Wankan Jego: More Than Just the Water Bath Tradition

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November 6, 2024

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Overview

The postpartum period is a crucial period for a new mother’s physical and emotional recovery. Postpartum maternal health care is of immense importance to both mother and child.�

In Nigeria, several traditional practices are performed to help a mother’s body return to its pre-pregnancy state. One common practice, particularly in Northern Nigeria, is Wankan Jego — the hot water bath.

What is Wankan Jego?

Wankan Jego literally means “hot water bath”. It is a traditional postpartum practice where a new mother is bathed with extremely hot water infused with some herbs, as part of her recovery process after childbirth. This ritual is believed to help soothe the body, promote healing, and provide comfort to the mother. �

How is it performed?

The process begins by boiling water, while a bundle of specific leaves is washed and set aside to dry. The hot water is poured into a bathtub, and the dried leaves are dipped into the water. These leaves are then used to splash the water or massage the mother’s body. This practice is typically done over a period of 40 to 120 days, during which it is believed that the mother’s body gradually returns to its normal state.

Benefits of Wankan Jego

Many Nigerian women believe that Wankan Jego offers several benefits, including:

Pain relief: Reducing postpartum cramps and discomfort.
�Strength recovery: Helping the mother regain physical strength.
�Body contouring: Assisting in reducing the appearance of a bulging belly.
�Hormonal balance: Regulating hormonal changes associated with pregnancy and childbirth.

Implications of Wankan Jego

While this practice has been passed down through generations and is widely regarded as beneficial, it is important to recognize the potential risks. Research has shown that Wankan Jego can pose various health hazards, especially if not performed safely. Excessive heat and improper hygiene during the process can lead to complications.�

For this reason, Wankan Jego is NOT considered a safe option for new mothers without proper medical guidance.

Burn risk: if the water used is too hot, there’s a risk of burning the mother’s skin.
Infection risk: using unclean water or towels can increase the chance of infections, especially since the mother’s body is vulnerable after childbirth.
Dizziness & Shortness of breath: prolonged exposure to very hot water or steam can cause the mother to overheat, leading to dizziness, dehydration or even fainting.
Increased blood pressure: hypertensive mothers are at greater risks because hot water worsens hypertension and causes sudden spikes in blood pressure.
Strain on the heart: prolonged exposure to heat can strain the heart, which can increase the risk of complications like heart attack or stroke.

Conclusion

Wankan Jego remains a deeply valued cultural practice to mothers during the postpartum period in Nigeria. However, it has been established and proven that it is very unsafe especially for mothers with conditions like hypertension.

It is crucial to seek medical advice regarding postpartum practices like Wankan Jego, rather than relying solely on traditional beliefs about their benefits.