Starting strong: Exploring experiences of prenatal care among First Nations mothers
Loading...
Date
2019
Authors
Forbes, Jennifer
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Studies have revealed that Indigenous1 women experience a higher incidence of negative
birth outcomes and are more likely to receive inadequate prenatal care.(1)(2) Few studies have
examined the opinions of First Nations women with respect to their prenatal care. The aim of
this study is to use an individual, semi-structured interview-based qualitative approach to
identify themes related to First Nations women’s current experience, and their thoughts
regarding prenatal care going forward. Themes related to overcoming barriers including
transportation issues and appointment accessibility were cited. Privacy concerns and
information-sharing revealed a desire for respect when accessing care (four participants). There
was appreciation for the care received at the Nursing Station despite some of barriers described
above. Going forward, there was interest in dedicated space and staff to deliver prenatal
programming, and greater information sharing related to travel for birth and postpartum
depression. A one-on-one approach was appreciated. This study contributes first-person
narratives of the prenatal care experiences of women living in a northern First Nations
community. As in existing literature, access to transportation, and appointment availability were
reported as common barriers to prenatal care. Going forward, additional research surrounding
perinatal outcomes and the barriers to accessing prenatal care among women who did not seek
prenatal care would add additional context.
Description
Keywords
Prenatal care