The traditional post-delivery care offered by experienced older women to new mothers, popularly known as “Omugwo,” in Igbo land is helping many women find rest, healing, and shielding them from sliding into depression after going through the stress of pregnancy. JANET OGUNDEPO reports on how this age-old cultural practice centred on postpartum care curbs loneliness, nurtures newborns, promote breastfeeding and aids faster recovery of women after childbirth
But for the timely support of her pastor’s wife, mother and husband, a first-time mum, Mrs Oyinkansola Esan, might have slipped into postpartum depression.
After a caesarean section and longer recovery time from the effects of the general anaesthesia she was given, the reality of new motherhood began to sink in.
“I woke up and someone told me, ‘You have a baby.’ My brain took almost two months to process that I had a child,” she recalled, her voice soft but steady.
Far from home and temporarily out of work, Esan’s saving grace came in the form of a small but strong support circle; first her pastor’s wife, her husband, and later, her mother, who flew in from Nigeria to the United Kingdom for “Omugwo.”
“The emotional support was there right from birth. My pastor’s wife stayed with me, and when my mum arrived, she took over the cooking, cleaning, and caring for the baby. My husband also helped a lot,” she told PUNCH Healthwise.
For the young mother, who describes herself as a “C-section mom,” those weeks of help were the difference between recovery and falling into depression.
“I was able to rest well and sleep. The only time I get to see my baby is when she needs to be fed, and after that, she’s taken away so I can rest. So, the recovery stage was fast,” she said with a laugh as she relived the experience of the past few months.
“If not for my mum and husband, I would have been totally depressed,” she admitted, “because when you see a child and you can’t connect immediately, it can be overwhelming. Having someone to care for the baby did not make me feel depressed.”
For a mother of two and midwife, Nurse Vivian, an Ika woman from Edo State, the tradition of “Omugwo” goes beyond just post-delivery care; it is a sacred bonding period between mother and daughter.
“In my culture, it’s usually the woman’s mother who goes for Omugwo. She comes with different native foods meant for the new mother’s recovery and stays for at least three months before returning home,” she told PUNCH Healthwise.
Nurse Vivian further narrated how her mother’s delayed arrival after her first delivery taught her the true value of that support system.
She added that while postpartum depression can have many causes, family support through “Omugwo” reduces the stress that often overwhelms new mothers.
What is PPD?
Loneliness and lack of postpartum care and support have been identified as the most common triggers of postpartum depression.
Maternal health and mental health experts who spoke to PUNCH Healthwise state that postpartum depression, PPD, is a mood disorder that mostly affects new mothers, but sometimes fathers or partners.
They noted that the condition often went undiagnosed and usually develops within the first few weeks after delivery, but can last up to a year if untreated.
They listed symptoms of postpartum or postnatal depression to include irritability, sleep problems, mood changes, thoughts about suicide and even death sometimes. Also, difficulty in sleeping, changes in appetite, agitation, nervousness, restlessness, and anxiety.
They further note that globally, PPD affects about 10 to 19 per cent of women, but in Nigeria and other low- and middle-income countries, the figure may rise as high as 23 per cent.
While the condition was treatable, the experts say early identification of symptoms and a proper diagnosis were important.
Why postnatal care?
According to the World Health Organisation, the postnatal or postpartum period is a critical phase in the lives of mothers and newborn babies.
It notes that most maternal and infant deaths occur during this time, yet it is the most neglected period for the provision of quality care.
The WHO, therefore, recommends postnatal care for nursing mothers and their babies upon delivery.
In Nigeria, such care is provided by experienced family members, usually grandmothers, aunts and older female relatives of the newborn, often referred to as “Omugwo.”
“Omugwo”: Traditional postpartum care
In most African and Nigerian homes, it is common to see older female relatives visit and temporarily live with the new mother.
The relative, which could be the new mother’s mother, mother-in-law, aunt or older sister, assists by bathing the baby, cooking for the family and guests, carrying the baby, and handling household chores, allowing the new mum to rest and recover quickly.
It is also a time for the new mother to learn how to care for the baby, relieving her of the anxiety and loneliness she would have faced without the help.
