Lave&Wenger: Yucatec Mayan Midwives in Mexico

From Eduwiki

Based on Jordan(1989)

Summary

This example highlights the lack of formal instruction in the apprenticeship. Apprentices are often related to the “master” midwife, and skills are passed down in families. Young women closely observe and learn from “master” midwives, slowly taking over the duties of maternal comfort, pre-natal massage, and eventually, delivery.

Learning Trajectory

This is from childhood to childbirth. Life long learned skill that get passed down through family lines. The process is observing what is going on from births to care-taking and doing things for the mom. It's a right of passage where it is seamlessly passed on through observations and hands on experience. The apprentice takes on more responsibility as skills are acquired.

Community of Practice

Help with day to day tasks that lead to eventually helping to deliver a baby. They administer prenatal massages. Learn to use herbs to for remedies, since there are no doctors and must collect the right supplies. The apprentices must go to the market when the mom suffers from postpartum. The females observe but do not ask questions.