Tradition can be a strong force in Haiti. Sometimes tradition promotes unity and a positive sense of identity. Yet at other times it can be harmful.
Historically, traditional birth attendants called matrons have played a significant role in supporting births in rural areas of Haiti. Matrons are typically trusted and respected in the community yet often have had very limited access to formal training.
Matrons are often called upon for home births where transportation to hospitals is difficult. They are also sought out in communities where tradition is stronger than trust in modern medicine. While matrons can have valuable skills, many lack higher levels of training, which can be a challenge in ensuring safe deliveries.
Today, Haiti has the highest maternal and infant mortality rates in the western hemisphere. It’s devastating to hear the stories of preventable deaths of mothers and babies.
World Wide Village understands how crucial it is for matrons who are trusted in our communities to have excellent training. To help this become a reality, our midwife and nurse have been holding weekly trainings for 25 local matrons to promote better health for mothers and babies.
These trainings have focused on recognizing and managing complications during pregnancy and labor. They have explored best practices for promoting safe deliveries. Our excellent midwife is helping the matrons break “old habits” that can be harmful to moms and babies, such as when and how to cut the umbilical cord.
Our midwife has also invited the matrons to integrate their patients into healthcare at Sant Sante Espwa so they have access to prenantal care and equipment necessary to monitor blood pressure, fetal heart tones and more. These weekly matron trainings are vitally important for the future health of moms and babies in our area of Haiti. Thank you for making it possible!
