Yatdjuligin Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nursing and Midwifery Care

This chapter discusses Indigenous birthing practices in remote locations. It begins by considering the traditional practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and the importance of Grandmothers’ Law. It explores traditional practices and taboos around diet, labour, family and breastfeeding for pregnant and post-partum women. It then discusses the changes implemented after colonisation as missionaries became more common and Indigenous women were made to leave their communities and families to give birth in hospitals in larger regional locations. The chapter guides readers through providing culturally safe care to pregnant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, before looking at the shift to reopening birthing centres in remote locations to allow Indigenous women to once again safely give birth on Country.