no,” she stressed.

Marian emphasized again her commitment to nursing Ziggy as long as she can, or for the same length of time she nursed daughter Zia. “Si Zia, two years kong pinasuso sa akin. So walang dahilan para hindi ko siya gawin dito sa second one ko,” she said. Another proof of her commitment to breastfeeding: she pumps milk regularly when she's out, and brings it home to Ziggy as her pasalubong.

By making Ziggy latch when they're together, and by pumping regularly when she's away, Marian has built up a stash that is more than enough for Ziggy. A month ago, she was able to donate her breast milk to premature babies who need it. The proud “padede mom” previously shared that all her breastfeeding struggles are worth it, just so her kids would grow up smart, healthy and loving.

Marian also appealed to mothers everywhere to respect other moms' way of caring for or raising their child, and not to pass judgment that might hurt others' feelings. “Bawat ina ay may kaniya-kaniyang sitwasyon, kaniya-kaniyang pagpapalaki ng anak,” Marian said.

She acknowledged and expressed support for the recommendation of the World Health Organization (WHO), which is to introduce solids to babies no earlier than 6 months, but said Ziggy's pediatrician said it's okay. “Yung anak ko kasi is going five months pa lang. Pero binigyan ako ng pahintulot ng pediatrician ko na puwede na, allowed na si Ziggy but small amount,” Marian explained. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recognizes that 4-month-old babies may already show signs of readiness for eating solids.

“Wala namang ina ang naghahangad na mapahamak ang kanilang anak... lahat gagawin mo, lahat ng pagmamahal, lahat ng pagbibigay mo 'di ba?,” Marian stressed. “I-respeto natin ang bawat isa bilang isang ina,” she added.

Know more about experts’ recommendations and guidelines on starting babies on solid foods here. For baby food recipes you can make at home, click here.