Omugwo is a traditional Igbo custom of postpartum care for the new mother and baby.
It is a practice that has been passed down from generation to generation, and it involves the mother’s mother or mother-in-law coming to stay with the new family for a period of time, usually 40 days, to help them adjust to their new roles and responsibilities.
Omugwo is more than just a physical assistance, it is also a cultural and spiritual support that strengthens the bond between the mother, the baby, and the extended family.
What are the benefits of Omugwo?
Omugwo has many benefits for the new mother and baby, as well as the grandmother and the rest of the family. Some of the benefits are:
- It helps the mother recover from the stress and trauma of childbirth, by providing her with nutritious meals, massages, herbal baths, and rest.
- It helps the baby thrive, by ensuring that the mother has enough breast milk, that the baby is well-fed, bathed, clothed, and protected from infections and evil spirits.
- It helps the grandmother feel valued and respected, by giving her the opportunity to share her wisdom, experience, and love with the new generation.
- It helps the father and other siblings cope with the changes in the family, by relieving them of some of the household chores and childcare duties, and by involving them in the celebration and appreciation of the new life.
What are the challenges of Omugwo?
Omugwo is not without its challenges, especially in the modern world, where lifestyles, beliefs, and expectations may differ from the traditional ones. Some of the challenges are:
- It may cause conflicts between the mother and the grandmother, if they have different opinions on how to care for the baby, or if the mother feels that the grandmother is interfering too much or not respecting her privacy.
- It may cause inconvenience for the grandmother, if she has to travel a long distance, leave her own home and responsibilities, or adjust to a different environment and routine.
- It may cause resentment or jealousy among other relatives, if they feel that the grandmother is favoring one daughter over another, or that the new mother is receiving too much attention or pampering.
- It may cause health risks for the mother or the baby, if the grandmother is not aware of the latest medical advice or best practices, or if she insists on using outdated or harmful methods.
How can Omugwo be made easier and more enjoyable?
Omugwo can be a wonderful and rewarding experience for everyone involved, if they are willing to communicate, compromise, and cooperate with each other. Here are some tips on how to make omugwo easier and more enjoyable:
- For the mother: Be grateful for the help and support that the grandmother is offering, and show her respect and appreciation. Be open to learning from her, but also assert your own preferences and decisions. Be honest about your feelings and needs, and ask for help when you need it. Be flexible and adaptable, but also set some boundaries and limits. Be patient and understanding, but also stand up for yourself and your baby.
- For the grandmother: Be sensitive and supportive of the mother and the baby, and respect their individuality and choices. Be generous and helpful, but also give them some space and privacy. Be knowledgeable and experienced, but also acknowledge the new developments and trends. Be confident and assertive, but also listen and compromise. Be loving and caring, but also let go and trust.
- For the father and other siblings: Be involved and engaged in the care of the mother and the baby, and show them your love and attention. Be respectful and appreciative of the grandmother, and learn from her. Be helpful and responsible, but also have some fun and relaxation. Be supportive and encouraging, but also express your own feelings and concerns. Be a team player and a peacemaker, but also have your own voice and identity.
