FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY

INSTITUTE OF NURSING-
FIRST SEMESTER – AY 2020-2021
NCM 107 CARE OF MOTHER & CHILD, ADOLESCENT (WELL CLIENT)

MODULE 6- FILIPINO CULTURE, VALUES, AND PRACTICES IN RELATION TO MATERNAL

AND CHILD CARE

INTRODUCTION
This module provides understanding that nurses can help the nation achieve these goals
by helping design prenatal and child care services that take into account cultural diversity and
by promoting the nutritional and immunologic advantages of breastfeeding in a culturally
sensitive manner.
Culture is a view of the world and a set of traditions that a specific social group uses and
transmits to the next generation. Cultural values are preferred ways of acting based on those
traditions. Ethnicity refers to the cultural group into which a person was born, although the
term is sometimes used in a narrower context to mean only race. Race refers to a category of
people who share a socially recognized physical characteristic. The term is rarely used today as
the research on the human genome shows no basic differences in structure among people.
Assessing sociocultural status, ethnicity, and cultural beliefs of families and clients can
reveal why people take the type of preventive health measures that they do or seek a particular
type of care for illness, because the way people react to health care is a cultural value
(Crombleholme, 2009) Each culture differs to some degree from every other. Most people are
proud of these differences or cultural traits.

LEARNING OBJECTIVE
1. Describe ways that sociocultural influences affect maternal and child health nursing.
2. Use critical thinking to analyze how sociocultural aspects of care affect family
functioning and health and develop ways to make nursing care more family centered.
3. Assess a family for sociocultural influences that might influence the way it responds to
childbearing and childrearing.
4. Formulate nursing diagnoses related to culturally influenced aspects of nursing care.
5. Develop outcomes to assist families who have specific cultural needs to thrive in the
society.
6. Plan nursing care that respects the sociocultural needs and wishes of families.
7. Implement nursing care to assist a family adapt to today’s changing sociocultural
environment.
8. Evaluate expected outcomes for achievement and effectiveness of care.

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Nur1208; Module 6: FILIPINO CULTURE, VALUES, AND PRACTICES IN RELATION TO MATERNAL AND CHILD CARE
Prepared by MCN FEU Faculty Lecturers
 FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY
INSTITUTE OF NURSING-
FIRST SEMESTER – AY 2020-2021
NCM 107 CARE OF MOTHER & CHILD, ADOLESCENT (WELL CLIENT)

9. Identify areas of care related to sociocultural considerations that could benefit from
additional nursing research or application of evidence-based practice.
10. Integrate sociocultural aspects of care with nursing process to achieve quality maternal
and child health nursing care.

TOPIC OUTLINE:

I. Filipino Culture, Values and Practices in Relation to Maternal and Child Care

A. Nursing Care Planning to Respect Cultural Diversity

B. Myths and Beliefs related to Pregnancy

1. Birth Practices of Selected Cultural Groups

II. Maternal and Child Care Entrepreneurial Opportunities

A. Birthing clinics

B. Day care

LECTURE CONTENT

What is Culture?

Culture is a view of the world and a set of traditions that a specific social group uses and
transmits to the next generation. Cultural values are preferred ways of acting based on those
traditions. Ethnicity refers to the cultural group into which a person was born, although the
term is sometimes used in a narrower context to mean only race. Race refers to a category of
people who share a socially recognized physical characteristic. The term is rarely used today as
the research on the human genome shows no basic differences in structure among people.
Assessing sociocultural status, ethnicity, and cultural beliefs of families and clients can reveal
why people take the type of preventive health measures that they do or seek a particular type
of care for illness, because the way people react to health care is a cultural value
(Crombleholme, 2009).

