Traditioanl Maternal and Childbirth Practices Among Pastoral Nomadic Communities in Somaliland
This research examines maternal health practices among pastoral nomadic communities in Somalia, highlighting the significance of traditional healing systems alongside biomedical approaches. Traditional birth attendants (TBAs), spiritual healing, and plant medicine are crucial in shaping health outcomes. The study critiques the dominant biomedical narrative that often overlooks the complexities of medical pluralism and emphasises the need for a holistic understanding of women's health.
Methods
Utilising qualitative research methods, this study interviewed 20 women of reproductive age and traditional birth attendants through purposive and snowball sampling. It targeted women who had experienced pregnancy within the last five years. Employing interpretive phenomenology and ethnography, the research aimed to capture the essence of traditional maternal health practices within the nomadic community context.
Results
Findings indicate that women display remarkable resilience during childbirth, often enduring labour in isolation due to cultural expectations. Privacy and trust in TBAs significantly influence childbirth choices, as many women fear that formal healthcare will compromise their cultural and spiritual practices. Childbearing is viewed as both a religious duty and a social expectation, which pressures women to bear large families, especially male children. Economic and household responsibilities further dictate maternal health decisions, often leading women to prefer home births over health facility interventions.
Conclusion
The study reveals a complex interplay of cultural norms, spiritual beliefs, and healthcare practices affecting maternal health in pastoral nomadic communities. Despite the availability of modern healthcare, reliance on traditional practices persists, driven by fear of medical interventions and strong cultural ties. This underscores the necessity for inclusive health policies that recognise and integrate traditional practices in improving maternal health outcomes.