SOUNDS LIKE CULTURE

Indigenous Women's Dissatisfaction with Mainstream Birthing Services

Dr Nina Sivertsen Season 1 Episode 3

This episode presents a scoping review investigating the dissatisfaction of Indigenous women with their birthing experiences in mainstream hospitals across Australia, Aotearoa, Canada, the US, Kalaallit Nunaat, and Sápmi. The review analysed 22 studies highlighting consistent themes of cultural disconnection, feelings of isolation, and a strong preference for community-based care and the inclusion of Indigenous perspectives. Findings underscore the need for culturally safe and trauma-informed care, improved communication, and greater involvement of Indigenous birth support workers to address inequities and enhance birthing experiences. Despite the inclusion of Sápmi in the review, no studies specifically addressing Sámi women's dissatisfaction were found, indicating a significant research gap.

Read the full paper here: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1495197/full

Disclaimer: This episode was produced with the assistance of NotebookLM. While NotebookLM supported draft scripting and generated this episode, all final editorial decisions, opinions and any errors remain solely those of the host.