When Funmi’s three-month-old baby cried incessantly, her mother-in-law was quick with advice: “Your breast milk is too watery. You need to drink more palm wine to thicken it.” Meanwhile, Funmi’s pediatrician had just praised her for exclusively breastfeeding and assured her that her milk was perfect for her baby.
If you’re caught between your omugwo helper’s breastfeeding advice and what you’ve read in modern parenting books, you’re not alone. Many Nigerian new mothers face this exact dilemma – navigating between deeply held traditional beliefs and evidence-based medical guidance.
The truth is, your omugwo helper might be wrong about some things, but they’re absolutely right about others. The key is knowing when to listen and when to politely disagree. Let’s explore the facts so you can make informed decisions about breastfeeding your baby.
Common Omugwo Breastfeeding Myths vs. Facts
Myth 1: “Your Milk is Too Watery – It’s Not Nutritious Enough”
What Your Omugwo Helper Says: “Look at your milk, it’s like water! The baby needs thick, creamy milk to grow strong. You must eat more palm oil and drink palm wine.”
The Medical Reality: Breast milk naturally appears thin and watery, especially foremilk (the first milk that comes out). This is completely normal and doesn’t indicate poor nutrition. In fact, this “watery” milk is perfectly designed for your baby’s needs.
The Science Behind It:
- Foremilk is naturally thinner and provides hydration
- Hindmilk (milk that comes later) is naturally creamier and higher in fat
- Both types are essential for your baby’s growth and development
- The consistency of breast milk changes throughout the day and feeding session
When to Listen: If your omugwo helper notices you’re not producing enough milk overall, that’s worth investigating with your healthcare provider.
Myth 2: “You Must Drink Palm Wine to Increase Milk Supply”
Traditional Belief: “Palm wine will make your milk flow better and make you produce more milk for the baby.”
The Medical Truth: Alcohol, including palm wine, actually decreases milk production and can be harmful to your baby. While small amounts might temporarily increase the “let-down” reflex, it reduces overall milk supply.
Evidence-Based Alternatives for Increasing Milk Supply:
- Frequent nursing or pumping
- Adequate hydration with water
- Nutritious meals with plenty of protein
- Adequate rest and stress management
- Skin-to-skin contact with baby
When to Listen: If your omugwo helper encourages you to eat nutritious foods, drink plenty of water, and rest more – that’s excellent advice for milk production.
Myth 3: “The Baby is Crying Because Your Milk is Not Sweet Enough”
What You Might Hear: “This baby is always crying after feeding. Your milk must be bitter. You need to eat more sugar or honey.”
The Reality: Breast milk naturally tastes slightly sweet due to lactose. A crying baby after feeding is usually not related to milk taste but could indicate:
- Need for burping
- Overstimulation
- Tiredness
- Growth spurts requiring more frequent feeding
- Digestive development (normal for newborns)
Better Solutions:
- Try different burping positions
- Check if baby needs a diaper change
- Ensure baby is getting enough hindmilk by allowing longer feeding sessions
- Create a calm feeding environment
Myth 4: “You Must Eat Only ‘Hot’ Foods While Breastfeeding”
Traditional Wisdom: “Cold foods will make your milk cold and make the baby sick. Only eat hot foods like pepper soup.”
Medical Perspective: While nutritious warm foods like pepper soup are excellent for breastfeeding mothers, the temperature of food doesn’t affect breast milk temperature. Your body regulates milk temperature regardless of what you eat.
The Balanced Approach:
- Enjoy nutritious warm foods that comfort you
- Include a variety of foods for optimal nutrition
- Don’t restrict yourself from room-temperature or cold nutritious foods
- Stay hydrated with whatever temperature fluids you prefer
When Traditional Wisdom Shines: The emphasis on nutritious, easily digestible foods during breastfeeding is spot-on traditional advice.
When Your Omugwo Helper is Absolutely Right
1. The Importance of Frequent Feeding
Traditional Wisdom: “Put that baby to breast every time they cry. The more they suck, the more milk you’ll make.”
Modern Science Confirms: This is 100% accurate. Supply and demand drive milk production. Frequent nursing, especially in the first few weeks, establishes and maintains milk supply.
2. Skin-to-Skin Contact
Traditional Practice: Keeping baby close, often skin-to-skin, for bonding and easier feeding.
Research Supports: Skin-to-skin contact improves milk production, helps with bonding, regulates baby’s temperature, and makes breastfeeding more successful.
3. Proper Nutrition for Nursing Mothers
Traditional Emphasis: Eating nutritious foods like pepper soup, fish, vegetables, and staying well-fed.
Nutritional Science Agrees: Breastfeeding mothers need extra calories and nutrients. Traditional Nigerian postpartum foods are often nutrient-dense and perfect for nursing mothers.
4. Rest and Support
Traditional Approach: Ensuring the new mother rests while others handle household duties.
Medical Recommendation: Adequate rest is crucial for milk production and overall maternal health.
5. Recognizing Feeding Cues
Traditional Knowledge: Experienced mothers often excel at reading baby’s hunger cues before crying starts.
Pediatric Guidance: Early feeding cues (rooting, sucking motions, hand-to-mouth movements) are better indicators than crying.
