Abstract
Background: Arguments on the usefulness of Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) in maternal and child health care and the reduction of maternal and child morbidity and mortality indices or not, persist. This paper sought to explore the ancient practices of TBAs and to strike a balance to portray modern recommendations that would contribute to improved maternal and child health status. Methods: The method used was review of relevant literatures from open-access journals and google scholar data base, as well as research reports on variables of the subject in developing countries. Results: Findings revealed that the overlapping root of TBAs’ practice burden include poor social amenities, inadequate health facilities and services in rural areas where over 70% of the population reside. While evidencebased report showed that even when 93% of rural women registered for Ante-Natal Care, 49% were delivered at home by TBAs and 73% has sought help from them for retained placenta with bleeding. Also, 41% of women of child bearing age indicated that maternal and child infection is a risk associated with the patronage of TBAs, whereas 32.8% indicated that bleeding during and after delivery were equally risks associated with TBA-provided maternal health services. Such circumstances of service were associated with harmful practices with attendant health and medical complications to recipient mother and child. However, helpful ancient practices of TBAs include; home visiting to promote well-being of mother and child (9.84%), sitz bath (17.20%), encouraging breastfeeding up to 2years (18.90%) etc. The modern recommendations, x-rayed the remedial actions on the harmful practices and associated negative consequences to improving maternal and child health indices in Nigeria. Conclusion: For reasonable and sustainable reduction in the burden associated with the practices of TBAs in maternal and child health care in Nigeria, contextual focused training and continuous mentoring is a necessity.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.