Background
This research aims to examine the costs of obstetric evacuation and the social-cultural benefits of Indigenous midwifery. Through Indigenous midwife and Indigenous community leadership and engagement, this research examined the costs of obstetric evacuation and the social-cultural benefits of Indigenous midwifery. Through interdisciplinary, Indigenous, and mixed methods research, this research compiled information on the costs of obstetric evacuation and perinatal health indicators, as well as supported three case studies, including the Inuit midwifery forum, midwife-patient digital stories and urban birth work support. This information aims to inform best practices on how to support First Nation, Métis and Inuit mothers, infants and communities throughout their pregnancy, birth, postpartum and early months of parenthood.
Research Gaps, Limitations, and Needs
When developing the research questions, methods and approaches, leadership from the National Council of Indigenous Midwives (NCIM), the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) and Pauktuutit Inuit Women stated that they are regularly asked about economic comparisons and health outcomes information, of which there is none. Therefore, this research project stems from community based and organization information and research needs.
NCIM, NWAC and Pauktuutit also identified the need to include the outcomes and perspectives of Indigenous women within rural, remote and urban settings. And although the FNIHB economic analysis will only include status First Nation and Inuit data, it is recognized that this does not include non-status First Nation and Métis populations, thus demonstrating data gaps and research limitations.
Goals
- Identify economic costs and outcomes of obstetric evacuation and Indigenous midwifery;
- Recognize best practices to support First Nation, Métis and Inuit women throughout their reproductive and perinatal healthcare to address Indigenous maternal-child health disparities;
- Inform perinatal health policy and programming to support Indigenous mothers, families, communities and Nations.
Objectives
- Research Planning: create an interdisciplinary team that brings together local Indigenous communities and midwives, national Indigenous organizations, federal government departments (policy), Indigenous researchers and academic institutions.
- Conduct an economic analysis of obstetric evacuation and Indigenous midwifery.
- Conduct health-outcomes and indicators analyses.
- Engage Indigenous women, partners, and families. Through community based and decolonized Indigenous research methodologies, the research will engage Indigenous women, partners, and families to share their experiences of Indigenous midwifery through narratives and digital story telling.
Theory
Methods
