She is not allowed to go into the kitchen, to enter the yam barn, or to touch raw food. From then on, she is encouraged to eat anytime she feels like, just as the baby nurses at will, day or night. The grandmother or the Omugwo nurse sees to it that the mother follows a special diet. The dishes are meaty and peppery with a little palm oil, and are always eaten hot. The husband is expected to provide his wife with regular supplies of fresh palm wine during Omugwo, as well as other energy-giving drinks and beverages.
Palm wine contains a high level of yeast which is good for the milk flow.
Bathing practices Sponge bathing the new mother and the baby is the responsibility of the grandmother. During this daily ritual, the mother sits on a low kitchen stool before a bowl of hot water containing medicinal herbs. As she receives a general sponge bath, the abdomen and hips are given a vigorous massage with bath towels, herbs and hot water. One of the older women interviewed in the Nsukka area described the sponge bath as a most soothing experience. To complement the massage, and to help the abdominal muscles to regain good tone, bands of cloth are tie tightly around the abdomen.