TY - JOUR
T1 - Foundational features of indigenous pregnancy care
T2 - Lessons learned from indigenous pregnancy care providers
AU - Maloney, Shannon I.
AU - Idoate, Regina
AU - Zuffante, Mona
AU - Masotti, Paul
AU - Bañuelos, Karina
AU - Seneca, Cheyenne
AU - Miranda, Laura Rojas
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2024
PY - 2024/8
Y1 - 2024/8
N2 - Problem: Indigenous populations experience higher odds of poor maternal and infant health outcomes than non-Hispanic White mothers yet have lower odds of receiving adequate prenatal care. Background: Many Indigenous communities rely on modern Western medical institutions to provide pregnancy related health care. These systems were not developed with or for Indigenous communities and often fail to meet the needs of Indigenous pregnant patients. Offering culturally congruent models of care may increase prenatal care utilization. Question, hypothesis or aim: This paper used qualitative inquiry to identify Indigenous approaches to caring for pregnancy. Methods: Our team conducted 16 semi-structured individual interviews and one group interview with a total of 19 respondents. To arrive at thematic categories, the research team engaged in a modified pile sorting technique. The final set of categories, along with sub-themes, descriptions and example quotes, were sent to interviewees for approval. Findings: Ten Foundational Features of Indigenous Pregnancy Care were identified. These covered themes related to Indigenous cultural practices, relationships, Indigenous sovereignty, local Indigenous community, full spectrum care, wholistic care, birthing person's wisdom, power and autonomy, flexibility, historical trauma, and cultural awareness. Discussion: Modern midwifery care delivered by Indigenous practitioners may partially bridge the cultural gap; however, intentional effort is needed to integrate Indigenous ways into medical doctor practice models and facilities. Conclusion: This paper identifies ten foundational features of Indigenous pregnancy care and demonstrates the importance of recognizing the effects of trauma and providing opportunities for healing, upholding sovereignty, and centering relationships when caring for Indigenous pregnancies.
AB - Problem: Indigenous populations experience higher odds of poor maternal and infant health outcomes than non-Hispanic White mothers yet have lower odds of receiving adequate prenatal care. Background: Many Indigenous communities rely on modern Western medical institutions to provide pregnancy related health care. These systems were not developed with or for Indigenous communities and often fail to meet the needs of Indigenous pregnant patients. Offering culturally congruent models of care may increase prenatal care utilization. Question, hypothesis or aim: This paper used qualitative inquiry to identify Indigenous approaches to caring for pregnancy. Methods: Our team conducted 16 semi-structured individual interviews and one group interview with a total of 19 respondents. To arrive at thematic categories, the research team engaged in a modified pile sorting technique. The final set of categories, along with sub-themes, descriptions and example quotes, were sent to interviewees for approval. Findings: Ten Foundational Features of Indigenous Pregnancy Care were identified. These covered themes related to Indigenous cultural practices, relationships, Indigenous sovereignty, local Indigenous community, full spectrum care, wholistic care, birthing person's wisdom, power and autonomy, flexibility, historical trauma, and cultural awareness. Discussion: Modern midwifery care delivered by Indigenous practitioners may partially bridge the cultural gap; however, intentional effort is needed to integrate Indigenous ways into medical doctor practice models and facilities. Conclusion: This paper identifies ten foundational features of Indigenous pregnancy care and demonstrates the importance of recognizing the effects of trauma and providing opportunities for healing, upholding sovereignty, and centering relationships when caring for Indigenous pregnancies.
KW - American Indian and Alaska native
KW - Culturally congruent care
KW - Culturally responsive care
KW - Health equity
KW - Indigenous
KW - Pregnancy
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85195041210&partnerID=8YFLogxK
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U2 - 10.1016/j.midw.2024.104025
DO - 10.1016/j.midw.2024.104025
M3 - Article
C2 - 38838399
AN - SCOPUS:85195041210
SN - 0266-6138
VL - 135
JO - Midwifery
JF - Midwifery
M1 - 104025
ER -