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On the path to reclaiming Indigenous midwifery: Co‐creating the Maternal Infant Support Worker pilot program
Author(s) -
Jumah Naana Afua,
Tyler Leanne,
Turuba Roxanne,
Bishop Lisa,
Tait Mary,
Renaud Anne,
Mushquash Christopher
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
international journal of gynecology and obstetrics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.895
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1879-3479
pISSN - 0020-7292
DOI - 10.1002/ijgo.13918
Subject(s) - mentorship , indigenous , work (physics) , medical education , pilot program , nursing , certificate , medicine , psychology , engineering , mechanical engineering , ecology , algorithm , computer science , biology
Objective The aim of the Maternal Infant Support Worker (MiSW) pilot program was to implement a virtual training program for lay maternal–infant health providers in remote First Nations communities in Northwestern Ontario, Canada. Methods The MiSW pilot program was administered jointly by a community college and a university and consisted of a 20‐week virtual course followed by a 9‐month mentored work placement in the community. Results The MiSW pilot program was delivered successfully; 11 of 13 participants received a certificate from a community college. MiSWs provided culturally and linguistically appropriate care to women, infants, and families in their respective communities. MiSWs provided doula support in their communities—a first for our region since the policy of forced evacuation for birth was implemented. MiSWs developed a community of practice for ongoing education, as well as to support each other in their work. Conclusion The MiSW pilot program demonstrated that it is possible to provide a virtual training program and then provide continued virtual mentorship as the participants work in their First Nations communities. By prioritizing Indigenous voices above those of the research team, we were able to gain the trust of the MiSWs and maintain engagement with communities.