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Birth has long been a sacred rite of passage in Indigenous communities—an experience deeply rooted in Land, lineage and tradition. For generations, Indigenous midwives, doulas and other birth workers have been the trusted stewards of this process, offering care that honors physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. But with the rise of Western medical systems, many of these traditional practices were sidelined, leaving Indigenous families to navigate healthcare systems that often overlooked their cultural and holistic needs. Today, a powerful movement is underway: Indigenous midwives and birth workers are reclaiming their roles and building networks, sharing knowledge, and revitalizing ancestral practices across the Americas.
Hear firsthand accounts from birth workers and families in Alaska, New Mexico and Mexico through videos produced for WKKF by BBC StoryWorks Commercial Productions.
Indigenous birth workers are helping to provide pre/post-natal care to expectant mothers and their families in remote communities.
Native birth workers and doulas are integrating traditional natal care and practices to help improve birth experiences for families in Navajo Nation.
A resurgence in traditional midwifery practices in the Chiapas region is helping Indigenous mothers and their families connect to their past and build a culturally safe future for their children.
Since the dawn of time, Indigenous birth workers have helped countless generations of babies enter the physical world and begin their life’s journey ion the land that is today called New Mexico.
In a world where health care often feels impersonal, the midwifery model of care stands out as personalized, compassionate care that can significantly impact the well-being of mothers and their children.
To the sacred keepers of life—your strength, love, and ancestral wisdom shape generations, and when you are honored, nurtured, and heard, our people rise.
Supporting Doulas and Midwives Leads to Better Health Results for Mothers and Babies.
Program Officer, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation
Explore the full Caring with Courage series presented by the International Council of Nurses and produced for them by BBC StoryWorks Commercial Productions, which expands beyond midwifery and celebrates the role nurses play as innovators and trailblazers in their communities across the globe.
