Traditional Maternal Practices and Exclusive Breastfeeding: Cultural Interpretation and Maternal Decision-Making in the Zamboanga Peninsula

Traditional beliefs and practices continue to shape maternal and infant care in the Zamboanga Peninsula, influencing how mothers understand and practice exclusive breastfeeding (EBF). This qualitative study will compare the interpretations of pregnancy- and breastfeeding-related traditions among two types of mothers: those who practiced EBF and those who did not. Data were derived from interviews with 21 informants and focus group discussions involving 112 participants. Findings reveal that mothers across groups shared practices such as food taboos, hilots, spiritual protection, and emotional regulation, but differed in their application and interpretation. Mothers who practiced EBF also show a tendency to bypass conventional belief and incorporate the biomedical instructions utilizing rituals, food supplement, and warmth as complementing tools. Conversely, the non-EBF mothers implemented the same beliefs more strictly, which resulted in feeding avoidance, early mixed feeding, or discontinuation. The misperceptions and the fear-driven interpretations were found to be stronger in case of non-EBF participants. It shows that traditions are not barriers, rather their interpretation determines the outcomes of breastfeeding. Culturally infused, breastfeeding enhancement that involves the elderly, partners and traditional medicine can empower EBF continuity. KeywordsExclusive Breastfeeding, Traditional Practices, Maternal Beliefs, Cultural Health Systems