Niyith NiyithWatmam [corrected] (the quiet story): exploring the experiences of Aboriginal women who give birth in their remote community.
OBJECTIVE
to investigate the beliefs and practices of Aboriginal women who decline transfer to urban hospitals and remain in their remote community to give birth.


METHODS
an ethnographic approach was used which included: the collection of birth histories and narratives, observation and participation in the community for 24 months, field notes, training and employment of an Aboriginal co-researcher, and consultation with and advice from a local reference group.


METHODS
a remote Aboriginal community in the Northern Territory, Australia.


METHODS
narratives were collected from seven Aboriginal women and five family members.


RESULTS
findings showed that women, through their previous experiences of standard care, appeared to make conscious decisions and choices about managing their subsequent pregnancies and births. Women took into account their health, the baby's health, the care of their other children, and designated men with a helping role.


CONCLUSIONS
narratives described a breakdown of traditional birthing practices and high levels of non-compliance with health-system-recommended care.


CONCLUSIONS
standard care provided for women relocating for birth must be improved, and the provision of a primary maternity service in this particular community may allow Aboriginal Women's Business roles and cultural obligations to be recognised and invigorated. International examples of primary birthing services in remote areas demonstrate that they can be safe alternatives to urban transfer for childbirth. A primary maternity service would provide a safer environment for the women who choose to avoid standard care.
Charles Darwin University, Graduate School of Health Practice, Darwin, Australia. PO Box 391 Katoomba, NSW, Australia. tokology@gmail.com
Sarah
S
Ireland
Concepta
C
Wulili Narjic
Suzanne
S
Belton
Sue
S
Kildea
D000328:Adult; D000739:Anecdotes as Topic; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology*; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D009321:Natural Childbirth / Q000523:psychology*; D015876:Northern Territory; D036801:Parturition / Q000208:ethnology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012424:Rural Population; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D016387:Women's Health / Q000208:ethnology; D055815:Young Adult