Una aproximación al estado de la partería tradicional en Colombia

in colombia there are two systems of care delivery: the formal and traditional. the second is still in use because of the low health coverage associated with pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period provided by the proper system, and other cultural factors. however, despite the consolidation of traditional midwifery and existence of the midwife figure in remote rural areas and urban marginal in the country, the lack of scientific knowledge persist of this event; who takes current impact in the presentation of mortality and maternal and perinatal morbidity. this paper aims to discuss about the need for research addressing the issue of midwives and traditional birth attendant. it presents the few results of the research progress on this subject, we present some outstanding balances to respond from scientific research and the possible contribution that could perform the traditional midwives to improve the health of women.