Traditional Midwifery Contribution to Safe Birth in Cultural Safety: Narrative Evaluation of an Intervention in Guerrero, Mexico

Abstract

A 2017 randomised controlled trial in Guerrero State, Mexico, showed supporting Indigenous traditional midwives on their own terms improved traditional childbirths without inferior maternal health outcomes. This narrative evaluation complements the trial to document participant experience of safer birth in cultural safety, transformative dynamics and implementation issues of the intervention. Stories came from 26 traditional midwives, 28 apprentices, 12 intercultural brokers and 20 Indigenous women who experienced the intervention. Their accounts indicate the intervention revitalised traditional midwifery and consolidated local skills through traditional midwife apprentices and intercultural brokers to support safe birth. According to the stories, communities reintroduced traditional perinatal care and reported positive health impacts for mothers, children, and other adults, which contributed to early collaboration with official health services. Challenges included remuneration and disinterest of younger apprentices and brokers. The intervention seems to have improved interaction between traditional and Western services, setting the stage for further intercultural dialogue.