What are some common myths and family beliefs you’ve encountered during pediatric postings?
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During my pediatrics rotations in Georgia I have seen people having a small area dedicated to worship near the rooms for new born babies and mothers (mostly in the old hospitals). They worship goddess Samdzimari who is goddess of fertility and is considered to be blessing over the mother and the child.
Sometimes it is amazing to how different cultures has so many similarities 
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Interesting!
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I’ve seen a lot of superstitions practicing in india. Practically none in the US, they go by science.
In India, for eg giving honey to the newborn, applying Black spot on the forehead, to doing jadu Tona/ Jhaad foonk, or applying tabeez, the practices galore. For Jaundice and for typhoid fever, these practices are very common. For measles and chickenpox, we Indians have our own set of rituals that are beyond my comprehension:hushed_face:
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Education is one thing, but developing scientific temperament is another thing. So, let us hope things improve.
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Well said.. in rural area myths for not providing colostrum is also highly prevelant
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During pediatric postings, I’ve often heard families believe that teething causes fever or that vaccines can make kids seriously ill.
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During pediatric postings, I often heard things like “teething causes fever,” or “cold foods cause colds.” Many parents feared vaccines or trusted home remedies more. Some believed a chubby baby means a healthy one—common but not always true!
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In pediatric care, some cultural beliefs and superstitions can impact treatment and care.
For example, in some cultures, certain illnesses might be attributed to supernatural causes rather than medical ones.
Healthcare providers should be aware of these beliefs to provide culturally sensitive care and effectively communicate with families.
By understanding and respecting these perspectives, providers can build trust and improve health outcomes for children.
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- honey as a pre lacteal feed *
One of the most common superstition we ever had in society..!
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True! Botulism is a real risk.
I have been posted to a rural health care centre in the pediatric department and these are some rural superstitions I came across,
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as soon as the child is born, cow dung is applied in the umbilical stump to promote good health.
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We all know exclusive breastfeed for six months is important, however villagers tend to give honey in earlier days of childbirth
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seeking medical help on Tuesdays and Saturdays is evil
our opd was usually empty on those days -
seizures are caused due to witchcraft and they should kill the child in order to ward off evil. This is a real incident which happened. Things actually started to go out of control but eventually it got managed