Traditional and cultural newborn care practices in the Dakace and Tsibiri communities of Nigeria: an ethnographic study

Abstract

Traditional and cultural practices related to newborn care have been passed down through generations in various cultures worldwide, often with the belief that they are effective in improving the health and well-being of newborns. These practices can differ significantly between cultures. The aim of this study was to assess the traditional and cultural newborn care practices in the Dakace and Tsibiri communities of Nigeria, and to identify potential opportunities for the integration of these practices into modern healthcare approaches. An ethnographic study was conducted in the Dakace and Tsibiri communities of Nigeria, which involved observing 54 deliveries and traditional rituals surrounding newborn care through participant observation. A total of 30 participants, including traditional birth attendants, community health workers, traditional leaders, and mothers who had given birth within the past year, were included in the study, and participated in in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The main themes that emerged from the data included the provision of warmth, nutrition, cord care, and traditional medication. In these communities, there is a strong emphasis on keeping newborns warm and providing proper nutrition, including breastfeeding and the use of traditional remedies. Cord care is also considered important, with the umbilical cord typically cut with a new razor blade and the stump treated with hot compresses and oil massages. Traditional and cultural beliefs also influence the use of traditional medication, including the use of traditional remedies to address common pregnancy-related health issues and the importance of proper nutrition during pregnancy. The study also identified the important role of fathers and other male family members in childbirth preparation. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the traditional and cultural practices of newborn care in the Dakace and Tsibiri communities of Nigeria and identify potential opportunities for integrating these practices into modern healthcare approaches in a way that is safe and effective for the mother and child. These findings may be of interest to healthcare professionals, researchers, and policy makers working in maternal and child health, as well as to members of the Dakace and Tsibiri communities.