Okay Ba Ang 'Kontra Usog' Bracelet Para Kay Baby? Moms and Pedia Say No, These Are Harmful

It’s 2022, yet there are still pamahiins that are being passed onto first-time moms, about caring for their newborn.

While some moms have no choice but to follow their family traditions because of the mindset “wala namang mawawala pag ginawa,” some moms are also speaking out to warn other moms about the dangers of these myths.

Recently, an anonymous mama asked a question in the Smart Parenting Village about using “kontra-usog” bracelets and bangles. She said she wants to buy one for her baby, but she’s having second thoughts because her husband doesn’t agree with her. 

Moms were quick to respond to her question, majority of them said, No. Don't. 

Mommy Lorna Rodriguera said, she never considered buying kontra-usog bracelets. While she believes that "usog" can happen to others due to stress and negative energy, she believes there are other means to counter the "usog" without “lawayan” or resorting to unsanitary practices.

“Still the best prevention for me is to keep your baby healthy (well-rested and well-fed). Also avoid letting people (especially kids) touch your LO's hands and face. No to kissing as well.” 

Mommy Dyet Zoe Salcedo says, “I believe in "usog" or "buyag" in our term (bisaya). But I don't believe in bracelets or any accessories for kids especially newborns. Choking hazard po kasi. Big no din po for "lawayan". Maraming sakit po na pwede makuha.”  

She shares that what she does instead is to pray and meditate with her kid. "Bad omen/negative energy is also part of our lives so I'm dusting it off with prayers without harming my kid's health. And also, have deep faith with the Divine being." 

It's also a no for Mommy Mia Gracia Gabayan-Pedros, “Usog ang tawag kapag fussy si baby dahil sa kabag or madalas growth spurt na normal lang sa kanila. Never din ako nagpalaway sa anak ko miski sa paa. Yucky!” 

'Unnecessary things'

Dr. Sally Fuentes-Dela Rosa, a pediatrician based in Manila, shared with Smart Parenting a post on her Facebook page about an 8-month-old infant who ingested a safety pin or perdible. 

In her post dated August 19, 2020, Dr. Sally explained her side when it comes to using kontra-usog bracelets and items.  She says, she calls the attention of her patient's parents whenever she sees 'unnecessary things' clipped or attached to their babies.

"My usual line goes like this (in verbatim), “Mommy, nirerespeto ko po mga paniniwala ninyo pero mas concern po ako sa safety ng anak niyo. Paki-alis nyo na lang po itong mga porselas pati naka-pardibleng ‘anting-anting’ o ‘kontra-usog’ sa kanila at baka malulon po nila nang di niyo namamalayan."

Dr. Sally adds, "The radiograph film below is of an actual patient, taken last August 17, 2020, is one clear example why I keep on emphasizing these things. Not only do I refute superstitions for its irrationality, non-biblical and unscientific basis but for the more important reason of the hazard it oftentimes pose our little ones into.” 

 

She further elaborated on the impact of foreign body ingestion to babies, with reference to a study.

“Foreign body (FB) ingestion in children is common and most children are observed to be between 6 months and 3 years of age. Although most FBs in the gastrointestinal tract pass spontaneously without complications, endoscopic or surgical removal may be required in a few children."

Is usog real? 

Dr. Sally explains, “Siguro if there's one thing that can explain "usog" scientifically, it would be more on such stage in the development which we call, "stranger anxiety." 

She said that this is manifested when a child cries in the presence of an unfamiliar person, normally starts at 8 months of age and can last up to 2 years.  

“Such kind of anxiety, if not handled well or becomes too overwhelming for the infant or child to bear, can disrupt further their internal milieu thereby causing further stress-- manifested thereafter by incessant crying or fusiness (leading to colic or "kabag" due to excessive gas accumulation or swallowed air), followed thereafter by other gastrointestinal distress and so on.” 

Tips to keep baby safe 

Dr. Sally emphasizes, that it would be better for parents to think of ways so that babies will not be put in an overwhelming or stressful environment once they face an unfamiliar person or scenario for the first time. 

"This can be done in many ways: shifting them in more comfortable position while being held from time to time will be of help. Giving them a gentle massage while creating soothing familiar sounds.

"Breastfeeding can also help to calm them further. Inform the guest or unfamiliar person to approach the baby in a calm manner and soft tone rather that getting too giddy and excited which can irritate or overwhelm the baby. 

"The decision whether parents would still opt to believe in "usog" is entirely up to them. We maintain respect with these beliefs/ superstitions BUT must not cloud their judgement especially if it may impose harm or risk of getting harm to the child. Safety first, as they say," Dr. Sally concludes.

At the end of the day, babies are entirely dependent upon their parents. They develop their sense of trust and comfort primarily to the ones who are looking after them.