Postpartum care in Nigeria is more than rest and recovery — it’s about healing a mother’s body, mind, and spirit

Pregnancy is not an easy journey, I know, because I witnessed my mum and older sister carry babies to term. Your body changes, emotions rise and fall, and your mind works overtime as you prepare for the baby. Childbirth is powerful, but it also leaves you exhausted, sore and overwhelmed. This is why postpartum care is such a gift, one that I believe is necessary for all mothers. During this time, a new mother receives care, allowing her to recover from the process of creating new life.

In Nigeria, postpartum care is more than just medical check-ups. It is a combination of physical help, emotional support, spiritual and communal care. Different cultures have their own ways of providing this care, but the goal is the same: to help the mother recover and bond with her baby in a healthy environment.

Physical care: rest, nourishment and traditional support

Physical care after childbirth focuses on helping the body heal. In Igbo culture, this is called “Ọmụgwọ,” which literally translates to “mothering the mother.” Yoruba communities also have a practice where a female relative stays with the mother to help her recover, often called “Olojojo Omo.” The Hausas observe a period of rest and warm baths known as “Wankan jego.” No matter the name, the purpose is to give the mother time to heal, eat well, and feel supported.

For about 40 days or more, the new mother receives specific care. This care is given to her by her mother, mother-in-law or another trusted woman. My mother’s friend cared for her, and our mum cared for my sister. They were freed from housework and encouraged to rest. They were given warm baths daily — sometimes with herbs and light massages. Healing meals like pepper soup with uziza and uda, or soft pap were prepared and served to boost recovery.

After my sister gave birth, our mother made sure to place warm compresses on my sister’s lower abdomen. This was to help her body drain the lochia (vaginal discharge containing blood, mucus and uterine tissue) and support the uterus in shrinking back to its original size. Then, in her gentle but “no-nonsense” way, she would prepare a sitz bath with hot water and a bit of salt, encouraging my sister to sit and relax in it. It wasn’t just for comfort; it was to help her perineal wound heal faster.

A lasting tradition

Watching my mum care for my sister like that felt like seeing old wisdom and modern care meet. For as long as anyone can remember, this kind of postpartum care has been a part of life in Nigeria and is not going anywhere anytime soon. It gives mothers the rest, healing, and the support they need after the intensity of childbirth, reminding them they’re not alone in this new chapter.

Women keep passing down the tradition because they’ve lived it, felt the impact, and they swear by how well it works. These days, even Nigerians in the diaspora share stories of flying in their mums or relatives just to keep the tradition of community show of care alive. And as we get older, it’s only a matter of time before our generation picks up the mantle and also carry out “omugwo” duties.

Mental care: protecting a mother’s mind

Nobody tells you how much your mind can change after childbirth. One moment, you are holding your baby and feeling love so deep it scares you. Next, you’re wondering why you don’t feel like the perfect mother everyone expects you to be.

Many new mothers quietly struggle to adjust to motherhood. Living in a society that expects an arbitrary form of motherhood to come naturally, women often carry a lot of guilt and fear about being  good mothers. They ask themselves, “Why am I not enjoying this more?” or “Am I a bad mother?” Sometimes, they feel overwhelmed, easily irritated, or disconnected from their baby.

This isn’t because they don’t care; it’s often a sign of postpartum depression (PPD) or postpartum anxiety. Studies show rates range from 10.7% to 44.39% in various sub-geographical regions of Nigeria.

PPD can show up as:

Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless for days at a time

Struggling to bond with your baby

Losing interest in things you used to enjoy

Feeling easily irritated or unusually tired all the time

These feelings are far more common than many people realise. Many things can trigger them, such as a lack of support with the baby, financial worries, or the stress of household responsibilities. Relationship challenges or domestic violence can also deeply affect a mother’s emotional state. For some women, a difficult birthing experience or ongoing health problems make the adjustment even harder.

Experiencing these struggles does not mean a mother is weak, and it certainly doesn’t mean she is failing as a mother. It simply means she needs care, rest, and understanding.

Mental care begins with paying attention to how a mother truly feels inside, not just how she appears on the outside. It helps when:

Partners and family members ask how she is doing emotionally

Health workers screen for PPD during postnatal visits

Mothers join support groups, in person or online, to share their experiences

Read also: “Make babies, but don’t look like you did” — 21st century men  

Emotional and spiritual care: feeling loved and supported

When your mind is carrying so many new emotions, it helps to feel surrounded by love and reassurance. After my mum gave birth to my younger sister, “Eku ewu omo” — which translates to “congratulations on surviving the dangers of childbirth” — was a greeting she heard repeatedly. It was as though everyone recognised her sacrifice, the pain she had endured, and the strength it took to bring life into the world. Each time someone said it, it wasn’t just polite tradition; it was a nod of deep respect. It was a way of saying, we see you, we honour what you’ve been through, and we’re grateful you made it through safely.

Meanwhile, many Nigerian families weave this emotional care  into everyday moments after childbirth. It begins with these words of encouragement from loved ones who see and value the sacrifice of childbirth. Reminding the new mother that every mother’s journey is different and that learning takes time. Sometimes it’s the gentle way someone holds your baby so you can rest – my favourite part. Sometimes it’s the laughter shared over a meal when you finally get to sit and eat without rushing.

Spiritual traditions such as  naming ceremonies and child dedications play a big role. They are not just to give the baby an identity; they are a way to bless the child and mother with prayers. At these ceremonies, everyone’s eyes are usually on the new baby — cooing over tiny fingers and toes. In Yoruba culture, we bless babies with honey for sweetness, salt for preservation, bitter kola for long life, kolanut to repel evil, and alligator pepper for fruitfulness.

However, there’s always that beautiful moment when the spotlight shifts. The elders turn to the mother, and prayers start pouring over her, asking the Divine to renew her strength, protect her spirit, and bless her journey into motherhood. Yorubas perform these rituals to provide a spiritual covering for both mother and child.

Medical care: ensuring the mother’s safety

While community care is important, medical follow-up is also key. Regular medical check-ups help to ensure the mother’s physical and mental well-being after childbirth. It is essential  to monitor mothers for any complications and provide timely support during the recovery process. It also provides a professional and safe space to discuss physical and emotional changes, receive guidance and get support for breastfeeding and emotional challenges. This way, mothers are better equipped to navigate the beautiful, yet demanding, journey of motherhood.

Why postpartum care matters

The beauty of postpartum care is that it makes new mothers feel less alone. Community rallies through prayer circles, family visits, shared food, and small acts of kindness.  Women are reminded that motherhood is not a solo journey. A community that wants to see you heal, grow, and thrive holds it together.

Caring for a mother after birth — physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually — helps her recover faster, feel stronger, and bond better with her baby.  Nigerian traditions and modern healthcare together create a circle of care that honours mothers and helps them thrive.