Traditional birth attendants among the Annang of Nigeria: Current practices and proposed programs

Abstract

Nigerian Traditional Birth Attendants interfere as little as possible in the natural course of labor and delivery, capitalizing on the forces of gravity and the woman's own body to assist in a normal birth. The traditional birth attendant allows the laboring woman to squat for delivery, avoids the use of enemas and episiotomies, and cuts the cord following delivery of the placenta. This paper will describe the current practices of the rural Annang traditional birth attendants, the current practices of American and Nigerian obstetrical teams, and the proposed training program for the traditional birth attendant. These practices will be compared and contrasted with one another and suggestions made on what to change and what not to change in the practices of the traditional birth attendant. The paper does not attempt to cover any antenatal or postnatal practices, but is confirmed to the four stages of labor.