Understanding Perspectives of Midwifery Education from Black and Indigenous Community Stakeholders: "We're Working in...

Evidence is growing to support why a racially diverse midwifery workforce is needed; however, very few studies have examined how this should occur. Specifically, little research has examined the lived experiences of Black and Indigenous stakeholders in midwifery education, whose experiences and insight should serve as a cornerstone to re-envision education structures.

We conducted reflexive thematic analysis using secondary data from 4 focus groups of Black and Indigenous community stakeholders of midwifery education: prospective students, current students, alumni, and community birth workers.

Analysis yielded the themes of (1) acknowledging midwifery's history and origination, (2) centering Black and Indigenous learners in midwifery education, (3) needing a more inclusive version of midwifery, and (4) increasing access to midwifery education.

Findings from this study lend a valuable perspective in what stakeholders within midwifery education, mainly prospective students, current students, alumni, and community birth workers, have experienced in interacting within the education systems and what they hope to see changed in the future. By integrating historically excluded voices into curriculum design, institutions can create an education system that not only diversifies the workforce but also upholds the values of cultural competency, justice, and community-centered care.