Omugwo (After-Birth Care)

Omugwo is a traditional Igbo custom for postpartum care provided by the couple's mother. The significance of this practice is that it allows the new mother to ease into her new role by drawing on the mother's experience (husband or wife). During omugwo, it is the mother's (or husband's or wife's) responsibility to guide her through what she needs to eat to help with milk production for the baby's consumption, Swedish massage techniques, and hot water therapy. The grandmother assists the new mother with hot water therapy and sitz baths following childbirth. Hot water therapy entails soaking a cloth in hot water and massaging the new mother's belly with it. If the new mother gave birth vaginally, a Sitz bath is required so that blood clots in her womb can be removed and she can heal properly internally.

The new mother will be given spicy foods such as pepper soup to help to flush out unwanted blood clots in her body and help to boost breast milk production. Pap is also another food option given to the new mother as it helps to boost her breast milk supply. After-birth care, omugwo, is necessary so that the new mother can rest well to regain her strength. The practice of omugwo is helpful although there might be friction between the new mother and the mother of the husband or wife because of conflict in ideas.