In the face of economic hardship in Nigeria, the traditional postpartum rest period, known as “Omugwo,” is increasingly becoming a luxury for many mothers. The dire economic situation has compelled women to return to work shortly after childbirth, compromising their health and well-being.
Typically, Nigerian women would observe a period of rest ranging from one to three months after giving birth, during which time they receive care and support from family members, particularly their mothers or mothers-in-law. However, economic pressures have forced many women to abandon this tradition and resume work within days of delivery.
Mrs. Beatrice Akere, a hairstylist and mother of two, resumed work just ten days after giving birth to her second child. She cited financial obligations and the need to meet savings targets as reasons for cutting short her postpartum rest.
Similarly, Mrs. Hannah Chukwuma, a seamstress, only observed two weeks of rest after delivery due to financial constraints. She and her husband struggled to afford transportation for her mother to assist with Omugwo, a traditional practice that has become increasingly rare in the face of economic challenges.
Even mothers who traditionally received support from family members during Omugwo are now finding it difficult to observe the rest period. Mrs. Foluke Hakeem recounted how her daughter, living in Abuja, resumed work after just three weeks of postpartum rest, as her husband could not afford her mother’s transportation expenses.
This trend highlights the harsh realities faced by Nigerian mothers, who are forced to prioritize economic survival over their own health and well-being. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the importance of postnatal care for mothers and newborns, yet many women in Nigeria are unable to access timely healthcare due to financial constraints.
The Nigeria Demographic Health Survey 2018 revealed that only a small percentage of women and newborns receive postnatal check-ups within the recommended timeframe. This underscores the urgent need for comprehensive healthcare support for mothers during the critical postpartum period.
