Naye Xjaw Maya Midwifery International

To improve maternal and child health outcomes by preserving, developing, delivering, and promoting Indigenous Maya midwifery.

Since 1999, Maya Midwifery International (MMI) (formerly International Mayan League USA (IMLUSA), until 2014) has served as an advisory and fundraising body for Naye Xjaw (formerly Association of Midwives of the Mam Area (ACAM), until 2024)- a group of 50+ Maya midwives who work together to address issues specific to their communities.

We provide a unique model of care that creates a balance between ancestral knowledge and the biomedical midwifery model. Our Indigenous Reproductive Health Sovereignty Framework aims to advance self-determination and traditional knowledge and to overcome disparities attributed to the social determinants of health of colonialism and systemic oppression.

Based in the town of San Miguel Siguila, Quetzaltenango, the communities served by Naye Xjaw consist of about 115,000 people, 90% of whom are Indigenous Maya Mam. The surrounding communities struggle with poor health and nutrition, low levels of education, and poverty. Maternal and infant mortality rates are among the highest in Guatemala, and there are significant problems with child and spousal abuse, and mistreatment of Indigenous people in the health system, especially women. However, these communities have worked hard to preserve the rich traditions and customs which have sustained them through 500 years of hardships spanning from Spanish conquest to the 36-year Guatemalan civil war, which ended in 1996. They are incredibly proud of their heritage, and the strength of their communities.

In Guatemala, midwives have been practicing and supporting women, families and communities for thousands of years. In Maya communities, midwives are highly respected health care providers and integral members of the community. The Naye Xjaw midwives blend ancient traditional care with modern medical approaches as they provide high quality, low cost prenatal care and counseling, attend normal births, and provide postnatal care to mothers and their newborns. For high risk pregnancies or complications, they will refer to the nearest hospital in Quetzaltenango, though many women refuse to go due to cost, poor quality care, or lack of female and/or culturally competent providers. The Naye Xjaw midwives speak the language of their clients (Mam) and share the same heritage. They have a very personal stake in the welfare of their home communities and are likely to continue serving these isolated populations.

Naye Xjaw services are provided at a nominal fee and fees are waived for clients who cannot afford to pay. The midwives are constantly seeking creative ways to generate revenue in a society where traditional midwives do 80% of births in the Maya towns, but receive no salary, material support or recognition from the health care system. Naye Xjaw midwives receive above the minimum wage salary and full legal benefits, a rarity in Guatemala.

Naye Xjaw midwives envision a model where skilled, traditional midwives, who speak the language of the community (Mam), provide services in a well-equipped, mid-level facility, with reliable means to transport women to the hospital when indicated; and mobile or satellite midwifery outposts staffed by local skilled midwives, with emergency equipment, medicines, and strong transport and referral capacity.

Naye Xjaw is a unique model. Its many accomplishments are the fruit of a 25-year partnership, with its sister organization, Maya Midwifery International. North American midwives, physicians, and other volunteers act as allies, advisors, and mentors, bringing requested educational and financial resources to support their Naye Xjaw colleagues, in an ongoing relationship based on mutual respect and local control.