History of midwifery in New Mexico: partnership between curandera-parteras and the New Mexico Department of Health.
Curandera-parteras (traditional Hispanic midwives) have been in northern New Mexico since before its statehood. In the 1930s, the New Mexico Department of Health began a valuable relationship with the curandera-parteras through the Midwife Consultant Program. This article describes the relationship between the curandera-parteras and the New Mexico Department of Health originating in the 1920s. The amenable and effective working relationship achieved between curandera-parteras and public health during this time period helped create the positive support for midwifery that is apparent in New Mexico today.
Ortiz
Felina Mychelle
FM
University of Utah, USA. fmortiz@salud.unm.edu
D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000266:history; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000266:history*; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D008519:Medicine, Traditional / Q000266:history*; D008880:Midwifery / Q000266:history*; D017146:Models, Organizational; D009516:New Mexico; D024802:Nurse's Role; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D011247:Pregnancy; D015980:Public Health Practice / Q000266:history*; D011787:Quality of Health Care / Q000266:history; D012068:Religion and Medicine; D013219:State Government