The flaming funis.

Abstract

The authors observed a Nicaraguan traditional birth attendant burn the fetal end of the umbilical cord with camphor. They review this practice and reflect on the role of foreign medical volunteers in the developing world. There is a long history to the use of camphor in rituals and medicine. No print references to burning the umbilical cord with camphor, its effectiveness, or its safety could be identified. Interviews with Nicaraguan traditional birth attendants revealed that the practice is passed from generation to generation and that it is believed to decrease infections through the medicinal properties of camphor as well as the flame it produces. It is continued in modern times because it is easy and inexpensive and because there are no clearly better and sustainable alternatives available. Gradual and culturally sensitive modernization to improve the health for mothers and babies is appropriate, but it will be a slow process. Health care volunteers in the developing world struggle with doing the best they can despite the limited resources and sometimes the local traditions. Volunteering as a medical worker in the developing world provides inspiring rewards, teaches powerful lessons, and exposes challenging conflicts.