The potential for traditional birth attendants (TBAs) to improve
neonatal health outcomes has largely been overlooked during the current
debate regarding the role of TBAs in improving maternal health.
Randomly- selected TBAs (n=93) were interviewed to gain a more thorough
understanding of their knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding
maternal and newborn care. Practices, such as using a clean
cord-cutting instrument (89%) and hand-washing before delivery (74%),
were common. Other beneficial practices, such as thermal care, were
low. Trained TBAs were more likely to wash hands with soap before
delivery, use a clean delivery-kit, and advise feeding colostrum.
Although mustard oil massage was a universal practice, 52% of the TBAs
indicated their willingness to consider alternative oils. Low-cost,
evidence-based interventions for improving neonatal outcomes might be
implemented by TBAs in this setting where most births take place in the
home and neonatal mortality risk is high. Continuing efforts to define
the role of TBAs may benefit from an emphasis on their potential as
active promoters of essential newborn care