In Mexico City, a trend is emerging among new mothers who are prioritizing traditional midwifery over hospital obstetric care. These women are increasingly seeking out midwives who offer a more culturally and spiritually aligned approach to childbirth and postpartum recovery. The practices often involve holistic methods, such as herbal remedies, traditional rituals, and community-based care, which contrast with the more clinical and standardized hospital procedures.
Kay Nicte Cisneros García, a recent mother, is one of many who have embraced these traditional methods. After giving birth, she participated in a postpartum ritual where she was wrapped in shawls, a practice that has deep cultural roots in Indigenous and mestizo communities. The shawl-wrapping ritual is believed to symbolize protection, support, and the strengthening of the bond between mother and child, according to local midwives.
While some healthcare professionals and institutions have expressed concerns about the safety and efficacy of these traditional practices, others argue that they can provide emotional and psychological benefits that complement modern medical care. The trend reflects broader shifts in Mexico’s healthcare landscape, where some women are reevaluating the role of technology and institutional systems in childbirth, seeking instead a more personalized and culturally resonant approach.