To be born in Chiloé: bringing together systems of knowledge in reproductive care

Abstract

In Chiloé’s Traditional Medical System, pregnancy and birth were conceived as natural processes, where woman, family and community were actively involved in what was seen as a collective activity. On the other hand, the arrival of the Official Medical System on Chiloé has meant a loss of the inclusive nature of giving birth and the active role of the woman in it. At the present time, there is an attempt to bring back a more integrated form of care during pregnancy and birthing. The State has initiated programmes of this kind, notably during the last year, with guidelines promoted by the Sistema de Protección a la Infancia: Chile Crece Contigo (System of Infant Protection: Chile Grows with You). Nevertheless, these initiatives should incorporate the views of the beneficiary women, their partners, and families, and also ensure that they are culturally appropriate. This article presents the main results of a qualitative and quantitative research into local opinions about this issue, carried out in 2007-2008 in the public health networks of the Province of Chiloé by the Health Service of Chiloé. The research investigated the processes of pregnancy and birthing from the point of view of both consumers from different generations, sociocultural and socioeconomic strata, and healthcare professionals and traditional midwives. The research highlights elements likely to be considered both for the biomedical and the traditional systems, in order to contribute to a joint and appropriate care of pregnancy and childbirth in Chiloé.