Midwives in Kashmir Deliver Hope Amid Isolation and Change

In the remote villages of Kashmir, childbirth often occurs far from hospitals and medical records. In these roadless, snowbound areas, local midwives, known as ‘warieens’, play a crucial role in delivering babies. Despite advancements in healthcare, these traditional birth attendants remain essential, particularly in regions where access to medical facilities is limited.

Taja Begum, 81, from the Bandipora district, reflects on her experiences as a midwife. “I learnt midwifery from my mother,” she shares, recalling a time when home births were the norm. “I no longer deliver babies; women today opt for caesareans to avoid labour pain. But in my day, I assisted many births, and the money I earned helped my family survive.”

Similarly, Rehti Begum, 87, has been assisting deliveries in the Lolab valley of Kupwara district for over fifty years. “There are countless moments etched in my memory,” she states. Her extensive experience enables her to assess when a delivery is progressing smoothly and when complications may arise. “If I see danger, I advise going to the hospital immediately,” she emphasizes.

Over the years, healthcare initiatives have improved maternal and infant health in Kashmir. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), 92.4% of births in Jammu and Kashmir now take place in healthcare institutions, a significant rise from 85.5% recorded in the previous survey. In rural areas, institutional deliveries remain lower at 86%, highlighting the ongoing reliance on traditional midwives.

Yet, the challenging terrain and harsh winter conditions create barriers to accessing hospitals. Many villages in Kupwara, Bandipora, and surrounding regions are cut off by snow, making it impossible for pregnant women to reach medical facilities. In such instances, ‘warieens’ are the first responders, providing assistance during normal deliveries and managing labor.

Healthcare officials have acknowledged the contributions of midwives in successful deliveries. A gynecologist at a health facility in Bandipora noted, “In 2025, nearly two dozen deliveries were assisted by traditional midwives. Both mothers and babies are healthy.” Despite their vital role, these midwives remain largely unrecognized within the formal healthcare system.

Concerns regarding hygiene and complications persist, particularly due to the lack of formal training among many ‘warieens’. Nevertheless, some have adapted by using clean delivery kits and encouraging antenatal check-ups. They often collaborate with ASHA workers, helping to bridge the gap between traditional and institutional healthcare.

Beyond childbirth, midwives provide crucial advice on nutrition, pregnancy spacing, and postnatal recovery. This guidance is often more accessible than that provided by doctors. For many women in these remote areas, the comfort and familiarity of a midwife can make a significant difference. “She knows our bodies and our fears,” says Nusrat, a young mother from Kulgam district.

As institutional healthcare continues to grow, home births may decrease in the future. Despite this, the role of ‘warieens’ remains indispensable in Kashmir’s isolated villages. Operating without pay or formal recognition, these midwives embody a rich tradition of care that has persisted through generations.

Support and integration of midwives into the broader healthcare system could enhance maternal and infant health outcomes while preserving this vital community resource. By acknowledging their contributions, healthcare authorities may not only improve birth safety but also ensure that centuries-old practices continue to thrive in the face of modern challenges.