Red Flags: When to Seek Medical Advice
Concerning Traditional Advice to Question:
1. Giving Baby Water or Other Liquids:
- Traditional: “Give the baby water when it’s hot”
- Medical reality: Babies under 6 months need only breast milk
2. Herbal Remedies for Baby:
- Traditional: Various herbs to “cleanse” baby’s system
- Medical concern: Most herbs are not safe for newborns
3. Ignoring Serious Symptoms:
- Traditional: “It’s normal for babies to…”
- Medical reality: Some symptoms require immediate attention
When to Immediately Consult Healthcare Provider:
- Baby is not gaining weight appropriately
- Severe breast pain or signs of infection
- Baby seems lethargic or unresponsive
- Persistent feeding difficulties
- Signs of dehydration in baby or mother
Navigating Conflicting Advice Diplomatically
Communicating with Your Omugwo Helper
Respectful Approach: “Mama, I really appreciate your experience and wisdom. My doctor also mentioned [medical advice]. Can we try combining both approaches?”
Finding Common Ground:
- Acknowledge their expertise in baby care
- Explain medical recommendations without dismissing traditional wisdom
- Show appreciation for their support and help
- Focus on shared goals: healthy baby and mother
Sample Conversations:
Scenario 1: Palm Wine Recommendation “Thank you for wanting to help with my milk supply. I’ve heard that staying hydrated with water and eating the nutritious foods you’re preparing will help even more. Could you help me make sure I’m drinking enough water throughout the day?”
Scenario 2: Milk Quality Concerns “I notice you’re concerned about my milk. You’re right to watch for these things! My pediatrician says the milk looks perfect and baby is gaining weight well. Your experience in helping me position the baby correctly is making such a difference.”
Creating Your Personal Breastfeeding Plan
Combining the Best of Both Worlds
From Traditional Wisdom:
- Frequent feeding on demand
- Nutritious postpartum foods
- Adequate rest and support
- Experienced guidance on positioning and latching
- Recognition of baby’s cues
From Modern Medicine:
- Evidence-based information about milk composition
- Professional help for breastfeeding difficulties
- Proper medical care for complications
- Nutritional supplements if needed
- Growth monitoring and pediatric care
Your Action Plan:
Week 1-2: Establishment Phase
- Accept help with positioning and latching from experienced helper
- Follow medical advice about exclusive breastfeeding
- Eat traditional nutritious foods
- Rest as much as possible
Week 3-4: Building Confidence
- Continue frequent feeding
- Address any concerns with both traditional wisdom and medical advice
- Establish routines that work for your family
Month 2-6: Maintenance Phase
- Maintain beneficial traditional practices
- Follow pediatric guidance for growth monitoring
- Adjust advice based on what works for your specific situation
Practical Tips for Success
Daily Breastfeeding Routine
Morning:
- Start with skin-to-skin contact
- Enjoy traditional breakfast foods
- Stay hydrated throughout the day
Daytime:
- Feed on demand
- Accept help with positioning from your omugwo helper
- Eat nutritious traditional meals
Evening:
- Maintain calm feeding environment
- Continue frequent nursing
- Prepare for night feeding sessions
Building Your Support Network
Include:
- Experienced traditional helper (mother, mother-in-law, or hired help)
- Healthcare provider familiar with your situation
- Other breastfeeding mothers for peer support
- Lactation consultant if needed
Nutrition Guidelines
Traditional Foods to Embrace:
- Pepper soup with fish or chicken
- Nutritious pap with milk
- Plenty of vegetables and fruits
- Adequate protein sources
Modern Additions:
- Prenatal vitamins continuation
- Adequate water intake
- Balanced diet with variety
- Healthy snacks for energy
Signs You’re Doing Great
Positive Indicators:
- Baby is gaining weight appropriately
- You’re producing adequate milk
- Baby seems content after feeding
- You feel supported and confident
- Feeding sessions are becoming easier
Trust Your Instincts
If something doesn’t feel right, seek professional help regardless of traditional or modern advice. Your maternal instincts, combined with proper support, are powerful tools.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Challenge 1: Conflicting Advice Creates Stress
Solution: Focus on what’s working for you and your baby. If baby is thriving, you’re likely doing well regardless of varying opinions.
Challenge 2: Traditional Helper Feels Dismissed
Solution: Regularly ask for their help with aspects where their experience is valuable (positioning, burping, soothing techniques).
Challenge 3: Medical Advice Seems to Contradict Culture
Solution: Discuss specific concerns with your healthcare provider. Many doctors understand cultural practices and can help you navigate conflicts.
Challenge 4: Feeling Overwhelmed by Information
Solution: Focus on basic principles: frequent feeding, adequate nutrition, rest, and professional support when needed.
The Long-Term Perspective
Building Family Harmony
Successfully navigating breastfeeding advice helps establish healthy communication patterns for future parenting decisions. Your approach now sets the tone for how you’ll handle other child-rearing advice.
Cultural Preservation with Medical Safety
You can honor your cultural traditions while ensuring medical safety. This balanced approach often leads to better outcomes for both mother and baby.
Modeling for Other Mothers
Your thoughtful approach to combining traditional wisdom with medical advice can help other Nigerian mothers in similar situations.
Your omugwo helper’s breastfeeding advice comes from a place of love and generations of experience. While some traditional beliefs may not align with current medical knowledge, many traditional practices are not only beneficial but essential for successful breastfeeding.
The key is discerning which advice to follow and which to politely modify. Trust evidence-based medical information for health and safety issues, but embrace traditional wisdom for emotional support, practical techniques, and cultural connection.
Remember, successful breastfeeding looks different for every mother-baby pair. What matters most is that you feel supported, your baby is thriving, and you’re making informed decisions that work for your family.
Your omugwo helper’s greatest gift isn’t just their specific advice – it’s their dedication to helping you succeed as a mother. When you combine their care and experience with modern medical knowledge, you create the strongest foundation for your breastfeeding journey.
Trust yourself, seek help when needed, and remember that the best feeding plan is one that keeps both you and your baby healthy and happy. Whether that includes traditional practices, modern techniques, or a thoughtful combination of both, you’re equipped to make the right choices for your family.
