Reclaiming Cultural Practices: The Imperative for Access to Omugwo Practitioners and/or Culturally Competent Doulas for African American Women

Statement African American women have faced historical and systemic disparities in healthcare, significantly affecting their morbidity and mortality rates as well as those of their infants. These disparities can be traced back to the transatlantic slave trade and the enduring legacy of racism. To address these issues, every African American woman should have access to an Omugwo practitioner or culturally competent doula, both of whom offer critical support during and after pregnancy. Introduction The transatlantic slave trade left an indelible mark on African American communities, fundamentally altering their cultural practices and creating long-standing disparities in health outcomes. One of the critical areas affected is maternal and infant health, where African American women face significantly higher rates of morbidity and mortality. To address these disparities, it is essential to provide free access to doulas and Omugwo practitioners, who can offer culturally relevant support and training to black families. Historical Context: The Transatlantic Slave Trade and Cultural Erasure The transatlantic slave trade forcibly removed millions of Africans from their homeland, subjecting them to brutal conditions and severing their ties to their cultural heritage. This violent displacement resulted in the erasure of many traditional practices, including Omugwo, a Nigerian postpartum care tradition that is also found in all other West African cultures. Enslaved African women were denied the opportunity to practice these cultural rituals, which were integral to their physical and emotional wellbeing. Systemic Racism and Healthcare Disparities The legacy of slavery is evident in the systemic racism that persists within the American healthcare system. African American women often encounter discrimination and bias, leading to inferior care and poorer health outcomes. They are less likely to receive adequate prenatal care, experience higher rates of medical interventions without consent, and face significant barriers to accessing quality healthcare services. Maternal and Infant Health Disparities The statistics are alarming: African American women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women, and African American infants are more than twice as likely to die before their first birthday. These disparities are not merely the result of socioeconomic factors but are deeply rooted in systemic racism and the chronic stress it causes, known as weathering. The Concept and Importance of Omugwo Omugwo is a cherished traditional Nigerian practice where an experienced woman, typically the mother or mother-in-law, cares for the new mother and baby during the postpartum period. This practice includes physical care, emotional support, and assistance with household tasks, ensuring the mother can recover and bond with her baby. An Omugwo Practitioner trains families in these practices, preserving cultural traditions and providing holistic support. This cultural practice involves several essential aspects: 1. Postpartum Recovery for the Mother a)Rest and Recuperation: The new mother receives substantial help with daily tasks, allowing her to rest and recover from the physical and emotional demands of childbirth. b)Nutritional Support: Proper nutrition is emphasized, with the caregiver preparing and providing nutritious meals to aid the mother’s recovery and promote lactation. 2. Newborn Care a)Breastfeeding Guidance: The caregiver offers support and advice on breastfeeding techniques, helping the mother establish a successful breastfeeding routine. b)Infant Care: Guidance on newborn care practices, including bathing, dressing, and soothing the baby, ensures the baby’s immediate health needs are met. 3. Holistic Health Support a)Emotional Support: The presence of a trusted family member provides emotional comfort, reducing the risk of postpartum depression and anxiety. b)Physical Health: Use of traditional health practices, such as herbal remedies and infant massage, contributing to the overall well-being of both mother and child. 4. Social Support and Bonding Omugwo provides social support for the new mother. Having a trusted person around helps reduce postpartum depression and anxiety. This period also strengthens family bonds, as the caregiver may also help with childcare of older children. sharing wisdom and traditional practices with the whole family, creating a sense of continuity and belonging. This is a particularly vital resource for Black women. Having a trusted family member around during this period helps reduce the risk of postpartum depression and anxiety, conditions that disproportionately affect Black women due to systemic stressors and healthcare disparities. 5.Transmission and Preservation of Cultural Heritage Knowledge One of the most significant aspects of Omugwo is its role in preserving cultural heritage and knowledge. Through this practice, a caregiver, often an elder family member, imparts wisdom that has been passed down through the ages. Preserving traditional knowledge and customs related to childbirth, postpartum and childcare. The caregiver imparts time-honored methods and techniques that have been refined over generations. This includes practices related to infant massage, herbal remedies, and other cultural health practices that are valued within the community. Cultural Erasure of Omugwo Due to the Transatlantic Slave Trade The forced displacement and cultural suppression inherent in the transatlantic slave trade resulted in the loss of many African traditions, including Omugwo. Enslaved women were denied the opportunity to receive or pass on this crucial postpartum care, which had significant implications for their health and the health of their infants. Reclaiming and reintegrating Omugwo into African American communities can help address the health disparities rooted in this historical trauma. The Role of Doulas Doulas are trained professionals who provide continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to mothers before, during, and after childbirth. Research shows that the presence of a doula improves birth outcomes, including lower rates of cesarean sections, shorter labor, and higher satisfaction with the birth experience. For African American women, doulas can serve as advocates who understand their cultural needs and help navigate a healthcare system fraught with racial bias. The Case for Free Access Providing free access to Omugwo practitioners and or culturally competent doulas is a necessary step towards addressing the health disparities faced by African American women. These practitioners offer culturally competent care that respects and revives African traditions, empowering black families and improving maternal and infant health outcomes. By ensuring every African American woman has access to these resources, we can combat the effects of systemic racism and historical trauma. Conclusion The transatlantic slave trade and the systemic racism it engendered have profoundly impacted African American maternal and infant health. To rectify these injustices, it is imperative to provide African American women with free access to doulas and Omugwo practitioners. This approach not only addresses immediate health disparities but also honors and revitalizes cultural practices that support black families. Ensuring such access is a crucial step towards achieving health equity and improving outcomes for African American mothers and their infants.