Practices And Outcomes of Herbalist-Provided Maternity Care in Nakaseke, Uganda

This study investigated the practices and outcomes of herbalist-provided maternity care in Nakaseke Town Council, Uganda. It was guided by two research questions that explored the circumstances under which traditional birth attendants (TBAs) administer local herbal medicines and the outcomes associated with their use. A qualitative research design was adopted to capture the cultural beliefs, lived experiences, and contextual realities surrounding herbal maternity care. Twelve (12) TBAs actively providing herbal remedies during pregnancy, labour, and postpartum periods were purposively selected. Data were collected through in-depth interviews using semi-structured guides and analysed thematically. Findings revealed that TBAs administer herbs based on maternal condition and stage of maternity, often to ease labour, strengthen the womb, and promote postnatal recovery. Herbal baths and oral preparations were found to enhance lactation, relieve pain, and provide spiritual protection. However, adverse outcomes such as excessive bleeding, miscarriage, and retained placenta were also acknowledged, mainly resulting from overuse or late referral to health facilities. Despite these risks, TBAs expressed strong cultural and emotional attachment to their practice, viewing it as both a spiritual duty and a source of community respect. The study concluded that while herbal medicines form an integral part of culturally grounded maternity care, their unregulated use poses potential health dangers. It recommended strengthening collaboration between TBAs and formal healthcare systems through training, supervision, and the establishment of clear safety guidelines to harmonise traditional practices with biomedical standards.