OMUGWO
There are several customs and traditions that are peculiar to the different communities in Nigeria and one of these is the special care that is provided to new mothers. Amongst the Igbos in South-Eastern Nigeria, this practice is called Omugwo. Omugwo is the term for the traditional custom of postpartum care of new mothers. New mothers are cared for by their experienced mothers, mothers-in-law, or older aunties. Caregivers help and support new mothers during the first 40 days of a child’s life.
The visiting mothers take on most of the household chores, caring for both the new mother and the baby. One of the most important tasks of the caregiver is to apply hot water compress on the belly of the new mum. This is expected to help the new mother regain her pre-pregnancy body swiftly.
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In addition to caring for the new mother’s body, caregivers prepare special food to aid the quick recovery and internal healing of the new mother. These foods are usually prepared with certain spices such as uda and utazi seeds, and herbs such as utazi and uziza leaves. The seeds and herbs cleanse the blood, reduce blood clots, stimulate appetite as well as reduce pain. The food is usually spicy and includes ji mmiri oku, ofe nsala, fish pepper soup eaten with a side of agidi, rich soups prepared with okporoko, dry fish, and snail.
The experienced mothers help in bathing and caring for the new baby, soothing them when they are irritable, providing insights on what might likely be the cause, and what to do in such cases to bring comfort to a crying baby. Mothers are generally happy to take on the roles and be of help to their daughters during these periods.
Omugwo is a great support system to help transition young parents into their new life and deter postpartum depression and anxiety. Omugwo has been credited with reducing postpartum depression and its effects. This is not surprising as a new mother is supported by this system while she adjusts to the new baby and additional responsibilities.
After the Omugwo period, which can last up to three months or more, caregivers return home with appreciation gifts and well wishes.
Omugwo is one of the most important and oldest traditions of the Igbo people.
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