First Nations pregnancy and birthing

First Nations health and wellbeing involves the social, emotional, cultural and spiritual wellbeing of each individual and their whole community.

Pregnancy and birthing are predominantly considered Women’s Business in many First Nations communities and can be strictly upheld depending on geographical location or how this cultural knowledge has been passed on through generations. Women’s and Men’s Business are usually separate, and sacred to men and women individually.

Traditional practices continue to occur throughout various Nations. However, for many First Nations women, traditions can be difficult to implement into modern Midwifery practice depending on clinical staff knowledge, geographical location, culturally safe practices, and the cultural knowledge of the First Nations woman.

Grandmothers, Aunties, Elders and Sisters all play a role in nurturing mother and baby, and provide physical comfort, social and emotional wellbeing support, guidance and cultural knowledge through song, dance, smoking ceremonies and placenta care.

Placenta care and burial holds different significance for different Nations. In some Nations, the placenta is planted in Mother Earth to mark the arrival of the baby's soul, connecting them to their Ancestors guiding them throughout life.

Safe antenatal and postnatal care for First Nations women and their communities is crucial. Appropriate safe care has been found to have a positive impact on the health outcomes of mothers, babies and their communities.

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Mothers And Their Jar Jum (Bub)

Bringing a little bub into the world can make women feel lots of different emotions, and looking after the mind, spirit and body is important.

There is no shame in speaking up. In fact, having support during this life stage is important for women, babies, their communities, and their Ancestors.

If First Nations women feel stressed, anxious, sad or ashamed during pregnancy or after they give birth, they can go and have a yarn with Aboriginal Health Nurses or Doctors, or a GP. If women meet certain criteria, they will receive a Mental Health Treatment plan.

First Nations women may find it beneficial to relax throughout pregnancy and early parenthood by connecting to Country. One simple way to do this is Dadirri. Dadirri is the process of listening to the sounds of Country, the birds or the leaves rustling among the trees, the water flowing down the waterways on to Mother Earth. Really lean in and look, listen, smell and feel. This is connecting to Country. Other relaxing activities include playing music, moving and shaking to get the blood flowing, or calling a trusted family member or friend to start some yarns about feelings and seeking support.

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