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Nur1208; Module 6: FILIPINO CULTURE, VALUES, AND PRACTICES IN RELATION TO MATERNAL AND CHILD CARE
Prepared by MCN FEU Faculty Lecturers
 FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY
INSTITUTE OF NURSING-
FIRST SEMESTER – AY 2020-2021
NCM 107 CARE OF MOTHER & CHILD, ADOLESCENT (WELL CLIENT)

The values, beliefs, standards, language thinking patterns, behavioural norms, communication
styles, etc., shared by a group of people. It guides decision and action, through time. We have
an obligations to be respectful and sensitive to another’s belief system. Healthcare workers
must be culturally competent and comfortable with those they serve. Healthcare workers
should understand how their own personal biases and values influence communication with
patients, families and co workers

I. Filipino Culture, Values and Practices in Relation to Maternal and Child Care

A. Nursing Care Planning to Respect Cultural Diversity

FILIPINO ETHNICITY AND BACKGROUND

Communication
The word ‘Filipina’ refers to women from the Philippines; ‘Filipino’ refers to people from
the Philippines in general, or men in particular.

Tagalog (Filipino) is the national language. Filipinos also speak a number of other
languages; the most common are Ilocano and Visayan. A Visayan dialect, Cebuano, is
widely spoken among the Filipino

Doctors and nurses are generally highly respected for their knowledge, education and
expertise and few Filipinos will question them.

Filipino people, especially from rural areas, may not like to voice their concerns to
health professionals.

An important cultural value of Filipinos is hiya, which can be translated roughly as

‘embarrassment’, ‘shame’ or ‘face’. It has been described as a kind of anxiety, a fear of
being left exposed, unprotected and unaccepted. Having hiya means that people may
feel very sensitive to social slight, and as a result they may be very careful of the feelings
of others.

Health related beliefs and practices

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Nur1208; Module 6: FILIPINO CULTURE, VALUES, AND PRACTICES IN RELATION TO MATERNAL AND CHILD CARE
Prepared by MCN FEU Faculty Lecturers
 FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY
INSTITUTE OF NURSING-
FIRST SEMESTER – AY 2020-2021
NCM 107 CARE OF MOTHER & CHILD, ADOLESCENT (WELL CLIENT)

In the Philippines, biomedical services may be supplemented by herbalists and other

healers who specialise in herbal remedies, massage or healing by spiritual means,
through power derived from devotion to Christian saints.

People may use the concepts of ‘hot’ and ‘cold’ to classify and explain illnesses. Foods,
medicines and temperature/weather conditions are classified according to their hot or
cold qualities and their effects on the body. Sudden changes in body temperature may
be perceived as harmful.

Beliefs about the relationship of water and bathing to health can differ substantially.
Bathing can be associated with a draining of strength from the body, particularly if a
person is already ill.

Pregnancy
According to some Filipino beliefs, cravings for food during pregnancy should be
satisfied.
Some pregnant women may avoid eating black foods to avoid the birth of an infant with
a dark skin tone.
Some pregnant women may place great emphasis on being tidy and beautiful, believing
that these practices will influence the beauty of their child.
Unpleasant emotions experienced by pregnant women may be blamed for causing
birthmarks.

Birth
The most common birthing position is to lie down. Some women may prefer a squatting
position.
In some regions of the Philippines, it is believed that putting squash leaves on the
abdomen of a labouring woman can facilitate labour.
Some women believe that drinking coconut water can facilitate a fast labour.
Some fathers may prefer to be close to their labouring wife, so they can bury the
placenta.

After birth

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Nur1208; Module 6: FILIPINO CULTURE, VALUES, AND PRACTICES IN RELATION TO MATERNAL AND CHILD CARE
Prepared by MCN FEU Faculty Lecturers
 FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY
INSTITUTE OF NURSING-
FIRST SEMESTER – AY 2020-2021
NCM 107 CARE OF MOTHER & CHILD, ADOLESCENT (WELL CLIENT)

In some regions a father is responsible for the burial of the placenta. He usually buries
the placenta very quickly, because the burial of the placenta indicates the end of the
labour, and therefore the end of pain and blood loss experienced by the labouring
woman. The placenta should be offered to the postpartum woman or the father.

