Midwifery
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Introduction

Traditional Aboriginal birthing practices are as diverse as the number of Aboriginal nations. However, all nations generally believe that being born is a sacred event - it is the entrance of a new spirit into the world.

In all cultures, women experienced in childbirth have traditionally attended births, and such caregivers generally gained their knowledge through apprenticeships with older, more experienced midwives.

As modern medical intervention has spread by doctors to Aboriginal health services, many ancient birthing and midwifery practices have been lost and few Aboriginal midwives are left to pass along Indigenous knowledge in this and other areas.

The removal of births from many Aboriginal communities has had profound spiritual and cultural consequences, which are difficult to quantify. The loss of traditional birthing practices has been linked to the loss of cultural identity.

Last Update: August 11 2009