About: Ọmụgwọ

Ọmụgwọ // is an Igbo word of the South-Eastern Nigeria that describes the process of which a family member takes care of a new mother and her baby, in a short period of time after childbirth. Ọmụgwọ can be done during the first 40 days of a child's life or more. In most cases, it is the child's grandmother or grand step-mother that would stay during the period of ọmụgwọ. In their absence, the mother-in-law will replace the grandmother or grand step-mother. The importance of this practice is that it helps the new mother learn and be guided on the process of childcare through the experience of her mother or mother-in-law, it guides them on becoming a mother, by providing knowledge and support.