Transmission of ancestral knowledge, wisdom and practices from the indigenous Miskito midwives of Kamla to new generations

Abstract

This study focuses on the “Transmission of ancestral knowledge, wisdom and practices from the indigenous Miskito midwives of Kamla to new generations.” It was carried out with the purpose of documenting the ancestral practices of midwives. The CCRISAC research methodology was employed, where harmonious coexistence with community members, knowledge-sharing dialogues, and conversations with midwives, community leaders, and assisted women enabled the building of trust for the collection of in-depth and reliable information. The main findings revealed that the care provided by a midwife to pregnant women begins as soon as the pregnancy is confirmed. This is followed by continuous monitoring during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. When necessary, the midwife makes use of traditional medicine to heal ailments believed to be caused by spirits. Furthermore, the women assisted reported experiencing close and harmonious relationships with the midwives. For the rescue and revitalization of ancestral knowledge and practices, the study proposes, together with community members, the implementation of actions such as workshops, dialogues with ancestral wise women, and training for new generations in caring for pregnant women, in order to continue the cultural legacy of the Miskitu people of Kamla.