Practice title: Postpartum maternal and child health care rites and observances among the Igbo of Southeastern Nigeria
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Country: Nigeria
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Domain: Health Nutrition & Population
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Technology: Child Care
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Bearers of Knowledge: Igbo Women
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Summary: 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 newborn. 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 this period is utilized to lean parental and house keeping practices from her mother.
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Source: Dr Dan S. Obikeze. IK K Monitor 5(2) 1997 CIRAN
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| URL: CIRAN |
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