The Hidden Struggles of Indigenous Childbearing: A Call for Change in Perinatal Care
Globally, Indigenous childbearing individuals face significant disparities in perinatal healthcare access, quality, and outcomes, rooted in systemic barriers stemming from colonialism. Despite growing awareness of culturally safe care, challenges persist. This scoping review delves into the perinatal healthcare experiences of Indigenous childbearing people, aiming to identify research gaps and inform nursing/midwifery interventions to improve engagement in perinatal healthcare.
Methodology:
We employed the Arksey and O’Malley scoping review framework, searching CINAHL, Ovid/Medline, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Web of Science for relevant research papers.
Findings:
Thirteen peer-reviewed articles published between 2002 and 2021 were analyzed. Experiences were categorized as positive, negative, complex, and mediating. The review underscores the need for culturally safe healthcare, ideally delivered by Indigenous professionals within Indigenous communities.
Controversial Insight:
While cultural safety is crucial, the question arises: Is it enough to simply have Indigenous healthcare providers, or do we need a complete overhaul of healthcare systems to address the deep-rooted systemic issues?
Implications:
This review highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive healthcare system transformation to address the unique needs of Indigenous childbearing families. In-depth qualitative research is essential to develop culturally safe interventions, particularly for life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses.
A Call to Action:
This review prompts us to critically examine the healthcare system's role in perpetuating disparities and to actively seek solutions that empower Indigenous communities and ensure equitable perinatal care for all.
