Modupe has said it all. It's Yoruba belief to Wade off bad children from entering your Tommy by pushing out the good one. As in Emere, Ogbanje. As a devouted Muslim, I don't believe in that stuff but we have prayers for protection either you are a Muslim or christian. So, be steadfast in prayer and all those will never be your portion by God's grace.

It is one of Yoruba superstition to ward off evil eye's, witches&wizards, emere and abiku (fetish child/still birth). As much as I don't believe in it, my biological mum forced me on so many occasions to use it, lol. The most important thing is to pray everyday against all evil eyes and bad premonition.

You can ask her,its not rude,its your body.