Envisioning a culturally safe midwifery model from the perspective of Indigenous families: A case study of midwifery care in inner city Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Abstract Background Our research paper explores the concept of cultural safety and it’s practical implications in a midwifery-led prenatal care model designed to improve access to prenatal care for Indigenous people in inner-city Winnipeg. While previous studies suggest midwifery care as a facilitator to access to prenatal care for Indigenous families, there have been no studies performed to date specifically about the role of culturally safe midwifery care in inner-city Winnipeg. Methods We we focused on using Indigenous research methodologies to ground the research in an Indigenous world view. We used Two-Eyed Seeing as a reflective engagement tool with Indigenous midwifery clients to understand how midwives and other care providers can shape the quality of prenatal care services to meet the needs of local Indigenous families more effectively, and in a culturally safe manner. Results The results show that the Mount Carmel Clinic (MCC) midwifery model is on a continuum of culturally safety, which contributes to feelings of trust and comfort, and encourages families to attend for prenatal care. The model of care could facilitate a deeper level cultural safety by expanding the care team to include Indigenous members and access to traditional knowledge about pregnancy, birth and parenting.