Becoming a mother is one of the most wonderful experiences a woman can endure and the process of childbirth, especially with so many processes over the years, are also exciting and educational.
Moreso in the United States, for example, women will either have a baby vaginally or through a C-section, heal for 1-4 days in a hospital, go home, take it easy, eat a healthy diet and that's it (also they are to take it easy for however long recommended). In other countries, that process is different. One case is found in Nigeria where over the years the "indigenous knowledge" deals with postpartum maternal and child health care.
The story reads as follows:
During a four-week period after birth called 'Omugwo'" the mother and the child are secluded and relieved from all other chores they are cared for by the grandmother of the new born. The new mother is given a stimulating hot soup made with dried fish meat yams plenty of pepper and a special herbal seasoning called 'udah' which makes the uterus contract and thus helps in expelling of blood clots. The diet helps to restore blood lost during childbirth to restore energy, facilitate the healing of wounds and restores normal bodily functions and promotes lactation. For the first time mother, the time is utilized to receive parental and house keeping practices from her mother.
The IK knowledge here is "Omugwo" The most important lesson learned in this example is that health care programs need to acknowledge the 'Omugwo' rites and integrate them in their assistance strategies.
You need to be a member of Urgent Evoke to add comments!
Join Urgent Evoke