Traditional custom in the Philippines dictates that women should not bathe for about
ten days after giving birth and during menstruation. Bathing during these times is seen
as a cause of ill health and rheumatism in old age. Sponge baths and steam baths could
be used as alternatives. Women may object to having a shower immediately after giving
birth.

Traditionally, after labour, women wear heavy clothes or wrap themselves in blankets to
prevent exposure to ‘cold’ and ‘wind’.

Some Filipinas bind their abdomen tightly, believing that this practice helps to prevent
bleeding and helps the uterus to retract.

New and lactating mothers are often given rice porridge (rice boiled soft to a
consistency halfway between soup and puree). This may be served with sweet, salty or
spicy accompaniments. Soup made of meat and vegetables is also believed to help
promote lactation.

Women fear what is referred to as a ‘relapse’ if they become active too soon. This
involves extreme tiredness, weakness and chronic headache.

In the Philippines when a woman has a baby, she usually rests while her relatives do all
the housework and cooking. Many women can have difficulty coping with the daily
routine of looking after a baby in a country where they may not have the support of an
extended family.

Postpartum women may be massaged with coconut oil, with the aim of restoring their
lost health, expelling blood clots from the uterus, returning the uterus into a normal
position, and promoting lactation.
Some women perform various practices for the purpose of ‘drying out’ the womb. For
example, ‘mother roasting’ can involve lying beside a stove for up to 30 days, squatting

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Nur1208; Module 6: FILIPINO CULTURE, VALUES, AND PRACTICES IN RELATION TO MATERNAL AND CHILD CARE
Prepared by MCN FEU Faculty Lecturers
 FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY
INSTITUTE OF NURSING-
FIRST SEMESTER – AY 2020-2021
NCM 107 CARE OF MOTHER & CHILD, ADOLESCENT (WELL CLIENT)

over a burning clay stove, sitting on a chair over a heated stone or a pot with steaming
water, or bathing in smoke from smouldering leaves. In Australia, these practices may
be replaced by hot water bottles and placing a postpartum woman close to a heater.

Infant care
Traditionally, parents sleep with their
Infants and small children are thought
children or have their children sleep
to be susceptible to fright, which
with another relative, and do not
causes crying and trembling. A
separate them when they are ill.
traditional belief is that an infant may
be hexed by an admiring glance, but
Infant Feeding
many Filipinos in Australia are likely to
Colostrum is usually considered ‘dirty
be ambivalent or doubtful about such
milk’ and discarded. Some women
beliefs.
may be reluctant to feed colostrum to
their newborn, despite encouragement
Colds and rashes may be accepted as
by health professionals.
natural in young children, although
some may be regarded as serious. In
Breast feeding on demand is normal
rural Philippines, women will often
practice for rural Filipinas. Women
take a child with a cough to a
may adopt mixed feeding because of
traditional healer. Filipino women
the demands of work outside the
should be educated to contact health
home.
services if they notice any unusual
symptoms.
Some mothers believe that a mother’s
mood can be transmitted through
breast milk and therefore do not feed if
they feel sorrow or anger. Breast
feeding may also cease if the child
contracts diarrhoea, in case the illness
becomes worse.

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Nur1208; Module 6: FILIPINO CULTURE, VALUES, AND PRACTICES IN RELATION TO MATERNAL AND CHILD CARE
Prepared by MCN FEU Faculty Lecturers
 FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY
INSTITUTE OF NURSING-
FIRST SEMESTER – AY 2020-2021
NCM 107 CARE OF MOTHER & CHILD, ADOLESCENT (WELL CLIENT)

B. Myths and Beliefs related to Pregnancy

Common myths about pregnancy

If you are pregnant, you might be getting a lot of advice from well-meaning people. You
might be asking whether what they say is true. This article looks at some of the common
myths you might hear and provides some answers.

Myth: Eating peanuts and dairy can make your baby allergic to them
Truth: It’s perfectly safe to eat these foods unless you yourself are allergic to them, or if
your doctor advises you not to.

