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Traditional maternity care within a bio-social framework.
International Nursing Review
|July 1, 1986
Summary
This study profiles traditional midwives in Botswana, highlighting their community integration, communication skills, and collaboration with modern maternity care. Developing cooperation between traditional and modern midwives can enhance maternal healthcare quality.
Area of Science:
- Maternal Health
- Medical Anthropology
- Public Health Policy
Background:
- Traditional midwives play a significant role in Botswana's maternal healthcare.
- Understanding their practices and integration with modern care is crucial for improving outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To profile traditional midwives in Botswana.
- To describe their demographic characteristics, communication patterns, knowledge, practices, and cooperation with the modern maternity care sector.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative and qualitative methodologies were employed.
- A case study approach was used to develop the profile of a traditional midwife.
Main Results:
- Traditional midwives are socially and culturally integrated, possess valuable knowledge on cultural aspects of childbirth, and value close patient interaction.
- They recognize their limitations and refer patients to hospitals when necessary.
- The described midwife represents valuable characteristics of the traditional approach.
Conclusions:
- Cooperation between modern and traditional midwives is recommended, respecting the unique character of each sector.
- An open-minded collaboration can optimize healthcare for childbearing populations in Botswana.
- Structured cooperation could include regional education seminars for both modern and traditional midwives.