This practice, though widely known as “omugwo,” is called different names across various Nigerian tribes, each with its own unique customs and traditions surrounding postnatal care.
According to the Igbo English dictionary, Nkowa okwu, “Omugwo” is an Igbo word which means “a three-month exclusive care period for a woman that gave birth.”
In Yoruba, it is called “Olójòjò”, “Ìbójúmò” or “Ìtoju omo tuntun”, meaning “caring for the newborn.”
In Ibibio, it is called “Kuk uman.” In Hausa, it is called “Wankan Jego”, literally meaning “the bath of the new mother and in Nupe, “Ewo Pata” or “Etsuwo”, meaning the care or bathing after delivery.
“Omugwo,” a blessing
Similarly, a businesswoman and mother of two from Oyo State, Anuoluwapo Akute, credits her swift recovery to the care she received from her in-laws and church members.
“I had help from my mother-in-law, my sister, and church members. It helped with my recovery because it allowed me to have uninterrupted sleep and rest. My only task during that period was to rest,” she said.
She described her mother-in-law’s presence as a blessing.
“She was so caring, she cooked, washed, cleaned, rocked the baby to sleep and handled everything. That gave me room to heal and bond with my baby. I wasn’t stressed or overwhelmed at all,” she recounted.
“Kuk uman”
Among the Ibibio tribe of Akwa Ibom State in the South-South region, “Omugwo” is referred to as “Kuk uman.”
Here, the mother and mother-in-law of the new mum arrive shortly before delivery and take turns staying for up to three months after the baby’s birth.
Shedding light on the practice, a digital creator from the Ibibio tribe, Mrs Alma Etuk, tells PUNCH Healthwise that in the weeks before and after the birth of her three children, her mother and mother-in-law took turns caring for her and the baby.
Describing “Kuk uman” as a “beautiful time,” Etuk adds, “My mother arrived shortly before the baby came and helped to prepare me for the birth. Coming back from the hospital, the extra care commenced: bathing the baby, massaging the baby and me with special oils and clay and preparing special pepper soup with spices to help remove the after-birth fluids from my system, which was done almost daily.”
Aside from the care of the baby and new mom, the mum of three says her mother helped in the meal preparation and cooking for the continuous stream of guests who came to welcome the newborn.
This, Etuk says, helped her “to rest a lot and bond with my baby. This culture is priceless.”
Now a grandmother herself, the digital creator has proudly kept the tradition alive. She has performed “kuk uman” twice and says she looks forward to doing it a few more times.
During that period, she bathes and tends to the baby, massages the new mother with hot water and special oils, and often shares the joyful experience with the other grandmother.
The new mum is left feeling pampered, well-rested, and with “no time for postpartum depression,’ Etuk tells PUNCH Healthwise.
“Omugwo” promotes exclusive breastfeeding
For an Ibadan resident, Adenike Afolabi, having her relatives come for “omugwo” helped her bond with her baby and practice exclusive breastfeeding.
Grateful for the emotional and physical support she receives, the Cash Officer says the experience prevented her from loneliness and sliding into depression.
“My mother-in-law, little sister and husband were all around from day one. Having them around made my recovery so easy. They took care of the cooking, cleaning, and washing of the baby’s clothes, while I focused on my baby and recovery. It gave me peace of mind and helped me a lot emotionally, and prevented me from being overwhelmed with the chores. It prevented me from having depression because I was always surrounded by love and laughter, and I never felt lonely,” Afolabi told PUNCH Healthwise.
Unarguably, the traditional postpartum care comes with its downsides. Many new mothers report how they had to care for themselves, the baby and the visiting relative, leading to a more stressful time.
However, experts advise getting the right kind of support, one that prioritises the mother’s physical and emotional recovery, and setting clear boundaries with relatives to prevent additional stress during the critical postpartum period.
“Etsuwo” aids recovery, prevents depression
A Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto, Prof Abubakar Panti, says traditional postpartum care practices such as “Omugwo”, also known as “Wankan Jego” in Hausa and Ojojo Omo” among the Yoruba, help nursing mothers recover faster after childbirth and prevent them from falling into postpartum depression.
He described postpartum depression as a mood disorder that mostly affects recently delivered women, but sometimes fathers or partners.