There are some foods that it’s best to avoid during pregnancy due to the risks in certain
harmful microbes. They include some soft cheeses, patés, raw meat or fish, raw or partly
cooked eggs, and soft-serve ice cream.

Read more on foods to avoid when pregnant.

Myth: There are ways you can tell if it’s a boy or a girl
Truth: The position of the baby in your tummy, holding a wedding ring over your
abdomen and watching in which direction it turns, or how active the baby is are all ways
you may had heard to tell if you are having a boy or a girl, but none of these methods
works. In many cases, an ultrasound scan can reveal the sex of your baby. It isn’t 100%

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 FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY
INSTITUTE OF NURSING-
FIRST SEMESTER – AY 2020-2021
NCM 107 CARE OF MOTHER & CHILD, ADOLESCENT (WELL CLIENT)

reliable, but you can ask the ultrasound technician to tell you what they can see. You can
also ask them not to tell you if you want to wait until the birth to find out.

Read more on antenatal tests during pregnancy.

Myth: I should be ‘eating for two’ while I’m pregnant

Truth: There is no evidence to show that you need to eat for two when you’re pregnant.
Overeating is bad for both you and your baby. Eating a healthy, balanced diet is what’s
important.

Myth: I shouldn’t have hot baths, dye my hair or exercise while pregnant
Truth: It’s perfectly safe to have a warm bath when pregnant, but avoid becoming too
hot. During pregnancy, hormonal changes might make you feel warmer than normal.

The low level of chemicals found in hair dye is generally thought to be safe. However, many
women still prefer to avoid dyeing their hair in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Most exercises that you did before pregnancy will be safe, but check with your doctor or
midwife. You might find you become breathless or feel hot more quickly during pregnancy.
As a general rule, a light to moderate level should allow you to hold a conversation as you
exercise when pregnant. If you become breathless as you talk, you’re probably exercising
too strenuously.

Read more about things you should avoid during pregnancy.

Myth: Morning sickness only happens in the morning

Truth: Nausea (and/or vomiting) during pregnancy can occur at any time of day, due to
changes in your hormones. For most women, it’s more common in the morning and
begins to improve after 3 months. But for some women, it’s different.

Learn more about how to deal with morning sickness.

Myth: I can’t have a cat in the house when I’m pregnant

Truth: There is no need to give away your pets when you become pregnant. A disease
called toxoplasmosis can be harmful to your unborn baby — you can become infected by

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Nur1208; Module 6: FILIPINO CULTURE, VALUES, AND PRACTICES IN RELATION TO MATERNAL AND CHILD CARE
Prepared by MCN FEU Faculty Lecturers
 FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY
INSTITUTE OF NURSING-
FIRST SEMESTER – AY 2020-2021
NCM 107 CARE OF MOTHER & CHILD, ADOLESCENT (WELL CLIENT)

handling cat’s faeces. Ask someone else to change your cat’s litter, or wear gloves to do
this — as well as when gardening — while you are pregnant.

Find out more about toxoplasmosis.

Myth: Cream can help avoid stretch marks

Truth: There is no evidence that creams or oils can remove or prevent stretch marks,
which often fade in time.

Read more about stretch marks.

Myth: My heartburn means my baby has lots of hair

Truth: One small research study showed there might be a connection between having
heartburn in pregnancy and the thickness of your baby’s hair. However, heartburn is
quite common in pregnancy.

Myth: It’s unsafe to hang washing on the line

Truth: Reaching up above your head and hanging washing on the line is safe. It is
unlikely that it will affect your baby’s umbilical cord in any way. Your midwife or doctor
will advise you if there are any activities that are unsafe for you in pregnancy.

Myth: I need to prepare my nipples for breastfeeding

Truth: There is no evidence that you need to prepare or tough your nipples before birth.

Learn more about breastfeeding before your baby is born.

