PIP: Midwives, both trained and traditional, are discussed in general. The traditional midwives of Latin American, the personnel who deliver most of the babies in the region, are semitrained and semieffective. They are, however, grounded in the local customs and accepted by the population. The trained midwives, on the other hand, know modern obstetrical techniques but are not familiar with the lifestyles of their patients. Both groups confine the bulk of their activity to the process of delivery, while prenatal and postnatal child care are also needed. These needs are greatest in the rural areas and urban slums of Latin America. Additional training is necessary for both groups. Certain of the beneficial practices of the traditional midwives, e.g., the nonsupine position for delivery, should be retained. For this group, sanitary practice is the most necessary. The newly trained midwives must know their community and, at the same time, be integrated into the medical team of the hospital. 1 pioneer training program for midwives in Ecuador, established in collaboration with PAHO (Pan American Health Organization) consultants, is cited for illustration.