Ethnographical study about the work of childbirth assistance provided by traditional midwives, who attend pregnant women residing in Anjo da Guarda, in the region of Itaqui-Bacanga, the metropolitan area of São Luís, MA., The research focused on investigating how the association was created, in accordance with the account of 18 associated mid-wives, their relationship with the local health care municipal department and the actions derived from such relationship. This study also points out the activities developed by traditional midwives that give assistance to pregnant and parturient women in the Itaqui-Bacanga area, as a complement to the health services rendered by Public Health Care of Nossa Senhora da Penha Hospital-Maternity. The research also focused on childbirth ritual performed by local midwives, considering such ritual as a result of empirical knowledge. The research points out that the tasks carried out by traditional midwives help pregnant women become conscious that they require prenatal care, as well as provide psychological comfort to pregnant and parturient women, humanizing the attendance of such patients. © 2016, UNIV SAOPAULO. All rights reserved.253589601