Ocean Deep: Lived Experiences of Sama-Badjao on Pregnancy, Labor, and Delivery

Abstract

Indigenous peoples have prevailed as a general term for many years. This refers to a tribes, first peoples, aboriginals, and ethnic groups. Indigenous Peoples are culturally distinct societies. Among those were Sama-Badjaos. They usually live in areas that are very rich in terms of natural resources but they are often among the poorest, and most marginalized, and neglected groups in the society. (United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, 2015). The Sama-Badjao mothers have poor pre-natal check-up or health seeking behavior as they seek traditional hilots, taking herbal medicines and having home deliveries. Objective This study aims to explore the lived experiences of Sama-Badjao on pregnancy, labor and delivery. This research study was guided by the question “What are your lived experiences on pregnancy, labor, and delivery? Method Qualitative phenomenological design was used. Moreover, purposive sampling was used to determine the number of respondents. In depth interviews and audio recordings were the main data gathering tools used. The themes that emerged in this study were: Mermaid’s Hand, Diving for Pearls and Shells Comfort. Likewise, Sama-Badjao mothers have poor health seeking behavior. They were satisfied with the services of their traditional hilots and they have very limited knowledge on the maternal and child health care services. These beliefs, culture, traditions and practices have been carried out through oral tradition, from generation to generation, from mothers to their daughters or from husband to panday. The maternal and child care experiences of Sama-Badjao traces back on their culture and tradition. Meanwhile, the research on Lived Experiences among Sama-Badjao on pregnancy, labor, and delivery in the City of San Fernando, La Union provides a good insight for everyone. The beliefs, culture, traditions and practices have been carried out through oral tradition, from generation to generation, from mothers to daughters or from husband to panday. The maternal and child care experiences of Sama-Badjao traces back on culture and tradition. Meanwhile, the research on Lived Experiences among Sama-Badjao on pregnancy, labor, and delivery in the City of San Fernando, La Union provides a good insight for everyone. An advocacy program can be crafted so as to heighten the awareness of Sama-Badjao mothers on maternal and child care.