Paglilihi, Usog, and other Filipino Pregnancy

Myth #1: "Paglilihi" or Pregnancy Cravings
Many Filipinos, to this day, believe that what
you eat and crave for during pregnancy has a
direct influence on the physical attributes of the
baby. However, scientific studies prove that
there is no link between paglilihi and the unborn
baby's physical attributes. As Genetics tell us,
our physical attributes are inherited from our
parents' and grandparents' set of genes and not from food cravings.

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Prepared by MCN FEU Faculty Lecturers
 FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY
INSTITUTE OF NURSING-
FIRST SEMESTER – AY 2020-2021
NCM 107 CARE OF MOTHER & CHILD, ADOLESCENT (WELL CLIENT)

Myth #2: Post-labor Stomach Binding

It is a common practice for Filipina women to bind their abdomen tightly after pregnancy,
believing that this practice helps the uterus to retract and gets the stomach back into shape.
However, scientific evidence suggests otherwise. Tying a cloth around one’s tummy can put
pressure on the uterus, causing it to bleed. It can also lead to further complications, especially if
you’ve experienced a C-section. Evidence also suggests that a combination of diet and mild
exercise is the best way to get back into shape after pregnancy.

Myth #3: Eating twin bananas may lead to twins

This myth has many variations, with some claiming that bananas lead to regular twins while
others insist on Siamese twins, which is a serious condition wherein twins are born with part of
their bodies joined together. However, this myth has no scientific basis, as twin development
happens purely by chance or because of your genes (for non-identical twins).

Myth #4: "Usog" or the Stranger's Evil Eye

Usog is an age-old Filipino superstition. The belief states that discomfort (fever, bloating,
nausea/vomiting) is brought to the baby by a stranger or visitor who is said to have an evil eye.
A simple greeting from the visitor is said to be enough to cause this curse. To counter the curse,
the stranger would need to say "pwera usog" while licking his thumb and applying saliva while
tracing a cross on the infant's forehead. Despite having no scientific basis or proof regarding the
occurrences of usog, many superstitious Filipinos believe in the practice to this date. However,
this superstition lacks scientific proof.

Despite the fact that many Filipino superstitions and myths lack scientific explanation, many
mothers-to-be still follow them by the letter for two reasons: the “better to be safe than sorry”
mentality, and out of respect for the elders or tradition. Some of these superstitions are
harmless, but do take extra care and always consult with your OB-gyne before subjecting
yourself or your baby to any healing or cleansing rituals. Keeping a healthy balance between
modern medicine and Filipino culture will ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy.

II. Maternal and Child Care Entrepreneurial Opportunities

A. Birthing clinics

B. Day care

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 FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY
INSTITUTE OF NURSING-
FIRST SEMESTER – AY 2020-2021
NCM 107 CARE OF MOTHER & CHILD, ADOLESCENT (WELL CLIENT)

II. Maternal and Child Care Entrepreneurial Opportunities

B. Day Care Center

Information for Starting a Day Care Center

Starting a day care center involves organization and planning. Operating a business that offers
high-quality, affordable child care provides a valuable service to parents and children. If you’re
considering opening a day care center, be sure you know and can follow all licensing, staffing
and certification standards.

Types

Day care centers are divided into two groups: home-based and center-based. A home-based
center, also known as a family day care center, is typically based in the owner’s home and
provides care for infants to preschool-age children. Center-based facilities, including
preschools, day care centers and Head Start centers, are fully staffed by licensed and certified
personnel, provide services from infancy through preschool, and may also have after-school
programs for elementary students. Employment opportunities for child care workers are
expected grow by 20 percent between 2010 and 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor
Statistics.

Licensing

Before a day care facility of any type can open to the public, a business license and various
certifications are needed. A compliance inspection, which includes a safety inspection, must be
completed before the center obtains a business license. Each state has its own regulations and
licensing process.

