The reduction of the maternal mortality rate is part of the priority agenda of governments in Africa, including South Africa. Research shows that a large portion of maternal deaths are preventable because they are largely due to lack of inappropriately prepared staff. In South Africa, outcome studies on the quality of comprehensive prepared nursing graduates reflect some concerns regarding their levels of competence. These studies, however, are general; they did not directly target the competence of these graduates in their midwifery practice, therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore and describe the perceived level of competence of newly qualified-midwives functioning in midwifery units. Based on the positivist paradigm, an exploratory descriptive design, using a quantitative approach, was adopted in this study. Two structured questionnaires were used to collect data: one for the newly-qualified midwives and one for the supervisors. A total of 48 newly-qualified midwives and 26 supervisors from five hospitals at eThekwini District participated in this study. Ethics principles and other considerations were observed throughout the study. Data were analyzed statistically using a computer Software Package (SPSS, version 15.0) and a variety of statistical tests were carried out. . From the findings there was a positive congruence between graduates and their supervisors' ratings of the newly-qualified midwives clinical competencies. There were, however, significant differences in a few skills with graduates tending to rate themselves higher than did their supervisors. On the whole though one can conclude that although VI the findings in this study are not conclusive, compared to the previous studies in this area, there is an improvement in the level of competence of newly-qualified midwives. The improvement was noted in their level of competence in midwifery clinical practice, clinical teaching, management and research. The findine;s, however, revealed some areas that need special attention in the theory and clinical preparation of midwives. Recommendations included reviewing the curriculum and strengthening the research component. In midwifery clinical practice there needs to be more attention paid to neonatal care skills, problem solving and record keeping. Further research is also recommended. / Thesis (M.N.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2011.

This study was undertaken to investigate the practice of Traditional Birth Attendants (TBA) during pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period. The overall goal of this study was to promote safe motherhood. This study was conducted in Abaqulusi, a sub-district of KwaZulu-Natal, Zululand Health District 26, in four rural communities. A descriptive design with structured interview schedule guided the process. A convenient sample of forty-eight actively practicing trained Traditional Birth Attendants and forty-eight mothers attended by these Traditional Birth Attendants were interviewed. Of these 48 TBAs 47 were women, and one interestingly, was a man. Their age range was from 20 to over 70. Fifty percent of the mothers attended by the TBAs were between 15 and 24 years old. This finding is significant because the result shows that most of the mothers who are attended and delivered by TBAs are a high risk group. Data generated was quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed. The study revealed that the TBAs attended the mothers during the pregnancy, labor, and postpartum periods. All TBAs examined mothers with their hands, gave education on the importance of good nutrition, child spacing, and follow up care. The study showed that during labor 100 % of TBAs deliver babies on the floor with an old blanket, in the lithotomy position and encouraged the mother to empty her bladder before and during labor. They wore gloves or plastic bags. They examined mothers before delivery was done. They measured the umbilical cord, tied it with string and cut it. They cleaned the baby's mouth, nose, and eyes with a clean cloth, and wrapped the baby up and put it near the mother. They delivered the placenta, checked it to see if all was out. They washed the mother and put her on her bed. During the postpartum period, 100 % of the TBAs visited the mother at her home for one week to assess and care for the mother and her baby. The TBAs examined the mother, checked the umbilical cord and bathed the baby. They educated the mother about breastfeeding, caring for her breast, and eating balanced meals to produce adequate breast milk. The study revealed that the mothers perceived the TBAs as caring. The mothers loved the TBAs because the TBAs were easily accessible, even at night. The conclusion reached in this study is that TBAs are of great value to the rural communities of South Africa. They need to be supported by the health professionals so thal tbeir practice can be recognized. They form part of the maternal and child health care. Their practice is indispensable. / Thesis (M.N.)-University of Natal,Durban, 2004.