Connecting Culture and Childbirth Researcher Aims to Improve Birth Experiences for Indigenous Women
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cord can be put in a little pouch, in a box, or some choose to bury it. One of the beliefs is if the cord is thrown away, the child will never feel grounded to their roots.”
Dr. Angela Bowen, a University of Saskatchewan professor, is leading the participatory research project, which was funded by Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation.
Bowen said smudging has also been identified as an important birth practice. The new Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital will feature a Spiritual Reflection Room for multi-faith worship, including added ventilation for rituals such as smudging and pipe ceremonies.
ne of the most profound events in a woman’s life is giving birth to a child. Now a research project is studying how to make that experience even more meaningful for Indigenous women by incorporating their culture.
“Our goal is to improve the cultural security of Indigenous women giving birth,” Bowen said. The three-year research project focuses on exploring traditional Indigenous birth practices and ceremonies. “One of the practices we’re learning about is the importance of saving the placenta and the umbilical cord,” Bowen explained. “The
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I want nous e g i d n I every these e v a h o t mother elp them h o t s n traditio y as a e n r u o j on their parent.
