Indigenous Communication's Role in Traditional Birth Attendants in Maternal Health Practices

Abstract

Indigenous communication is an indispensable medium of communication in the socio-cultural tradition of Africans. These systems have been used to promote co-operation, mobilization, and participation among African people. This chapter takes into account indigenous communication roles of traditional birth attendants in maternal wellbeing and maternal health practices during pregnancy and childbirth in both Nigerian and South African communities. The significant motivation behind the examination is to assess the indigenous communication role of traditional birth attendants in maternal health practices in the two nations through empirical studies. After careful review of the studies, it is shown and discovered that TBAs in both Nigeria and South Africa assist pregnant women based on their religious or traditional beliefs. The researchers therefore recommend that health professionals should train TBAs in modern maternal health practices. This will go a long way to help them know their restrictions and possibly refer mothers and their children for emergency services and attention as needed.