Transition in Local Home Birth Practices in Mashobra block of Inner Himalayas, Himachal Pradesh: Assessing Role and Status of Traditional Birth Attendants

Abstract

Traditional birth care attendants (TBAs) or dais have been main health care providers for women during childbirth, prenatal and post natal care. High mortalihJ rate in India led to training ofTBAs followed by tl1eir incorporation into health institutions. Later schemes and policies of Government of India promoted institutional deliveries. It led to change in role and status ofTBAs at the village level. The present study aimed to explore the current transition of traditional birth care institution in Mashobra block, District Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. It was found that the role ofTBAs was largely taken up by Auxilian; Nurse Midwife (ANMs) and ASHA workers, and TBAs were not included in the priman; health care management at the village level even though, women of the village still looked up to TBAs for primary care. Since the role ofTBAs in tenns of caring and sensitivihJ to cultural needs cannot be overlooked, it was concluded that the existing TBA and health care model should be made stronger by means of training and association ofTBAs with health institution to strengthen maternal and child health at village level.