Midwives and Doula
This project advocates for bias-free and culturally relevant maternal and child health services, focusing on informed consent, trauma-informed care, and returning birthing practices to Métis people. LFMO’s research and consultations culminated in the report In Our Hands, which outlines actionable steps to improve Métis midwifery and reproductive health care.
The initiative promotes culturally safe, trauma-informed maternal and child health services that honor Métis women’s and 2SLGBTQQIA+ kin rights to accessible sexual and reproductive care.
Recognizing midwifery as a key health priority identified during a 2020 women’s forum, LFMO secured funding from Indigenous Services Canada to deepen understanding of Métis midwifery practices. Grounded in Métis oral storytelling traditions, this project amplifies the voices of life givers, midwives, doulas, and birthworkers to guide systemic improvements in reproductive care.
Historically, childbirth and midwifery were at the center of many Métis communities, but with colonization and the increasing medicalization of birth, the roles of midwives and their cultural teachings were disrupted.
In March 2020, LFMO hosted a women’s forum that identified midwifery as a key health priority for Métis communities, and has since secured funding from Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) for 2023-2024 to explore the perspectives of Métis life givers, midwives, doulas, and birth workers on midwifery care.
Participants noted that Métis midwives and doulas bring not only clinical expertise but also traditional knowledge, allowing them to provide holistic pregnancy, birthing, and postpartum care.
Many participants said they sought the care of Métis midwives and doulas for their expertise, holistic care model, and the emotional and psychological support often missing in previous birth experiences.
Despite the positive view of midwifery and doula care, participants faced significant barriers to access, including a lack of midwives in their communities, especially Métis midwives.
Related Resources
The following resources are associated with this project. Click ‘View All’ to explore our Resource Library.
