Storytelling & Maternal Mortality Prevention

Learn more about the CDC’s HearHer Campaign here.

Midwifery in Indian Country

Changing Woman Initiative (CWI)

The Changing Woman Initiative is a Native American, woman lead non-profit organization, founded by Nicolle Gonzales, with the mission of renewing cultural birth knowledge to empower and reclaim indigenous sovereignty of women’s medicine and life teachings to promote reproductive wellness. They offer services such as traditional home births and access to a women’s clinic, along with working towards building a traditional birthing center. On their website they feature digital stories to capture the birth stories of several women. To watch the videos, click the link below.

Digital Stories: http://www.changingwomaninitiative.com/digital-stories.html

Birth workers, doulas, traditional birth attendants

Expanding Access to Doula Care: Birth Equity & Economic Justice in New Mexico Yiya Vi Kagingdi Doula Project

Indigenous ‘helpers’ train to combat high maternal mortality rates by PBS News Hour (2020)

Alaska Native Birthworkers Community

• Indigenous Rebirth: A Return to Traditional Birthing Practices and Maternal Care by Carraher-Kang A
• Why We Do What We Do by Alaska Native Birthworkers Community
• Maternal Health Innovation by Inter Tribal Council of Arizona

Home visiting programs

• Family Foundations Home Visiting Program by Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council, Inc.

Yiya Vi Kagingdi Doula Project

• Yiya Vi Kagingdi Doula Project by Yiya Vi Kagingdi Doula Project
• Putting them on a strong spiritual path: Indigenous doulas responding to the needs of Indigenous mothers and communities by Cidro J et al.
• Native Doulas Help Navigate Tricky Births During the Pandemic by Secaira, M