Matroniya: the lived experiences of rural auxiliary midwives in Koutiala, Mali

Abstract

Our team explored the lived experiences of rural auxiliary midwives, or matrones, in Mali. Since matrones attend more births than all other health workers combined, they are critical to efforts to reduce maternal mortality. Currently, their experiences are not well understood. This study used interpretive phenomenology to describe the experiences of seven matrones. We suggest that matrones provide a vital connection between traditional approaches to birth and the biomedical services offered by the formal health sector. Matrones' unique role as both health professionals and rural women creates challenges and opportunities that affect their effectiveness and personal lives.