In this article, you will read about the history of midwifery in Nigeria and origin of midwifery. Midwifery in Nigeria has a rich history rooted in traditional birth attendants (TBAs), who were older women in communities responsible for delivering babies and providing postpartum care.
Origin of Midwifery
Midwifery is one of the oldest professions in the world, and its evolution has played an important role in maternal and child health. The word “midwife” literally means “with woman,” and this describes the midwife’s role as a helper in childbirth.
It is the practice of attending women in childbirth and has been practiced for centuries. It has its origin in ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, and Rome, where there existed traditional birth attendants who managed maternal health.
Previously, childbirth was largely a family event, and women gave birth at home with the assistance of older, experienced women from their communities. These traditional birth attendants (TBAs) were reputable individuals, relied on for their expertise, understanding of herbal medicines, and ability to provide emotional care during labor and delivery.
As medical knowledge developed, formal education and training became necessary to improve maternal outcomes and make delivery less dangerous. Institutionalizing midwifery led to the shift from home to hospital delivery, again increasing the safety of mother and child.
Brief History of Midwifery in Nigeria
Midwifery in Nigeria has a rich history rooted in traditional birth attendants (TBAs), who were older women in communities responsible for delivering babies and providing postpartum care.
Childbirth was managed through local knowledge and herbal medicine prior to the introduction of Western medicine. TBAs were highly respected, and their services were crucial in the local communities. Maternal and infant mortality rates were, nevertheless, high due to the absence of advanced medical knowledge and facilities.
The British introduced formal midwifery education in Nigeria during the colonial era. The first school of midwifery was established in 1930 in Lagos to provide professional training for midwives.
This marked the start of replacing traditional birth attendants with professionally trained staff, which improved maternal and child health across the country. Over the decades, midwifery education was developed, and many schools of midwifery were established across Nigeria.
Today, midwifery is a well-organized profession regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), which ensures high levels of maternal healthcare services.
First Midwife in Nigeria
The first registered midwives in Nigeria were Abimbola Dickson and Late Mrs. Ore Green in 1912.
These pioneering midwives laid the foundation for Nigeria’s contemporary maternal healthcare and reduced maternal and infant mortality rates.
The identity of other professionally trained midwives in Nigeria are not widely documented, but the first group of trained midwives graduated from the Lagos School of Midwifery in the early 20th century.
Through their efforts, midwifery became a respectable profession that is saving lives and improving maternal health outcomes to this day.
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How to Become a Midwife in Nigeria
To become a midwife in Nigeria, you need to go through a structured education and licensing procedure:
1. Obtain the Prerequisite Education
Enroll in an approved school of midwifery or university that offers a midwifery program. Candidates are typically expected to have a minimum of five credits in subjects including English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics in their O’Level result (WAEC/NECO).
2. Go Through Midwifery Training
A midwifery program is usually three years, during which time you will receive theoretical and clinical training.
3. Sit for the Licensing Examination
Post-training, you must pass the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) licensing examination to become a registered midwife (RM).
4. Obtain a Practicing License:
Upon passing the examination, you are issued a practicing license, allowing you to practice in hospitals, clinics, and maternal health centers.
5. Pursue Further Specialization
Midwives can specialize further in areas like neonatal care, reproductive health, or advanced midwifery with further studies and certifications.
Midwife Responsibilities
Midwives offer crucial neonatal and maternal health care. Some of their responsibilities include:
- Taking care of prenatal and postnatal care of pregnant women
- Assisting during labor and delivery
- Teaching mothers how to care for the neonate and breastfeeding
- Checking fetal development and maternal health
- Detecting complications and referring high-risk cases to specialists
- Administering medications and performing minor medical procedures
- Offering emotional and psychological counseling for pregnant women
- Advocating for maternal health policies and community sensitization
- Offering family planning services and reproductive health education
- Guiding and mentoring student midwives and junior clinical staff
Salary of a Midwife in Nigeria
Salaries of midwives in Nigeria vary based on experience, workplace, and location. On average:
- Entry-level midwives earn ₦50,000 to ₦100,000 monthly.
- Mid-level practitioners earn between ₦100,000 and ₦200,000 a month.
- Experienced midwives who work in private clinics or government hospitals can earn ₦250,000 and above.
Specialized or consultant midwives may earn more, especially in international organizations or private health institutions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I study midwifery without a nursing background?
Yes, you can pursue a direct midwifery course without any prior nursing education.
2. What is the distinction between a nurse and a midwife?
A nurse provides general healthcare, but a midwife handles pregnancy, childbirth, and after-birth care.
3. Are midwives in great demand in Nigeria?
Yes, due to Nigeria’s high birth rate and maternal complications, midwives are always needed.
4. Can a midwife perform surgeries?
No, midwives are not trained to perform surgeries but may assist physicians during cesarean sections.
5. Where do midwives work in Nigeria?
Midwives work in government hospitals, private clinics, maternity centers, NGOs, and rural healthcare centers.
Conclusion
Midwifery is a significant profession that has been a great contributor to maternal healthcare in Nigeria. From traditional birth attendants to professional midwives, the profession has been revolutionized to improve the quality of childbirth experiences. With appropriate education, training, and dedication, you can assist in saving lives and enable safe deliveries across the country.
