“Guardians of Life: Preserving Uganda’s Traditional Birth Attendants” is a an informative book that honours the unsung heroines of maternal care—traditional birth attendants (TBAs). This work highlights the crucial role TBAs play in supporting expectant mothers and safeguarding centuries-old birthing wisdom across Uganda’s diverse cultures.

Given the numerous challenges within Uganda’s healthcare system, preserving the practice of TBAs is essential for promoting positive maternal and infant health outcomes. TBAs have been instrumental in many communities where formal healthcare services are either inaccessible or culturally unsuitable. Their invaluable knowledge, passed down through generations, includes traditional birthing techniques, herbal remedies, and methods for providing comfort during labor.

In rural and remote areas, where formal healthcare facilities may be scarce or far away, TBAs serve as a vital connection to maternal care. Their community-based services make care more accessible to expectant mothers who may have limited transportation options. In Uganda’s resource-limited settings, which represent the majority of the population, TBAs also offer a cost-effective solution, often providing services at little to no cost.

This book stems from Brenda Ninsiima’s 2019 master’s thesis, “Exploring Traditional Birth Attendants Practices for Improved Maternal and Child Care in Bugangari, Rural Uganda”. It delves deeply into the practices of TBAs and underscores their continued relevance in ensuring safe and supportive childbirth experiences.