So, our family is Ilocano. My parents are both Ilocanos.

Mama is from La
Union, while Daddy is from Ilocos. Myths or misconceptions about pregnancy, birth,
postpartum, and infant care are part of the culture in the Philippines, particularly in
Ilocos province. These myths are typically passed down from elders to family
members and relatives, who then put them into practice. These frequently mislead
women who are pregnant, making them hesitant to follow professional health
providers' instructions. Here are some of the practices or beliefs that were prevalent
in our culture.

During pregnancy:

• Eat twice as much because I'm carrying a fetus.

• Avoid going out alone at night because it is dangerous.
• I should not cross my legs when sitting on the floor because my fetus's head
will be deformed.
• I will not attend funerals or seek advice from the dead in order to prevent the
death of my fetus.
• Eat round fruits and vegetables because I want to have a girl, and long
vegetables because I want to have a boy.

During Labor and Delivery:

• To avoid complications during labor, do not allow anyone to stand too close
to or at the door, as well as at the stairs.
• Only bear down when instructed to do so by the midwife/doctor.
• Pray to the All-Powerful God to always guide me

During Postpartum:

• To regain my strength, I eat nutritious foods.

• Enlist the assistance of family members to help me with household chores so
that I can recover quickly.
• Avoid taking baths for at least 3-5 days after giving birth to avoid headaches.
• Consume hot soup to stimulate breastmilk production and to produce the
most nourishing milk.
• Take a hot sitz bath to help heal my perineal lacerations.

As a result, women resume normal activity within 10 to 12 days of delivery,

despite the fact that they were told not to do heavy work for up to 40 days. It is
regarded as a puerperium with numerous prohibitions. For them, it is often
associated with recovery as if they are sick, as well as a time when they are guided,
supported, and instructed about self-care and infant care. Every family believed
that when the mother went outside, wind would enter her body and cause illnesses
such as arthritis and rheumatism later in life, as well as headaches, poor appetite,
and colds. They went on to say that getting enough rest during the postpartum
period helps the frail mother regain her strength and health so she can care for the
new baby and resume normal activities.

There are still mothers who follow superstitious beliefs passed down from their
forefathers. These are beliefs and practices that have no scientific basis, but they are
still practiced. Many beliefs and practices related to postpartum and infant care are
beneficial and advantageous, whereas beliefs and practices related to pregnancy
and labor appear to have no essential benefits and advantages. The most
important is to practice breastfeeding and infant care, as well as to get enough rest
and eat nutritious foods during the postpartum period. These beliefs and practices
influence the pregnant woman's and family's experience, possibly by imitating these
various beliefs in their pregnancy for their own and their future child's benefit. Many
people today still believe and practice various pregnancy beliefs. Perhaps it cannot
be eradicated from all of us, particularly from my family, because my parents and
family still believe in the practices that should be followed when pregnant or after
giving birth.