Indigenous Midwifery and Amazonian Plant Medicine Internship
About Program
The Amazon rainforest is one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world, with over 40,000 plant species and 2.5 million insect species! Also, many species of Amazonian flora and fauna have medicinal properties, and about 25 percent of pharmaceutical drugs are derived from the rainforest. The main indigenous group in the region, the Kichwa nation, is known for their midwives who use natural healing and plant medicine for maternal care and births. Despite the existence of both traditional and Western medicine, this province has disproportionate access to healthcare and a lack of resources for expecting mothers, maternal care, and postpartum care; the province also has higher rates of infant mortality compared to other provinces in Ecuador.
Interns work with an association of indigenous midwives who are working to preserve their culture and traditional birthing practices by receiving patients, visitors, and volunteers at their birthing center.
Video and Photos
Program Highlights
- Work with an association of indigenous midwives who run their own birthing center
- Live with one of the midwives and her family in a rural community or at the birthing center
- Gain an understanding of traditional midwifery practices, plant medicine, traditional farming, and indigenous culture
- Support the birthing center with fundraising and grant writing, tourism, and the elaboration of natural products to sell
- Collaborate with other health clinics, hospitals, or government public health organizations
