In West Africa, particularly in Nigeria, older motherhood is a prevalent phenomenon with its unique challenges. Women in rural areas face various obstacles, including poor economic conditions, inadequate health services, and limited awareness about the potential risks associated with having children after the age of 35. Today, we are shedding light on the issues older mothers in West Africa encounter, particularly in rural settings as we have shared intensively for women in urban settings and semi-urban settings. These women from rural areas face a higher risk hence the need to address it and suggest ways to help these women understand and address these challenges. Additionally, we will explore the rising concern of Down syndrome children in these communities and why it’s crucial to dispel the misconception that their birth is a spiritual attack instead of what it is, a result of older motherhood.
Challenges of Older Motherhood in Rural West Africa
Limited Access to Quality Healthcare: In rural West Africa, access to adequate healthcare facilities is a significant challenge. The health system is trained to cater to younger women having babies rather than for older women herein starts the prejudice these women face. This results in complications during childbirth, and an increase in health issues like diabetes, high blood pressure and maternal mortality especially during childbirth.
Health Risks: Women who become mothers after the age of 35 face an increased risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth. This includes a higher likelihood of gestational diabetes, hypertension, and other health issues that can jeopardize both the mother and the child. Women in rural areas are unaware of these issues and the health system is not addressing this either making them vulnerable to health hazards during and after childbirth.
Economic Struggles: Rural areas in West Africa often have limited economic opportunities, making it difficult for older mothers to provide for their growing families. The financial burden of raising a child can be overwhelming, especially when coupled with potential health issues. They also do not have access to mental wellness nor have support from international health grants as they support the girl child more than the older mother.
Lack of Education: Many women in rural West Africa may not be aware of the potential risks associated with older motherhood. This lack of awareness can lead to delayed prenatal care and a lack of preparation for the challenges they may face and in some cases, death.
Addressing the Challenges and Raising Awareness
Improving Healthcare Access: NGOs and government agencies should work to improve healthcare infrastructure in rural areas, ensuring that older mothers have access to quality prenatal care and medical facilities. This will help tackle the SD3, Good health plus Wellbeing, for every mother in West Africa. Momat4y is making it a priority to reach every woman in Nigeria and the larger continent in preparing them for what to expect and to be well prepared for the unexpected. We are are taking steps to ensure that the government and organizations are aware of this issue so we can put hands together to tackle them
Education and Awareness Campaigns: Launching educational programs that specifically target rural communities can help women understand the risks associated with older motherhood. Momat4ty is planning a national tour to ensure more women, especially from the rural areas, get the information they need to make informed decisions and manage their health and their baby’s health
Empowering Women: Initiatives that empower women economically, such as vocational training and microfinance programs, can alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with older motherhood. Momat4ty will be partnering with some vocational tutors to provide such training for these women and reaching out to government officials to support them.
Community Support Groups: Establishing support groups for older mothers in rural areas can provide a sense of community and a platform for sharing experiences and advice. We will be reaching out to a few of the active mothers in the community to act as our ‘VOICE’ and continually support these women through their older motherhood journey.
Dispelling the Misconception about Down Syndrome Children
It is paramount to launch an awareness campaign about Down syndrome this is to help women from rural communities understand that it is a genetic condition and not a result of a spiritual attack. These campaigns would emphasize the importance of providing love and support to children with Down syndrome.
We would appreciate any NGOs or government agencies who would like to join us to create the needed support services for families in rural areas raising children with Down syndrome, including access to healthcare, education, and counselling.
As older moms, we understand the unique set of challenges we face, from limited access to healthcare and economic struggles to a lack of awareness about the risks involved. However, we have technology to help us through it all but these women in rural areas do not understand or have access to this technology hence the need to address It. We would appreciate any partnership and support to reach these women and support them through these challenges too. To find out more or want to partner, please write momat4ty@gmail.com and we will get back to you.
Additionally, dispelling misconceptions about conditions like Down syndrome is crucial to ensuring that every child is allowed to thrive, regardless of their circumstances. By working together, we can help older mothers in Nigeria and Africa overcome these challenges and build a healthier future for their families and communities.
From Suziette
Founder
