In the remote villages deep in the Amazon jungle, traditional midwives like Tabita dos Santos Moraes play a vital role in delivering babies when access to hospitals is hindered by drought. Tabita, a skilled midwife with a lineage steeped in the ancient art, provides essential care to pregnant women like Mayleane Melo, offering comfort and expertise during labor.
Tabita, known as the “umbilical mother” for overseeing the birth of over 180 babies, is part of a dwindling group of Amazon midwives as younger women opt for different paths. With many communities lacking midwives, the demand for their services has surged especially during times when reaching hospitals becomes challenging due to extreme droughts caused by climate change.
The journey to the nearest hospital from villages like Deus É Pai has become treacherous with the rivers drying up, turning what used to be a four-hour trip into a day-long ordeal. Pregnant women like Mayleane, who initially sought hospital care in Tefe to avoid complications, often find themselves unable to afford the prolonged separation from their families and return home.
Despite the higher rates of home births in the Amazon region compared to the national average, maternal mortality remains a concern, exacerbated by difficulties in accessing healthcare facilities during environmental crises. Midwives like Tabita emphasize the critical role they play in providing essential care when communities are cut off from medical services due to challenging river conditions.
In times of crisis and isolation, the presence of traditional midwives in these remote Amazonian communities proves to be invaluable, offering a lifeline for expectant mothers in need of skilled and compassionate care.
Health officials in the Amazonas region are in need of midwives to assist women in remote areas. Sandra Cavalcante, a representative from the state health department, expressed astonishment at the vastness of the region during her years of service. She pondered the challenges of providing healthcare in such a territory and highlighted the crucial role traditional midwives play in reducing maternal mortality rates.
Despite the vital role of traditional midwives, they are not paid by the government unless they undergo formal training recognized by the medical community. Many midwives in Amazonas state live below the poverty line and rely on government assistance. For instance, Tabita, a dedicated midwife, provides her services voluntarily to families in need.
Tabita follows traditional Amazonian midwifery practices, such as preparing a special soup called the “charity broth” to support women during childbirth. Additionally, Amazonian midwives employ various traditional remedies, like using native plants for tea and applying natural pastes to alleviate postpartum issues.
The story of Mayleane’s childbirth experience underlines the valuable support provided by midwives like Tabita. With Tabita’s guidance and encouragement, Mayleane successfully delivered her baby, emphasizing the importance of traditional midwifery practices in the Amazon region.
