Philippines

A series of 7,107 islands in southeast Asia, the Philippines has a population of well over 88 million people. Most Filipinos feel that the primary function of a couple is to produce children, and until a baby is born, the family is not complete. If a couple has fertility issues, they are likely to adopt. Children are thought to bring good luck to a family, and traditionally, the more children born, the more blessed a family is. Most Filipinos believe that nearly all of the wants and needs of expectant mothers should be fulfilled or the baby may be born unhealthy. It is also conventionally believed that the soon-to-be mother and baby are vulnerable to supernatural beings, and may wear amulets for protection.

The Philippines has ...