Staff

Day care center staff should have experience or degrees in child-related subject areas. Speech
therapists, child psychologists and nutritionists may also be hired, depending on the size of the
center and the needs of the children. States may require teachers and administrators to have
degrees, certificates or permits to work in a licensed facility; home-based center requirements

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Nur1208; Module 6: FILIPINO CULTURE, VALUES, AND PRACTICES IN RELATION TO MATERNAL AND CHILD CARE
Prepared by MCN FEU Faculty Lecturers
 FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY
INSTITUTE OF NURSING-
FIRST SEMESTER – AY 2020-2021
NCM 107 CARE OF MOTHER & CHILD, ADOLESCENT (WELL CLIENT)

are typically less stringent. Continuing education and annual training, such as CPR, may also be
required.

Financing

Day care businesses are typically financed through private funding or nonprofit grants. In some
locations, government grant money may be available to help improve local access to quality
care. Combining grants, loans and owner equity helps ensure that all start-up costs — such as
furniture, toys, bedding and administrative equipment — are covered. Regardless of the
funding source, creating a relationship with a local bank may be critical to the financial success
of a day care business.

Considerations

The center must carry adequate liability insurance to cover any negligence by employees or
accidents on the premises. In most states, day care centers must register the business with the
state. Having a clear policy manual for staff and parents, and following licensing, staff and
facility regulations are essential for the safety of the children entrusted to the center.

Requirements in Starting a Preschool in the Philippines

Even with the government’s K+12 program, there is still a huge demand for private preschools.
In fact, for those with the means, there may still be an incentive for parents to enrol their kids
in private preschools. There is also an opportunity for a preschool to later on grow to become
an elementary school after complying with the legal requirements.

The main government institutions that regulate the establishment of preschools is the
Department of Education (DepEd). These are some of the basic requirements that must be
comply with:

1. Complete the GPR-4 Form. This is the primary form provided by the DepEd for those
interested in applying for a Preschool, Day Care Center, Primary or Secondary schools.

2. Submit the Articles of Incorporation and By-laws. You must first register with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as you need to form a corporation and
acquire a corporate name.

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Prepared by MCN FEU Faculty Lecturers
 FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY
INSTITUTE OF NURSING-
FIRST SEMESTER – AY 2020-2021
NCM 107 CARE OF MOTHER & CHILD, ADOLESCENT (WELL CLIENT)

3. Present Copy of the Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) and document of ownership of the
school site or copy of Lease Contract (at least 10 years).

4. Find an acceptable location and determine the size of the preschool. The proposed site
must not be hazardous to health or morality, and the location must be conducive to the
learning process. The area must be a minimum of 500 square meters, although a
minimum of 200 square meters is allowed if there is an open space to complete the
requirement that is not more than 200 meters away. Note that classrooms used by
preschool children must be on the ground floor only.

5. Present a certification of bank deposit. Besides the usual requirement of the SEC to
show the paid-up capital, the DepEd requires certification that sufficient funds are
available to run the school’s operation for at least one year.

6. Present a proposed budget. Create a planned budget and forecast of expenditures for
the next year, as approved by the Board of Trustees/ Directors.

7. Plan on campus development and list of facilities. This would include all those necessary
in order to properly teach the listed courses along with the support services. Note that
pictures of the site, rooms and facilities are also required.

8. List of personnel and qualifications. This should include school administrators and both
teaching and non-teaching personnel.

9. Bond Agreement. This is in the amount of 1,000 per course with a maximum of
PhP5,000 per school regardless of the number of courses.

10. Be reminded that requirements change; do verify with the DepEd for the most current
rules. Remember, too, that preschools must be handled not only as a business but also
as a place where young minds are first formally molded. You must also have a passion to
impart education besides the profit motive.

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Prepared by MCN FEU Faculty Lecturers
 FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY
INSTITUTE OF NURSING-
FIRST SEMESTER – AY 2020-2021
NCM 107 CARE OF MOTHER & CHILD, ADOLESCENT (WELL CLIENT)

LEARNING RESOURCES:
[Link]
believe/
[Link]
[Link] )
[Link]
help-it-regain-its-pre-pregnancy-shape
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]

LEARNING ACTIVITES

1. Group Activity

o Create a feasibility study if you are to put up a nurse – owned lying in /day care
center

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