Traditional First Nations birthing practices: interviews with elders in Northwestern Ontario

Traditionally, First Nations maternity care was provided by community-based midwives trained through apprenticeship. Obstetrical practices and beliefs were integrated to provide holistic care. The Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre has a mandate to be a centre of excellence for Aboriginal health care. We undertook a literature review and performed a qualitative research study to understand some of the traditional practices in maternity care.

We conducted qualitative semi-structured interviews in English and Oji-Cree with 12 elders who had knowledge and experience of historical birthing practices in their home communities. Research team members included nursing and medical personnel and Anishinabe First Nation members. Interviews were analyzed and themes developed and verified by member checking and triangulation.

The hands-on training for a community-based midwife often began in her teenage years with observation of childbirth practices. Practices were handed down by oral tradition and included prescriptions for healthy diet and moderate exercise during pregnancy; intrapartum care with preparation of clean cloths, moss, and scissors; the involvement of certain supportive family and community members; careful attention to the sacred handling of the placenta and umbilical cord; and careful wrapping of the newborn in fur. Complications, sometimes fatal, included retained placentas and stillbirths.

The provision of modern maternity care to Aboriginal patients should include acknowledgement of, and respect for, traditional birthing practices. Facilities providing care for these patients should consult with the relevant Aboriginal communities to understand their needs and initiate appropriate programming.