Natün’s Community Health Program prioritizes maternal and infant health in rural Indigenous communities. The voice, ancestral knowledge, and leadership of Comadronas, or Maya midwives, are key to co-creating solutions that transform public health services into welcoming spaces for all.
In El Tablón, high in the mountains of Sololá, Comadronas like Elena gather to receive medical supplies from Natün. “Comadronas bring life to the world,” shares Elena, a Maya-Kaqchikel Comadrona. “We are responsible for the expecting mother.” These traditional health practitioners’ wisdom and skills are passed down through generations.
Making Space for Comadronas
Systematic discrimination against Maya populations is present in the local health system. Rural Indigenous areas lack reliable healthcare services, and unequal distribution of resources exacerbates shortages. Doctors’ dismissive attitudes towards Indigenous practices discourage community members from seeking medical assistance.
Brenda, Natün’s Community Health Coordinator, strengthens Comadrona’s leadership and amplifies their voice in healthcare spaces. “Our vision is to establish a sustainable support network for women’s health. By training a network of Comadronas and Health Promoters, we can broaden our reach,” she explains.
Comadronas: Weavers of Community Health
Comadronas’ role is highly respected and culturally sacred. They preserve the health of each community member, focusing on maternal and infant health. Elena confirms, “The community comes to us first because we are caring and kind. In hospitals, they don’t speak our language and often scold us.”
Since 2022, 75 Comadronas from rural Sololá have participated in Natün’s medical training, leadership development, and community-building activities. “Little by little, we are achieving an impact where women can make their own decisions,” Brenda shares.
Confident and Self-Assured Leaders
Brenda collaborates with Comadronas to bring culturally pertinent workshops expanding their medical knowledge, facilitated in Kaqchikel by Sololá doctors. She plans to partner with organizations to extend recognition of Comadronas’ work in health centers.
“For Natün, Comadronas are community doctors,” Brenda states. Her emphasis on rights as the cornerstone of self-advocacy seeks to heighten every Comadrona’s voice.
Comadronas, as carriers of ancestral knowledge, disrupt narratives that constrain Indigenous women and give voice to rural communities.
Utilizing Local Resources
“We want [midwives] to be respected by health care centers and hospitals. We want ancestral knowledge to click with Western thinking,” Brenda recognizes.
Elena enjoys the camaraderie during gatherings, learning new techniques, sharing medicinal recipes, and connecting with experienced Comadronas like Petrona.
“[Natün] brought a Nutritionist and Gynecologist, and it’s fortunate because we can inform our patients and refer them to specialists,” Elena highlights.
Challenging the Status Quo
Comadronas are paving the way for their sacred practices to be recognized within health centers.
Recently, Elena and 8 Comadronas attended a workshop with disability care professionals. Natün facilitates improvement in the holistic care Comadronas provide. “Trainings like this expand the care I can give my patients,” Elena shares.
