SIX NATIONS – The Six Nations Birthing Centre celebrated the 1000th birth through their Centre on Friday, October 11, 2014 with an open house and barbecue luncheon. The Birthing Centre has operated in the community at its location on 1350 Sour Springs Road at Six Nations since May 17, 1996, with the first birth occurring July 13, 1996.
The centre operates under the Department of Health Services of Six Nations Council, providing prenatal, labour and delivery, and postpartum services for “low-risk births” as defined by the Ontario College of Midwives. The Aboriginal Midwives provide all prenatal care with consults being done with Obstetrician Gynaecologists when required.
Aboriginal Midwives are able to incorporate traditional teachings and traditional medicines in caring for their clients. The Six Nations Birthing Centre has a Grandparents Group that governs policy and protocol development, and a traditional medicine person is available to all clients. Julie Wilson, Program Supervisor at the Birthing Centre, estimates that approximately 95% of clients choose to receive traditional medicines, even though it is not mandatory.
Wilson acknowledged that many women come to the Centre with a desire to learn traditional methods as an integral part of their transition to motherhood. The Birthing Centre was determined to be a necessary health care service for the Six Nations community as many young women would not seek prenatal care out of fear of receiving poor treatment with mainstream health care providers.
Joan Garlow, grandmother to this year’s New Years Baby, described her family’s care at the birthing Centre as “great.” Garlow appreciated the calm serene environment and the support they received from Birthing Centre staff. The other mothers in attendance at the 1000th birth celebration disclosed personal stories.
Talking to staff at the Birthing Centre can be both a shocking and welcoming experience. Staff openly use the word vagina in nearly every sentence. They openly discuss sex and reproduction issues. Breastfeeding is normal and natural there; no one is expected to hide in the bathroom while they nurse their babies.
One mother described the support she received at the Birthing Centre as phenomenal. She stated that breastfeeding raised issues for her around her history as a survivor of sexual violence; something she was initially scared to talk about. She was able to talk to her midwife about the discomfort she felt during breastfeeding and she felt supported in trying to overcome those feelings. When she realized she would need professional support to deal with her history, she was further supported in her decision to bottle feed even though she felt like a failure. The women described the staff as compassionate and knowledgeable.
Services offered at the Six Nations Birthing Centre extend to include all women’s reproductive health issues. “Women In All Her Seasons” is an educational retreat for pubescent/prepubescent girls to learn about reproduction, their bodies and respect as they enter into their child-bearing years. Women’s Clinics offer breast exams and pap smears completed by the midwives. An on-site Aboriginal Midwife training program is also offered.
