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Journal of Thai Traditional & Alternative Medicine Vol. 5 No. 3 September - December 2007 ÚÙÒ

Abstract
Folk Wisdom of Muslim Midwives (Toh-bidae) Practicing in the Five Southern-Border Provinces
of Thailand
Suthon Pornbunditpattama*
*Office of Thai Indigenous Medicine, Department for Development of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine,
Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000

Infant and maternal mortality rates in the five southern-border provinces of Thailand have been higher
than the country’s average. Part of the reasons may be due to the lack of knowledge and skill of toh-bidaes or
Muslim midwives in taking care of pregnant women and infants, especially at the time of delivery, in diagnos-
ing any risk factors in labor. The present study was aimed at studying the background and folk medical
wisdom of toh-bidaes who practice in the five southern-border provinces of Thailand. The selection criteria
for experienced toh-bidaes from different regions of the studied provinces were establisted and three toh-
bidaes from each province were secured for a total of 15 represent the toh-bidae population. Data from in-
depth interviews were analyzed for descriptive information.
Regarding the background of the toh-bidae samples, they were all women aged 60-70 years. Their main
occupations were agriculture and only a few practiced midwifery as their main job. Their midwifery knowl-
edge was passed on from their mothers’ side. Most attended some midwifery training course organized by the
public sector. Regarding antenatal care, the toh-bidaes take care of a pregnant woman by examining the baby
externally while it is in the womb, giving massage for relaxation, and on the abdomen to correct the position of
the baby, if necessary, giving advice on proper diet, especially herbal food, and on nourishing the mother the
so that she will have easy delivery. At delivery, the toh-bidae cleans the vaginal area, examines the opening of
the uterus, helps deliver the baby, uses some herbs to prevent tearing of the perineum, cuts the cord, and
performs ritual while burying the cord. For postnatal care, the toh-bidae takes care of the “Yu-Fai” period
(lying by the fire) of the mother to help the uterus resume its original position sooner, and gives self-care
instructions for the mother, especially on the use of herbs to help excrete lochia, promote lactation, and nour-
ish the body. For the infant, the toh-bidae performs some ritual to protect them from evil spirits, uses some
herbs to help dry the cord and prevent skin rash.
In summary, most toh-bidaes inherited their midwifery knowledge from their mothers and grandmoth-
ers. Their work involves mainly massage and nutritional support for antenatal care, help in the delivery of the
baby, and giving some herbs to stimulate milk production and in taking care of the health of the newborn.
Key words: folk medical wisdom, toh-bidae, Muslim widwife, southern-border provinces, Thailand