Video/ It happens for the first time in the history of Italian parliamentarianism, the deputy does the unusual action, is applauded by colleagues

For the first time in the history of Italian parliamentarianism, there was a baby on the parliament bench, as MP Gilda Sportiello breastfed her son Federico in the Chamber of Deputies and caused applause from her colleagues.

Such an event would be commonplace in many countries, but in Italy's traditionally male-dominated parliament, it drew approval from lawmakers, Reuters reports.

Chairman Djordjo Mule said that this is the first time something like this has happened and pointed out that everyone present gives their full support to mother and son.

"We wish Federico a long, free and peaceful life. And now we will conduct our conversations without noise", said Mule.

In November last year, the Parliamentary Rules Committee ruled that women MPs can breastfeed their babies up to one year of age.

"Many mothers are forced to go to work and because of this they are forced to stop breastfeeding their babies," said a member of parliament from the left-leaning 5 Stars Movement.