My grandmother was birthed underneath a birthing tree, with culture and ceremony, and law, that was a part of her birthing lineage.Nartarsha Bamblett
Pregnancy and birthing care can be an alienating experience for Indigenous women.
When giving birth to her first child Natarsha Bamblett spent five days in hospital but only saw the doctor for a very short time.
She was grateful for the doctor's expertise when complications arose, but came away from the experience feeling dis-empowered by a lack of information, cultural awareness and sensitivity, or an informed team caring for her from the start of her pregnancy.
For her second child Nartarsha made sure her midwife understood her history and how she wanted to birth, and was able to advocate for her. Although this birth also had complications Natarsha's experience was considerably different - she felt informed and reassured at every step, and empowered by her own decision making and planning.
Nartasha works as an educator and advocate, and chats expansively with Dr Mikayla Couch about ways to improve the experience of birthing for Indigenous women.
As a woman, having the opportunity to birth is special in itself, and I want to do it in a way that I get to feel closer to my ancestors, my culture, the ceremony that's taken place for thousands of years, and still in a way that is medically supported for the safety of me and my baby.
is a health podcast for Indigenous peoples by Indigenous peoples. Host Dr Mikayla Couch interviews First Nations health care professionals to pick their brains and learn from their work. Follow the podcast in the or your preferred podcast app.