He noted that it usually develops within the first few weeks after delivery but can last up to a year if untreated.
Panti said, “After childbirth, a woman’s body goes through a lot of hormonal and physical changes. Hormones such as estrogen and progesterone drop rapidly, and this can affect mood regulation. Coupled with physical exhaustion, sleep deprivation, and the emotional stress of adjusting to new responsibilities, many mothers can easily feel overwhelmed.”
The maternal expert further stated that women who lack family or community support are at greater risk of postpartum depression.
“Support is crucial. A new mother needs rest, help with baby care, and time to recover. If no one is there to help, sleep deprivation and fatigue can set in, and that can quickly escalate into depression,” he said.
Panti described the symptoms of postpartum depression as persistent sadness, hopelessness, emptiness, lack of energy, loss of interest in activities, and poor bonding with the baby. In severe cases, some women may experience anxiety, panic attacks, or even thoughts of self-harm, which he warned are medical emergencies.
Treatment, he said, often involves counselling, medication and practical support at home. That is where our traditional systems like “Omugwo” come in.
He explained that among the Hausa, “Wakan jego” literally means “the bathing and care of the new mother.”
“It involves ritual baths with warm water, nourishing meals like millet pap, kunu, and herbal soups believed to restore energy and aid milk production. Though some old practices like excessive hot baths should be discouraged for safety reasons, the essence of Wankan jego, rest, seclusion, and care, remains very beneficial,” he said.
Similarly, in the Yoruba and Nupe cultures, the elderly helper prepares traditional soups to help the mother regain strength.
The don added, “After childbirth, a woman needs to heal from blood loss, hormonal changes, and, in cases of caesarean section, surgical wounds. When there is someone to help with chores, cooking, and baby care, the mother can rest and regain her strength faster,” he said.
He added that “Omugwo” also serves as a learning period for new mothers, as experienced relatives guide them on proper breastfeeding techniques, bathing the baby, and recognising the baby’s needs.
“This builds confidence and reduces anxiety. The mother feels supported and cared for, and that strengthens her bond with the baby,” he said.
Beyond the physical benefits, Panti highlighted the emotional value of these traditional practices. “Having a trusted, caring person nearby prevents loneliness and isolation, two major triggers of postpartum depression. It’s not just about help with chores; it’s the feeling that someone truly understands what you’re going through.”
He described Omugwo and its equivalents as “a blend of care, culture, and psychology.”
“It reinforces family unity and the idea that raising a child is a community responsibility. It’s a way of passing down wisdom while ensuring that no mother goes through the early weeks alone,” he said.
Panti urged expectant mothers to plan for support even before delivery.
“Before the baby arrives, discuss with family or friends who can help. It could be your mother, sister, or even a trusted neighbour,” he advised.
The reproductive health expert also encouraged mothers to accept help without guilt. “Many women want to prove they can do everything, but asking for help is not a weakness. Let others handle the chores while you rest, heal, and focus on your baby.”
He recommended that mothers prioritise rest, eat balanced meals, stay hydrated, and maintain emotional connections with loved ones. For those far from home, he suggested seeking virtual or community-based support where available.
“Above all, no mother should go through the early weeks after childbirth alone,” the maternal health expert says.
Also, a professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom, Aniekan Abasiattai, explained that while the condition was common, it was not readily recognised, and many women were unaware of the symptoms.
The don further stated that the actual cause of postpartum depression is unknown.
“Also, physicians themselves may not recognise the symptoms as being attributable to postpartum depression. Also, the trend of the relationship between mental health disorders and stigmatisation and ostracisation in this country. So, those are the factors that surround the rate, frequency or prevalence of postpartum depression,” Abasiattai said.
The maternal health expert further noted that women who had depressive illness during pregnancy were at higher risk of depression after childbirth and depression in subsequent pregnancies.
Need for emotional support
The don, however, noted that women without emotional, family and financial support were at risk of the condition.
“Those who have adolescent pregnancies, those who are unemployed or have unplanned pregnancies, those with a history of sexual abuse, those who have still births, either their babies died during pregnancy, or their babies died after delivery, are at a higher risk of developing that.
