Malawi’s maternal mortality rate is high at 620 for every 100,000 live births. The involvement of
Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) in child delivery is regarded as one contributing factor. The country has seen
policy shifts pertaining to involvement of TBAs. However, no comprehensive studies have been done to make
evidence-based policies. This study aimed at examining the extent to which pregnant women consulted TBAs in
different policy environments. Records kept by a trained TBA from 1998 to 2001 were analyzed. One-on one
interviews with the TBA, pregnant women and their guardians were conducted. Two hundred and seventy-seven
pregnant women made antenatal visits to the TBA during the 4-year period. On average, the TBA attended to 519
pregnant women annually. Interviews revealed that women consult TBAs because of their kindness and respect
compared to the abusive treatment experienced in hospitals. Issues raised in this paper need to be considered when
formulating maternal health-related policies.