Midwives in the Mexican health system

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Medical Anthropology
• Sociology of Health

Background:

• Mexico's healthcare system prioritizes curative over preventive Western medicine.
• Governmental health policies largely exclude traditional practitioners.
• Indigenous midwives are integral to maternal and child care for specific rural populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the role and preferences of indigenous midwives in rural Mexico.
• To evaluate the integration of traditional midwives into public health programs.
• To identify strategies for optimizing the collaboration between traditional and modern healthcare systems.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of midwife preferences among rural women.
• Examination of public health agency programs incorporating indigenous midwives.
• Qualitative assessment of traditional health practices and modern integration challenges.

Main Results:

• Rural, impoverished, illiterate women with children in remote areas predominantly rely on indigenous midwives.
• Government programs integrating traditional midwives are vital for this demographic.
• Successful integration requires upgrading midwife skills and recognizing traditional practices.

Conclusions:

• The incorporation of indigenous midwives represents a unique integration of traditional and modern healthcare in Mexico.
• Effective programs necessitate enhancing traditional midwives' skills in modern techniques.
• Recognizing and researching traditional practices is essential for holistic healthcare delivery.