What are the popular baby birth traditions in the Philippines?<\/h2>\n
Filipino pregnancy and birth experiences heavily revolve around following certain beliefs to ensure that delivery occurs as smoothly as possible. After birth, dealing with the placenta appropriately and allowing the mother and baby to rest are believed to promote the pair\u2019s well-being.<\/p>\n
Pregnancy<\/strong> Care<\/h3>\nThere are many Filipino beliefs surrounding how a mother can ensure that her pregnancy is healthy. For example, the mother-to-be should avoid wearing nail polish, wrapping any items around her neck, and cutting her hair \u2014 these could all lead to unfavourable outcomes regarding the baby and mother\u2019s wellbeing. On the other hand, if pregnant women are hoping to have twins, they should consume \u201ctwin\u201d fruits to increase their luck.<\/p>\n
Giving<\/strong> Birth<\/h3>\nSome individuals believe that they can naturally induce birth by drinking coconut water. It is also believed that the mother can put squash leaves on her abdomen and hold onto solid items to make the baby’s delivery more seamless.<\/p>\n
Relatives often visit the hospital during the baby\u2019s birth, especially female ones. However, visitors should maintain some distance from the hospital room\u2019s door as this can result in labour issues. Additionally, they should not touch the mother because she may transmit her labour pain.<\/p>\n
The Placenta<\/h3>\n
Burying the placenta after birth is a widely-known tradition in the Philippines. It is meant to signify the conclusion of the mother\u2019s physical pain from labour. Some also believe that this prevents your child from growing into a troublesome individual and that it promotes the healing of the womb. The burial should ideally take place shortly after birth, and the baby\u2019s father generally does it.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\")
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Postpartum Care<\/h3>\n
The new mother receives time to recover; meanwhile, her family often looks after her and assists with general chores. It is important for the mother to have the opportunity to bond with her new child. Moreover, some moms will snugly wrap items around their abdomen to support the uterus’ healing process.<\/p>\n
Breastfeeding<\/h3>\n
Colostrum, which will come from the new mom\u2019s first lactation, is not believed to be healthy for the baby. Family members will give the baby an alternative formula until the mother produces her regular milk. In the Philippines, some individuals also refrain from breastfeeding when they\u2019re tired or have negative emotions. They don\u2019t want these feelings to transfer to their little ones.<\/p>\n
The Baptism<\/h3>\n
Just like in many other countries, religious families may choose to baptize their baby. During this process, crying from the baby actually signifies a prosperous future. More extreme crying indicates even more good luck for the little one.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\nReferences:<\/strong><\/p>\nBirthing Beliefs in the Philippines<\/a><\/p>\nThe Philippines\u2019 Birth Practices Facilitate Maternal and Infant Mortality Declines<\/a><\/p>\n
Some individuals believe that they can naturally induce birth by drinking coconut water. It is also believed that the mother can put squash leaves on her abdomen and hold onto solid items to make the baby’s delivery more seamless.<\/p>\n
Relatives often visit the hospital during the baby\u2019s birth, especially female ones. However, visitors should maintain some distance from the hospital room\u2019s door as this can result in labour issues. Additionally, they should not touch the mother because she may transmit her labour pain.<\/p>\n
The Placenta<\/h3>\n
Burying the placenta after birth is a widely-known tradition in the Philippines. It is meant to signify the conclusion of the mother\u2019s physical pain from labour. Some also believe that this prevents your child from growing into a troublesome individual and that it promotes the healing of the womb. The burial should ideally take place shortly after birth, and the baby\u2019s father generally does it.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.ucbaby.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Infographics-Dec-2022-Baby-Birth-Tradition-Philippines.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Postpartum Care<\/h3>\n
The new mother receives time to recover; meanwhile, her family often looks after her and assists with general chores. It is important for the mother to have the opportunity to bond with her new child. Moreover, some moms will snugly wrap items around their abdomen to support the uterus’ healing process.<\/p>\n
Breastfeeding<\/h3>\n
Colostrum, which will come from the new mom\u2019s first lactation, is not believed to be healthy for the baby. Family members will give the baby an alternative formula until the mother produces her regular milk. In the Philippines, some individuals also refrain from breastfeeding when they\u2019re tired or have negative emotions. They don\u2019t want these feelings to transfer to their little ones.<\/p>\n
The Baptism<\/h3>\n
Just like in many other countries, religious families may choose to baptize their baby. During this process, crying from the baby actually signifies a prosperous future. More extreme crying indicates even more good luck for the little one.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n References:<\/strong><\/p>\n Birthing Beliefs in the Philippines<\/a><\/p>\n The Philippines\u2019 Birth Practices Facilitate Maternal and Infant Mortality Declines<\/a><\/p>\n