Reclaiming Indigenous Birth

Background

Indigenous women in Canada are at higher risk for adverse pregnancy and infant health outcomes and health disparities are largely attributed to inadequate access to perinatal healthcare. Community-based, Indigenous midwives who provide essential, clinically and culturally supportive healthcare is a sustainable solution. Unlike federal practices that continue to transfer Indigenous women to urban hospitals for delivery at 36-38 weeks’ gestational age, the goal of Indigenous midwifery is to return birth closer to home.

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

While a body of literature focuses on Indigenous women’s experiences of obstetric evacuation policies in Canada, there is no research available on the economic costs associated with travel for birth compared to the economic costs of Indigenous midwifery programs that are situated within community. In addition, there is limited research on Indigenous maternal child health outcomes and experiences (social and cultural benefits) when utilizing Indigenous midwives. 

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

Through an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary team, our goal is to conduct mixed- methods research to:

Objectives

Theory

Methods

Dr. Jennifer Leason

Midwifery Methods Overview

Dr. Liz Darling

Perinatal Health Data

Majd Radhaa

Systematic Review

Majd Radhaa

Data Injustice and Connection

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