A Visit to an Outlying Village
A few weeks back (while I was still accompanied by my classmates, Heather & Anne Marie and our tutor, Cathy) we all ventured to an outlying village to spend the day with some of the local TBAs (‘Traditional Birth Attendant’).
A TBA typically has very little formal training in birth. All of the TBAs attending our teaching session were trained by either their mother or grandmother. The roll that TBAs hold in small villages has always been significant and in recent years, controversial. This is because many mothers, who may have higher-risk-factors and should be attended in hospital, are not referred in but rather ‘managed’ by the birth attendant…and sometimes until it is too late to save the baby and at times, the mother.
Our day was organised in part by Masaka Health District, who do try to keep in contact with the TBAs when they can and offer training and advice. However, funds are lacking for these training days and they rarely happen. So we offered to fund this session by paying for transport (about an hour drive outside of Masaka town) and giving each TBA a small stipend, to help cover their own transport. We also supplied lunch and sodas and purchased much needed supplies (gloves, soap, bleach) to share with each TBA. We spent the day teaching basic birth skills and reviewing reasons to refer mothers in to hospital.
It was fascinating to hear all of their stories: challenges and triumphs and to share knowledge and appreciation for each other. All around it was a very successful day.
See some photos below…
