Initiation of traditional birth attendants and their traditional and spiritual practices during pregnancy and childbirth in Ghana

Abstract

BackgroundPrior to the advent of modern obstetric services, traditional birth attendants (TBAs) have rendered services to pregnant women and women in labour for a long time. Although it is anticipated that women in contemporary societies will give birth in hospitals and clinics, some women still patronize the services of TBAs. The study therefore sought to gain an in-depth understanding of the initiation of TBAs and their traditional and spiritual practices employed during pregnancy and childbirth in Ghana.MethodsThe design was an exploratory qualitative one using in-depth individual interviews. Data saturation was reached with 16 participants who were all of Christian faith. Interviews were conducted with a semi-structured interview guide, audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Content analysis was employed to generate findings.ResultsThe findings showed that TBAs were initiated through apprenticeship from family members who were TBAs and other non-family TBAs as well as through dreams and revelations. They practice using both spiritual and physical methods and their work was founded on spiritual directions, use of spiritual artefacts, herbs and physical examination. TBAs delay cutting of the cord and disposal of the placenta was associated with beliefs which indicated that when not properly disposed, it will have negative consequences on the child during adulthood.ConclusionAlthough, TBAs like maternal health professionals operate to improve maternal health care, some of their spiritual practices and beliefs may pose threats to their clients. Nonetheless, with appropriate initiation and training, they can become useful.

Religion and Spirituality in Pregnancy and Birth: The Views of Birth Practitioners in Southeast Nigeria

“…It has been established that traditional herbs have therapeutic healing properties (Izugbara and Isong 2005;Asamoah-Gyadu 2014). Studies in Ghana show that TBAs use both spiritual and physical methods and that their work was founded on spiritual understandings (Aziato et al 2016;Aziato and Omenyo 2018). Aziato and Omenyo (2018) in their qualitative interview of 16 TBAs in Ghana found that their practices go beyond physical care.…”

“…Studies in Ghana show that TBAs use both spiritual and physical methods and that their work was founded on spiritual understandings (Aziato et al 2016;Aziato and Omenyo 2018). Aziato and Omenyo (2018) in their qualitative interview of 16 TBAs in Ghana found that their practices go beyond physical care. In line with spiritual understandings on which their work is founded, they use spiritual artefacts and herbs depending on the needs of the women.…”

“…Historically, women were cared for by traditional birth attendants (TBAs) who mainly rely on the use of herbal medicine Ohaja and Murphy-Lawless 2017;Aziato and Omenyo 2018). Traditional healthcare practitioners are often referred to as native doctors/healers, and they were the only available healthcare providers in the pre-colonial period (Izugbara 2000).…”

Assisted Birth Delivery In Ghana: Evidence From Ghana Demographic And Health Survey 1988 - 2014

“…Again, a study conducted in Talensi District of Ghana by [41] among women, TBAs and key informants stated majority of women were persisting in utilizing unskilled birth attendants largely because they believe services provided by unskilled birth attendants are good for them. The high usage of Traditional birth attendants during birth delivery will be as a result of ignorance, availability of TBAs and poor access to skilled services [41,42].…”

Analisis Pemilihan Dukun sebagai Penolong Persalinan (Studi Kasus di Puskesmas Bulak Banteng, Kota Surabaya)

“…Ketiganya perlu dicermati sehingga pengetahuan yang disampaikan menjadi milik masyarakat setempat. Hasil penelitian ini sama dengan hasil penelitian Aziato, Lydia bahwa sosio kultural berpengaruh terhadap pemilihan dukun sebagai penolong persalinan 15 .…”