“Those who lack support from family and friends, have complicated pregnancies or complicated births, have experienced a lot of stressful situations during pregnancy, and those who encounter intimate partner violence, and marital and partner conflicts, have an increased risk of coming down with postpartum depression after childbirth,” the gynaecologist said.
How “Omugwo” is helping
The researcher on Community Obstetrics and Fetomaternal Medicine further noted that the practice of “Omugwo” in Nigeria and other African countries helped to reduce the rate of women experiencing the condition.
“For example, the Omugwo that is practised in certain parts of Nigeria, where the mother or mother-in-law cares for the new mother for a period of between one month after birth to six months. This supports her emotionally, takes care of any stressors, and then stabilises her. So that is reported to possibly reduce the risk.
“Also, the communal type of living in our traditional societies, particularly in rural areas, where women who deliver and are catered for by community members, family members, who tend to support these women and help them take care of the baby, provide the necessary family support, has been shown to probably reduce the risk of development of this disorder,” Abasiattai stated.
He emphasised that the support shown by families to the new mother, especially towards the child’s naming ceremony, has also been reported to help reduce the risk.
The maternal health expert said, “You know, it gives the mother a high spirit. It helps reduce the risk of postpartum depression. This practice gives the behaviour or social practices, socio-cultural practices that are common in our part of the world, have also been shown to assist or reduce the development of postpartum depression.
“Like in my place, when a woman delivers, immediately after delivery and the next two to three days after, she will spend between a month and two to three months with her mother, and during that period, she will not be allowed to do anything but attend to the baby. It’s an interesting practice that has its own advantages.”
He also stressed that the condition was treatable, emphasising the need for early identification of the symptoms and proper prognosis.
The gynaecologist mentioned that early and regular antenatal care could help prevent the condition, stating that lessons received during the sessions would have prepared new mothers for the journey of motherhood, as well as identify those at a higher risk of the condition.
Abasiattai urged new mothers to maintain a healthy lifestyle after delivery, ensure they get adequate sleep, good exercise and avoid the intake of alcohol and recreational drugs, which will tend to worsen mood swings and worsen the symptoms of postpartum depression.
Omugwo: For mother’s mental health
For his part, a Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr Samuel Aladejare, says that the traditional postpartum care system can reduce the stress that often predisposes women to postpartum depression.
He explains that while common symptoms include low mood, tiredness, and loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities, in some cases, the new mother may reject her baby or find it difficult to bond,” he explained.
Aladejare added, “Globally, postpartum depression affects about 10 to 19 per cent of women, but in Nigeria and other low- and middle-income countries, the figure can rise as high as 23 per cent.”
He noted that the higher rate in countries like Nigeria is linked to social and economic stressors, including lack of support, financial hardship, and the physical exhaustion that comes with caring for a newborn alone.
“The main risk factors for postpartum depression are social. When a new mother doesn’t have enough help, she’s constantly washing, cleaning, not sleeping well, and there’s financial pressure, the chances of depression increase,” he said.
The psychiatrist highlighted that practices such as “Omugwo” can play a preventive role by easing the new mother’s workload and providing emotional and physical support.
“The hallmark of “Omugwo” is that the grandmother, sister, or aunt comes around to help with chores like bathing the baby, cooking, and washing, giving the new mother time to rest and recover.
“Having someone experienced around also provides emotional support and reassurance, especially for first-time mothers who are anxious or unsure,” Aladejare explained.
However, he warned that while Omugwo is largely beneficial, it can sometimes create tension in homes if boundaries are not respected.
“There are instances where conflicts arise, for example, when the mother or mother-in-law oversteps her role or becomes the subject of disagreement between the couple. In some rare cases, such conflicts can even worsen stress for the new mother,” the mental health expert added.
Aladejare further described postpartum depression as a treatable mental health condition if detected early and managed by professionals.
He said, “It is one of the mental illnesses with a good prognosis if treated early. With medication, therapy, and strong social support, mothers can recover fully and bond well with their babies.”
He cautioned, however, that untreated postpartum depression could affect the mother and child as “the mother may not feed or bond with the baby properly, and in extreme cases, she could develop harmful thoughts toward herself or the child.”