Aging & Social Change: Tenth Interdisciplinary Conference

Abstract

Since it is synonymous with life, maternal health is as a concern of modern medicine and technology as is in the communal and somewhat rudimentary African science. Although the World Health Organisation has encouraged different platforms to create awareness of modern methods of maternal health, there is evidence of confidence entrusted in indigenous methods and practices of pregnancy care, childbirth and care by the counsel of highly revered community elders. This paper exploits the practical experiences of village-based mothers in a rural part of Uganda, the Busoga sub-region. Through a snowball sampling strategy, a total of 10 young and 20 visibly experienced mothers joyfully share their pride in the magical counsel obtained from their village-based elders commonly known as mulerwa, a Lusoga word for ‘Very experienced midwife’. To the mothers, visiting a mulerwa fundamental to the mothers as they set out to manage their life with risks and resilience, so as to match up with the expected qualities of typical African motherhood. This specific work is a summary of the preliminary study findings and volumes of literature rummaged in order to answer the question: Is village-based elders’ maternal health service effectiveness a mere perception or reality? Findings show the role of sociocultural attachment to elders and maternal health. The conclusions and recommendations are beneficial to not only public health advocates but also active and expecting mothers and fathers in Uganda, Africa and beyond.