Cultural Responsive Birthing:
Ojibwe Knowledge
Our Intentions
This training covers the essential elements needed to provide culturally responsive care to Native American families, emphasizing the importance of understanding treaty history, Indian Health Services, and Ojibwe birthing practices, with guidance from knowledgeable community members.
Watch the Training
Our Trainers
Susan L. Ninham
Ozaawaanakwadok. Red Lake Tribal Health Administrator, Families First Advisor
Susan, a seasoned educator and community health advocate, has over 20 years of experience as a principal, project director, and Tribal Health Administrator, focusing on Native American health and education.
Dr. Kari Josefson
DNP, APRN-CNP, FNP-BC
Dr. Josefson has cared for American Indian women at Red Lake IHS since 2014, leading prenatal care improvements and OB telehealth through the Families First grant. She became Acting Deputy Clinical Director in October 2024.
Audience Questions
- What is the cultural significance of cedar baths? And are they intended for the baby, the mother, or both after birth?
Cedar baths are to cleanse the body for healing and wellness. A cedar bath can be given to both the baby and the mother. The main focus is for the baby. - What is the meaning of the white cloth used during a cedar bath? The significance of the white cloth for the cedar bath honors the medicine and purity.
- How are midwives traditionally trained in Indigenous communities, and what are their roles?
Midwives were trained traditionally by the Grandmothers, Aunties and older relatives in the community from a young age and mentored by them throughout their lives. Their roles changed throughout their lives starting with observation, support during labor, delivery and post-partum then eventually delivering the babies. - How can we respectfully ask about traditional practices like the moss bag before a family has their baby?
The questions can be asked during the prenatal appointments. A direct question could be: Are there any traditional birthing practices you would like to incorporate into the birth plan? - Is the moss used in moss bags cleaned and reused, or is it discarded after use?
The moss in the moss bags was discarded and replaced with fresh moss. - What is the preferred way to source moss for moss bags? Should it be gathered by the family and where should it be gathered?
Moss was collected during the time of warm weather and stored in the lodge. The moss is gathered by the family near their dwelling.
- Why is delayed cord clamping important, and what are its benefits for the baby?
Delayed cord clamping is important because the benefits to the baby are that the maximum amount of zinc and iron enter them through the blood. - How do cultural beliefs around breastfeeding affect its duration and practices in Indigenous communities?
Traditionally breastfeeding for babies was up to 2 years. - What are the traditional teachings surrounding the use of cradleboards? And how are they integrated into daily life?
The traditional teachings about cradleboards are for safety and child development. The child learns to use their senses to experience their surroundings along with patience and problem solving. The cradleboard is used during the first year of life while the baby experiences life with the family. - Is it acceptable for families to continue using the same cradleboard for multiple children or pass it down to the next generation?Traditionally, one cradle board was constructed by the parents and used for all the families children.
- What should happen to a cradleboard in the case of a family experiencing the loss of a baby?
The cradle board can be given to another family or put in the fire to be sent to the spirit world with the baby.
- How are names traditionally chosen for babies in Indigenous cultures?And what role does a naming ceremony play?
Namesakes are chosen by the family and they are given the names through a vision or dream. The naming ceremony is to honor the child with a feast and share the roles and responsibilities of both the namesake and the child to one another. The roles and responsibilities are to care for each other during their lifetimes. - Can a baby have both a traditional name and an English name? And how is this managed on official records like birth certificates? Traditionally, our children were given only an Ojibwe name. Today, children are given either an Ojibwe or English name and either one can be listed on the birth certificate.
- What is the significance of keeping the umbilical cord (Odis) in a medicine pouch, and how does it relate to cultural teachings? The odis is put in a medicine pouch and is a reminder of the connection to their mother who are taught to honor their mother and to know they always have a home with them.
- How can families outside of the Red Lake community participate in group prenatal care sessions?
In addition to Red Lake IHS, group prenatal classes are available at Cass Lake IHS and Mewinzha Ondaadiziike Wiigaming of Bemidji. Patients are encouraged to contact the program that is most convenient for them. Those who are receiving care from other outside organizations can still participate in group care as well. Participants must qualify for care through Indian Health Services. - What is the process for referring patients to group prenatal care, and can high-risk pregnancies participate?
Referrals for group prenatal care can be sent by any prenatal provider. Patients may also elect to self-refer by calling the program that is most convenient for them (Cass Lake 218-335-3411; Red Lake 218-679-0225; Mewinzha - Bemidji 218-444-4323).
Group prenatal class is inclusive for all Indian Health Service qualifying families. If you are considered to have a high-risk pregnancy, you can still participate in prenatal class in addition to close monitoring through individual appointments. - How does group prenatal care accommodate cultural practices alongside modern medical practices?
Group prenatal class covers basic prenatal and parenting topics including nutrition, exercise, mental health, breastfeeding, labor & delivery, and postpartum care. These topics are melded with education on cultural practices and teachings, led by community experts and elders.
- What are the best practices for discussing sensitive topics or asking private questions with a birthing mother in the presence of family members?
Its acceptable to ask the birthing maamaa permission to discuss topics in the presence of family members. - How should healthcare providers respectfully navigate situations where families may have varying levels of cultural knowledge or engagement?
Its acceptable to ask what traditional practices they may be incorporating into the labor, delivery and postpartum and support them in their choices. - What resources or support systems are available for single-parent families within Indigenous communities?
Red Lake provides a support group. Ombimindwaa Gidinawemaaganinaadog has a variety of services available to families based on needs. - What is the cultural perspective on ceremonies and practices following the loss of a baby, including memorial and burial traditions?
There is a grief ceremony for the parents when a fetus is miscarried that consists of wrapping them in a blanket. The loss of a full term baby’s burial is the same as any other death.
Cultural References
Good Morning Monster by Catherine (Book)
Everything You Wanted to Know about Indians But Were Afraid to Ask (Book)
Indian Horse (Movie)
Saving Chloe (Podcast)