Daniel Angelo E.

Arango
BSN 2-A

Traditional maternal and infant care beliefs and practices are still prevalent in contemporary Filipino
culture in the Philippines, and close female family members, particularly elderly individuals in rural, distant,
and isolated locations, continue to practice them. Pregnant patients and clients, female family members,
pregnant friends, pregnant clients, and even seasoned mothers have been seen to not always know what is
best for them during their pregnancies. Many pregnant women are more receptive to listening to friends,
family members, and parents because they feel at ease speaking with them, even though their beliefs and
practices go against medical recommendations. A pregnant woman's ability to nourish herself during
pregnancy depends on her ability to make healthy dietary decisions, practice good hygiene, encourage self-
care, follow medical recommendations, and arm herself with information on pregnancy and childbirth.

With education, empowerment, and support, the birth culture in the Philippines is gradually
transforming. In the past, giving birth in a hospital was the default choice for expectant mothers, and many
of these situations resulted in "ungentle births"—traumatic, violent, or discriminating births—with the
moms accepting them without question. Nowadays, mothers are in charge of giving birth. They are looking
for knowledge, asking their medical professionals the correct questions, and researching other options
besides giving birth in a hospital. This cultural change opens the door to communication between a patient's
health care provider and the families concerned and gives rise to a better understanding of conception to
postpartum. There are still some people who adhere to the old practices, despite the initiatives developed by
health professionals and health organizations, such as those that promote safe pregnancy. Factors including
their community's isolation and accessibility, its lack of resources, and the lack of health care facilities for
its residents' employees.

In conclusion, it is evident that some women still hold onto superstitious ideas that they inherited
from their ancestors. They continue to adhere to these beliefs and practices despite the lack of scientific
support for them. Many beliefs and behaviors related to postpartum and infant care are advantageous and
helpful, in contrast to the beliefs and practices related to pregnancy and labor, which appeared to have no
significant advantages and benefits for either the mother or the fetus. The most important one is the practice
of breastfeeding and on infant care and having adequate rest and intake of nutritious foods during the
postpartum period. The beliefs and practices are primarily because of the strong influence of their family
and friends that became a part of their daily lives. These beliefs and practices are transmitted by their
ancestors.