Native midwives (traditional birth attendants) and maternal health

The potential negative health influence of native/home births and utilisation of unskilled native midwives has been indicated. However, training of these native midwives has been advocated, in conjunction with an understanding of the principal mode of sepsis treatment, which is antibiotics.

Scholars have over the years advocated for the usefulness of native midwives because they play a significant role in the women’s lives. However, other authors questioned their importance, as they believed that these native midwives do more harm than good if they don’t work in conjunction with hospitals. Arguing that the women have little or no place in improving maternal health, as they are too old and conservative to adapt to modern healthcare methods. Also, they are mainly illiterate, and cannot keep reliable records of their practices.

The opposing scholars argued that the native midwives have a valuable place in maternal health care. The increasing shortage of health-care workers in developing countries, especially in rural areas suggests the importance of native midwives training and inclusion. Irrespective of the issue that some are illiterate and have no formal training, they are ubiquitous, easily accessible, and hold a high value in communities because they are knowledgeable about the traditions, culture and language of the women.

Highlighting the use of native midwives in the community due to their cheap services, their cultural and traditional practices, the importance of their inclusion has been emphasised, because trust and cultural habits are important factors influencing why women visit them. The salient point drawn here is the need to communicate to the women of childbearing age the importance of  having a skilled birth attendance at delivery. This information will empower the pregnant women to make effective health care decisions.

Furthermore, if the suggestion regarding training native midwives is to be adopted, the educational method has to be tailored according to the capabilities of the target audience, because improper training may result in failure of the exercise. Highlighted patronisation of the native midwives, suggests that it may be beneficial to integrate and formally train them on the effectiveness of referrals and standard practices for patient care.

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