Protagonists
Mirian Elizondo Arroyo
92 years. It is at least the fourth generation of women midwives in her family. None of his 19 sons/daughters wanted to continue the tradition. Her first delivery was at the age of 14, since then, she served 2208 women without any of them dying. Her stories generate reflection on the rupture between generations of life and world views.
Rosa Carvajal
She names each of the midwives in the province now deceased. She's the last and with 83 years of dignity, states that if the laws would allow it, she still would attend births. Originally from Esparza, Rosa staged extinction of midwifery and a way of life.
Santos Rodríguez
The countless wrinkles on her face and his blind eyes, stage decline, decline and imminent demise of traces of humanity's oldest profession. With 92 and a brilliant memory, Santos describes the use of plants, ointments and “sobijos”. The landscapes of her home, show us the Costa Rica roads and “trilleros”. Doña Santos died in March 2013, a month after having been interviewed. She is buried in the Cemetery of Silence in the Guatuso community.
María Agustina
She is the midwife of San Juanillo, Guanacaste, 83 years old. Leader of various social movements in her community, presents the midwife as one of the most important characters in the communities. His reflections and self-criticism about the practices they developed, illustrate the strain of ancestral beliefs and magical rituals, as opposed to medical rationality
María Francisca
She has attended 505 women in labor. A native of Oriunda de Aguas Zarcas, San Carlos, her 83 years of experience allow you to describe the distance between past and present. This organic farmer, milks 4 cows every morning by hand. From his garden, accuses the medicalization of life and proclaims the importance of clean air and clean water to experience a healthy pregnancy and delivery.
