CHW Central

A global resource for and about Community Health Workers

Traditional Birth Attendants

A co-designed conceptual educational framework for midwives to train Indigenous traditional birth attendants in low resource settings of remote Papua New Guinea

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In rural Papua New Guinea, many women give birth without access to midwives or proper health facilities. This study created a culturally sensitive training framework to help midwives teach and support traditional birth attendants. The framework emphasizes trust, respect, and practical learning to improve care for mothers and newborns. By linking traditional birth attendants … [Read more...] about A co-designed conceptual educational framework for midwives to train Indigenous traditional birth attendants in low resource settings of remote Papua New Guinea

Traditional birth attendant training programs in low resource countries: an integrative literature review

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This review looked at studies on training Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) in low-resource countries. It found confusion around their role, titles, pay, and the skills they need. Training programs often lack clear standards and cultural relevance, and there is little evidence on their impact. The study highlights the need for community involvement and better-designed … [Read more...] about Traditional birth attendant training programs in low resource countries: an integrative literature review

Context and reasons of preference for use of traditional birth attendant care in Indonesia and Ethiopia

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This study looked at why many families in Indonesia and Ethiopia still prefer Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) despite efforts to promote hospital births. Interviews and group discussions with mothers, TBAs, community health workers, men, and community leaders showed that people value TBAs because they are close by, trusted, and provide culturally familiar support. The … [Read more...] about Context and reasons of preference for use of traditional birth attendant care in Indonesia and Ethiopia

Traditional birth attendants knowledge of delivery and its danger signs a one-on-one interview

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This study interviewed 30 traditional birth attendants (TBAs) in Ilorin, Nigeria, to understand what they know about childbirth and danger signs during labor. Most were women aged 40–49. While they could assist with deliveries, many did not recognize warning signs or used unsafe practices. The study shows the need for proper training to help TBAs spot serious problems during … [Read more...] about Traditional birth attendants knowledge of delivery and its danger signs a one-on-one interview

“We Only Escort Women to the Health Facility”: Traditional birth attendants and the performance of indicator-driven care in rural Tanzania

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In rural Tanzania, traditional birth attendants (TBAs) have shifted their roles due to government pressure and strict policies discouraging home births. To avoid penalties while still supporting pregnant women, TBAs publicly claim they only escort women to health facilities, though they continue to provide various forms of care. This approach allows them to navigate restrictive … [Read more...] about “We Only Escort Women to the Health Facility”: Traditional birth attendants and the performance of indicator-driven care in rural Tanzania