In many Nigerian societies, childbirth is deeply intertwined with cultural and religious beliefs. A prevailing notion suggests that a woman who delivers unaided demonstrates strength, while those who undergo surgery are perceived as having failed in motherhood.
These beliefs, along with entrenched traditional practices and religious doctrines, contribute significantly to Nigeria’s high maternal-mortality ratio.
In Ogun State’s Egbaland, pregnant women are typically assigned a midwife for prenatal and delivery care. Although these midwives play a significant role in maternal care, some of them adhere strictly to traditional practices, including administering herbal medication.
Yet these herbs, which are thought to ease labor and prevent complications, can be harmful when used without medical supervision. A study in Ibadan discovered that 21.7% of pregnant women used herbal medicine during pregnancy, reflecting the widespread use of unprescribed medications.
The perception of Caesarean sections (CS) further compounds the maternal health crisis. In many Nigerian communities, vaginal delivery is seen as a test of a woman’s strength and resilience, while CS is stigmatised as a sign of weakness or failure. Religious beliefs reinforce this stigma: some pastors discourage surgical intervention, citing biblical references to Hebrew midwives renowned for their delivery skills. Such discouragement exists despite evidence that stigma against CS results in maternal deaths.
Dr. Adewale, an obstetrician at a national hospital in Abuja, recounts his heartrending experiences: “Every week, I witness cases that break my heart. Just last month, I admitted a young girl from prolonged labor in the home. Her mother-in-law who posits herself as a midwife had given her herbal infusions to ‘ease’ childbirth. When they arrived in their decision-making mode, it was too late; we lost both the mother and the child. It is infuriating because these deaths are preventable. The reliance on traditional methods and the fear of CS are deeply ingrained. I’ve had patients refuse life-saving surgery because their pastor told them it’s ungodly. We need to bridge this gap between tradition and modern medicine.”
Mrs. Joy Oyali’s tragic story also illustrates the dangers of prioritising religious doctrine over medical counsel. Her husband, Oyali Monday, laments, “I lost my wife because I was blinded by misreligious dependency. The doctor told me that my wife was in critical condition and urgent surgery was required but I refused to go and give consent because my pastor taught me that it is a taboo for a child of God to undergo surgery.”
Dr. Adewale’s and Oyali’s testimonies underscore the dire consequences of disregarding medical expertise. Such cases are not isolated; countless women die unnecessarily due to delays in seeking medical attention. Nigeria’s maternal mortality rate remains alarmingly high, with 512 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in 2020, one of the worst in the world. Collaboration between community leaders and healthcare professionals could reduce these preventable deaths.
Mrs. Olabisi Adesina, a traditional birth attendant in Egbaland, reflects on her decades-long practice: “I’ve delivered children for over 30 years using my mother’s traditional knowledge as a midwife. We believe in herbs and prayer. The tradition does not permit visiting the hospitals, although they are far, far away, and the women can’t even afford to make the trip. But sometimes I get myself in situations where there is complications, and I’m so helpless. I remember one day when a woman laboured for two days; we did everything that was possible to do, and she died. Maybe if only she had gone to the hospital … I do not know. I want the best for such women, yet at times, I wonder whether what we provide is enough.”
Tackling Nigeria’s maternal mortality crisis requires a multi-stakeholder approach that respects cultural sensitivities while promoting safe medical practices. Strengthening partnerships between healthcare teams and TBAs could be an effective strategy.
Training TBAs to recognize warning signs during pregnancy and childbirth and encouraging timely referrals to medical facilities can save lives. Studies indicate that TBAs serve as the first point of contact for many women and play a crucial role in maternal healthcare.
Community-based educational initiatives can help counter negative stereotypes surrounding CS and demystify the procedure. Engaging religious and community leaders in these campaigns can shift public perception and reduce stigma. Some clerics have already begun using their platforms to advocate for maternal health, emphasizing that the well-being of mother and child must come first.
The intersection of religious doctrines, cultural norms, and traditional beliefs profoundly impacts maternal health outcomes in Nigeria. While religion and cultural practice are integral to Nigerian life, they cannot come at the expense of women’s lives.
Through dialogue, education, and collaboration between traditional practitioners, medical professionals, and community leaders, Nigeria can work toward reducing its maternal mortality rate and ensuring safe childbirth for all women.
In Nigerian societies, childbirth is influenced by cultural and religious beliefs, often valuing unaided delivery as a testament to a woman's strength while stigmatizing Caesarean sections (CS) as a failure. This perspective, coupled with traditional practices like using herbal medications, significantly contributes to the country's high maternal mortality rate, which was 512 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2020. Stories from healthcare professionals and affected families highlight the dangerous consequences of these beliefs, where delays in medical intervention lead to preventable deaths.
Midwives, particularly in areas like Egbaland, adhere to traditional methods, administering herbal treatments that can be harmful without medical oversight. The reluctance to accept CS is sometimes supported by religious leaders who discourage surgery based on religious doctrines. Bridging these gaps through collaboration among community leaders and healthcare professionals is crucial for reducing maternal mortality. Training traditional birth attendants (TBAs) to recognize pregnancy risks and make timely referrals to hospitals, alongside community education to de-stigmatize CS, are vital steps. Engaging religious and community figures in advocating for maternal health can help shift perceptions and save lives.
Overall, addressing Nigeria's maternal health crisis requires a balanced approach that respects cultural beliefs while promoting safe medical practices. Dialogues between traditional and medical practitioners, educational initiatives, and partnerships can lead to improved health outcomes, ensuring the well-being of mothers and their children.
