Midwife Training Course

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In the highlands of northwest Guatemala, the infant mortality rate is an alarming 50%. Because the majority of babies are delivered by traditional birth attendants with little or no formal education, the midwives are eager to receive training and equipment to help them in their essential work.
Midwife training participants assemble on clinic porch. Most traditional birth attendants are illiterate. They register for the course with their thumbprint. An experienced midwife listens intently. Magdalena listens and also shares what she knows.
Men also attend births in the highlands. Midwife has knowledge to share. Nurse practitioner demonstrates fetoscope. Midwives gather 'round to watch a demonstration
Midwives learn and practice neonatal resuscitation Each midwife receives a backpack full of equipment. Each midwife kit is filled with these essential items. Trainers admire and respect traditional birth attendants.
This beautiful baby is one of the fortunate 50% that survived the newborn period.