Maternity care has come a long way, and trust me, it’s been quite the journey! It has evolved significantly, from the days when birthing was exclusively dependent on traditional midwives and herbal cures to modern hospitals equipped with modern technology.
But here's the truth: none of this improvement happened on its own. It was the labour of brave female midwives, activists, and medical pioneers who worked to make maternal care safer, more accessible, and more effective.
Why Maternal Health Care is Important
A healthy pregnancy and safe delivery mean a healthier future for both mother and child. Good maternity care helps to increase the well-being of the family, reduces complications, and prevents maternal and newborn fatalities.
Nigeria still faces challenges in maternal health, but progress is being made. The introduction of better prenatal care programs, increased access to skilled birth attendants, and the advocacy work of maternal health organizations are making a difference.
The Impact of Traditional Practices in Maternity Care
Before hospitals and professional medical training, African societies relied on traditional midwives, known as "Agbebi" in Yoruba and "Umunwanyi di nma" in Igbo. These women utilised herbs, spiritual practices, and hands-on experience to help with birthing.
Their knowledge, passed down through generations, was essential in helping mothers deliver babies safely. However, due to insufficient medical resources, mortality rates have remained high and the need for safer maternity care grew stronger.
The Women Who Made Impact in Maternal Care
In the early 20th century, hospitals and trained professionals were taking over childbirth in many parts of the world, including Nigeria, but it wasn't an easy transition. Women had to fight for better conditions, safer birthing options, and access to healthcare.
Expecting mothers today now have access to a comprehensive range of services that ensure both their physical and emotional well-being, some of these services include:
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Regular Prenatal Exams: Routine check-ups to monitor the health of both mother and baby, ensuring early detection of any concerns.
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Screenings and Ultrasonography: Advanced scans to track fetal development and help identify potential health issues.
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Safe Labor and Delivery Options: Various birthing methods, including pain management techniques and medical assistance, ensuring safe delivery for both mother and child.
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Mental Health and Postpartum Care: Counseling and support for mental well-being, addressing postpartum depression, and offering guidance on adjusting to motherhood.
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Diet and Nutritional Guidance: Expert counseling on what to eat during pregnancy and postpartum, ensuring optimal health for both mother and baby.
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Skincare and Baby Care Guidance: Advice on safe skincare routines for mothers and babies, recommending gentle, chemical-free products over products with harsh ingredients.
- Newborn Care Education: Counseling on breastfeeding, offering tips for nursing a baby, and guidance on newborn care practices such as diapering, soothing techniques, and proper hygiene. This includes choosing safe bathing products and avoiding harsh or herbal remedies that may irritate sensitive skin.
These advancements are the result of tireless efforts to improve the birthing experience, empowering women with the care they truly deserve.
Women Who Have Made Impact in Maternity Care
Whether as advocates, nurses, doctors, or traditional midwives, women have long been at the centre of maternity care. They have played a significant role in influencing policy and enhancing access to healthcare. Women-led organisations are still advocating for safer birth methods, improved maternal health policies, and access to prenatal and postnatal care.
Some of the incredible women who played key roles in improving maternity care in Nigeria include:
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Dr. Abosede Lewu - Dr. Abosede Lewu is a gynaecologist and maternal health advocate who has been vocal about the importance of accessible maternal healthcare in Nigeria. Through her work, she has helped thousands of women receive quality maternal care.
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Adepeju Jaiyeoba - After losing a close friend to birthing problems in 2011, Adepeju Jaiyeoba, a trained lawyer, became a passionate advocate for maternal health. She developed the Brown Button Foundation and Mother's Delivery Kit, both of which provide low-cost, sterile delivery kits to Nigerian pregnant moms.
These kits provide essentials for a safe birthing, addressing the absence of sterile instruments, which frequently leads to infections and problems. By 2017, over 300,000 kits have been delivered, drastically lowering maternal and newborn death rates throughout communities.
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Professor Hadiza Galadanci - Hadiza Galadanci is a renowned obstetrician and gynaecologist at Bayero University in Kano. As Kano State's first female obstetrician and professor, she has dedicated her career to improving maternal and child health in Nigeria.
Her extensive research on postpartum haemorrhage, as well as her participation in the E-MOTIVE study, helped to reduce maternal mortality. Her efforts were recognised with the Heroine of Health Award in 2023, and she was named one of TIME Magazine's 100 Most Influential People in Health in 2024.
Beyond Nigeria, African women have also made significant impacts in maternal care:
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Deborah Maine - Deborah Maine, an American public health expert and epidemiologist, has dedicated her career to reducing maternal morbidity and mortality. She co-authored the landmark paper "Maternal Mortality - A Neglected Tragedy: Where is the M in MCH?" in 1985, which drew global attention to preventable maternal mortality.
Maine oversaw foreign projects such as the Prevention of Maternal Mortality Program and the Averting Maternal Death and Disability Program, which greatly improved emergency obstetric care in West Africa.
- Dr. Grace Kodindo - Dr. Grace Kodindo, a Chadian obstetrician-gynecologist, has made significant contributions to maternal health in low-resource settings. Her initiatives have resulted in significant decreases in maternal mortality rates in Chad and other nations. Dr. Kodindo's work has featured in BBC documentaries such as "Dead Mums Don't Cry" (2005) and "Grace Under Fire" (2009), which emphasise the challenges and accomplishments of maternal health in resource-constrained environments.
These women, along with many others, have contributed to a maternal care system that is far better than it was decades ago. However, challenges still remain, and the work isn’t over yet.
Conclusion
Maternity care has changed over the years because of the unwavering efforts of these amazing women who recognised a need and worked tirelessly to bring about that change. But the journey isn’t over. We still need to do our part to guarantee that all mothers, regardless of where they live or their financial situation, get the care they need.
We at Pūre Baby & Mama are more than just a skincare company. We’re here to be part of the movement toward better maternal care, championing the health and happiness of both mothers and babies. Because every mom deserves the best, and every baby deserves a great start.
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