Preserving Maya Midwifery: An Enduring Tradition

For 25 years, Margarita Chan Uicab has been a partera, or traditional midwife, in Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Quintana Roo. Her journey, rooted in family traditions, highlights the resilience of Maya cultural practices in the face of modern medical advancements.

As a partera, Margarita supports women through pregnancy and childbirth using techniques passed down through generations. She shares her knowledge with younger generations, ensuring the continuity of this invaluable cultural heritage.

However, traditional midwifery faces challenges when it meets institutional medicine. Despite this, Margarita continues her work, emphasizing the spiritual and familial aspects of childbirth that remain central to Maya culture.

For expats and digital nomads in Cancún, understanding and respecting local traditions like parteras may help foster a deeper connection to the community and its rich cultural history.

While challenges persist, initiatives like those supported by the Global Pediatric Alliance are crucial in supporting and preserving these essential cultural practices.