Masculine Maternity

In the early morning light, Chuka stood by the window of the small maternity ward in Lagos, Nigeria, watching the sun rise over the bustling city. His wife, Ngozi, was resting after an exhausting night, the soft hum of the hospital monitors accompanying the rhythm of her steady breathing. It was a moment of peace, but Chuka couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more he could do. Though he had always been there for Ngozi, his involvement had been largely passive. Now, with the birth of their first child drawing near, he was realizing just how vital it was for him to take a more active role in the entire process of maternity care. The Journey of Awareness in Nigeria In many Nigerian communities, maternity care is seen as a woman’s responsibility, with men often taking a backseat. Cultural norms and long-standing traditions have led to a perception that childbirth and pregnancy are realms best left to women and medical professionals. However, as Chuka stood in the ward, he recognized ...