Midwifery, Maternal Health and Gynecology

B’laans and T’boli, are indigenous group living in remote and mountainous areas in South Cotabato, access to equitable and respectful maternal and child health was a pressing problem. Some receives prenatal care from the midwives but the tradition calls for women to give birth at home, assisted by untrained birth attendants and their husbands - a practice that more often leads to

pregnancy-related concerns and complications. Disrespectful and culturally insensitive treatment during labor and childbirth in birthing facilities form an important barrier to improving skilled care utilization and improving maternal health outcomes.

 

The Department of Health through the Human Resource for Health created a program to deploy nurses and midwives to make health more accessible for the Filipino people. Some government and non-government sectors are working together to make maternal and newborn health care accessible to B’laans and T’boli while acknowledging their culture and traditions. The development of a culturally sensitive maternal and newborn care program through the establishment of traditional birthing facilities called Bahay ni Nanay (Home of Mothers) in the community is a manifestation of the support intended for these tribal groups.