Maternal Care

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 facilitated the healing of wounds and restores normal bodily functions and promotes lactation. For a first time mother the time is utilized to receive parental and house keeping practices from her mother.

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

This makes me remember about this idea: http://www.changemakers.com/en-us/node/67265