Rhonda Marriott1, Tracy Reibel2, Juli Coffin3, Janinne Gliddon4, Denese Griffin5, Melanie Robinson6, Anne-Marie Eades7, Jade Maddox8. 1. Ngangk Yira Research Centre for Aboriginal Health and Social Equity, Murdoch University, Australia; Nursing and Midwifery Office, Clinical Excellence Division, Department of Health, Australia. 2. Ngangk Yira Research Centre for Aboriginal Health and Social Equity, Murdoch University, Australia. Electronic address: tracy.reibel@murdoch.edu.au. 3. Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Australia. 4. Women's and Newborns Health Service, WA Government Department of Health, Australia; Aboriginal Consultative Group, Birthing on Noongar Boodjar Project, Australia. 5. Aboriginal Health Strategy, East Metropolitan Health Service, WA Government Department of Health, Australia; Birthing on Noongar Boodjar Project, Australia. 6. Congress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurses and Midwives, Australia; Ngangk Yira Research Centre for Aboriginal Health and Social Equity, Murdoch University, Australia. 7. George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Australia. 8. Birthing on Noongar Boodjar Project, Australia; Ngangk Yira Research Centre for Aboriginal Health and Social Equity, Murdoch University, Australia.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Birth on Country is often assumed as relevant to Aboriginal women in rural/remote locations and not usually associated with urban environments. In Western Australia, one third of the Aboriginal population live in the greater metropolitan area. We wanted to know Aboriginal women's experiences of on Country urban births. METHODS: Indigenous qualitative data collection and analysis methods were used to learn about Aboriginal women's stories of contemporary and past experiences of maternity care and cultural practices associated with Birth on Country. RESULTS: Aboriginal Birthing, Senior and Elder women consistently reported ongoing cultural practices associated with childbirth including knowledge sharing across generations and family support, observance of extended family present at the time of or shortly after birth, and how their cultural security was improved when Aboriginal staff were present. Also noted, were the inflexibility of health systems to meet their needs and midwives lack of cultural awareness and understanding of the importance of Aboriginal kinship. CONCLUSION: The Birthing on Noongar Boodjar project Aboriginal women's data represents four generations of women's stories, experiences and expressions of childbearing, which highlighted that maternity care changes across time have failed to acknowledge and support Aboriginal women's cultural needs during childbearing. In terms of on Country urban birth, the women collectively expressed a strong desire to maintain cultural practices associated with childbirth, including birthing close to home (on Country); having family acknowledged and included throughout the perinatal period; and, having access to Aboriginal midwives, nurses, doctors, and other health care workers to support their cultural security.
BACKGROUND: Birth on Country is often assumed as relevant to Aboriginal women in rural/remote locations and not usually associated with urban environments. In Western Australia, one third of the Aboriginal population live in the greater metropolitan area. We wanted to know Aboriginal women's experiences of on Country urban births. METHODS: Indigenous qualitative data collection and analysis methods were used to learn about Aboriginal women's stories of contemporary and past experiences of maternity care and cultural practices associated with Birth on Country. RESULTS: Aboriginal Birthing, Senior and Elder women consistently reported ongoing cultural practices associated with childbirth including knowledge sharing across generations and family support, observance of extended family present at the time of or shortly after birth, and how their cultural security was improved when Aboriginal staff were present. Also noted, were the inflexibility of health systems to meet their needs and midwives lack of cultural awareness and understanding of the importance of Aboriginal kinship. CONCLUSION: The Birthing on Noongar Boodjar project Aboriginal women's data represents four generations of women's stories, experiences and expressions of childbearing, which highlighted that maternity care changes across time have failed to acknowledge and support Aboriginal women's cultural needs during childbearing. In terms of on Country urban birth, the women collectively expressed a strong desire to maintain cultural practices associated with childbirth, including birthing close to home (on Country); having family acknowledged and included throughout the perinatal period; and, having access to Aboriginal midwives, nurses, doctors, and other health care workers to support their cultural security.
Authors: Michelle Bovill; Catherine Chamberlain; Jessica Bennett; Hayley Longbottom; Shanell Bacon; Belinda Field; Paul Hussein; Robert Berwick; Gillian Gould; Peter O'Mara Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-02-02 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Michelle Kennedy; Raglan Maddox; Kade Booth; Sian Maidment; Catherine Chamberlain; Dawn Bessarab Journal: Int J Equity Health Date: 2022-09-13