Three concurrent training groups in Chiapas

This year our focus has been on refining our midwife training curriculum and adapting it to the culture and learning style of the indigenous midwives with whom we work.

Trainer Dení Cervantes demonstrates the use of a fetal listening device.

Earlier this year, our team was joined by Dení Cervantes. Trained in Mexico as a physician, Dra. Dení has used her medical knowledge and adult education experience to create culturally appropriate activities in explaining concepts such as the menstrual cycle, reproductive organs, prenatal nutrition, and obstetric warning signs.

We now have training programs in three communities near Yajalón, with 54 total participants. The 8-session series for all three communities is expected to be completed in March 2012. Training covers human anatomy; prenatal nutrition and care; warning signs during pregnancy, labor, and delivery; neonatal and postpartum care; making referrals; family planning; and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases.

Our community-based approach involves integrating the midwives’ training with other components of the local healthcare system. We work with the regional hospital and health center to ensure that mothers can effectively be referred for prenatal care or emergency services, and that transportation is efficient and available when needed. Participants who complete the training will be certified by the local health jurisdiction as Traditional Birth Attendants. This distinction now comes with a government-sanctioned badge that allows midwives to accompany their patients to the health center for prenatal care, and to the hospital if emergency services are needed.

We have also helped the midwives organize themselves into a civil association called Tzoblej Chichil Nich Romero. Since 2008 Tzoblej has grown from 32 members to 143 and has become a greater force in the community in advocating for indigenous health care rights.

Read more about the history of our midwifery program in Chiapas in our archives.