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Original Research
The Experience of Being a Traditional Midwife: Living and Working in Relationship With Women
Article first published online: 1 MAR 2011
DOI: 10.1111/j.1542-2011.2011.00025.x
© 2011 by the American College of Nurse-Midwives
Additional Information
How to Cite
Dietsch, E. and Mulimbalimba-Masururu, L. (2011), The Experience of Being a Traditional Midwife: Living and Working in Relationship With Women. Journal of Midwifery & Women’s Health, 56: 161–166. doi: 10.1111/j.1542-2011.2011.00025.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 23 MAR 2011
- Article first published online: 1 MAR 2011
- Abstract
- Article
- References
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Keywords:
- birth attendant;
- Kenya;
- midwifery;
- partogram;
- traditional midwifery
Introduction: The purpose of this project was to learn from traditional midwives about their experience of practicing in an area of rural Kenya.
Methods: This qualitative, service-based research project used a simple exploratory and descriptive design. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and fieldwork notes taken during and immediately after the interviews with 84 traditional midwives. Data were thematically analyzed and themes identified through paired-author consensus. Exemplars using the participants’ translated words were used for analysis and presentation purposes.
Results: In being humble, patient, and kind, the traditional midwives used their relationships with women to create an enabling, calm, and physiologically sound intrapartum environment.
Discussion: Traditional midwives provide a valuable service to women in this area of Kenya at a time when their role is being increasingly devalued by global health agencies. We recommend a redirection of global policy from one that esteems only professional caregivers to one that recognizes the potential value of traditional midwives and supports them through sustainable, evidence-based education and resourcing.