Abstract
Issue
There is an underrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander midwives
across Australia and an inadequate number of graduating midwives to redress this.
A major pillar for the Birthing on Country Model is maternity care workforce development.
Aim
The purpose of this review is to examine the enablers and barriers that Aboriginal
students experience while undertaking the Bachelor of Midwifery degree in Australia.
Methods
A search of the literature was undertaken through electronic databases. When only
three papers were found looking at the experiences of Aboriginal midwifery students
the search was broadened to include Aboriginal undergraduate health students.
Findings
The literature review reported a strong need for cultural safety in both the clinical
and education systems. Students with access to cultural supports, relationships with
Aboriginal mentors and academics and Aboriginal clinical placements felt empowered
and were able to navigate the ‘two worlds’ in a meaningful way.
Discussion
This review highlights a significant gap in the literature. Despite the expanded search
terms to include Aboriginal health students, a relatively narrow range of papers were
found. Interestingly, the combined search revealed similar themes: kinship, personal
factors, and cultural issues.
Conclusion
Empowering and supporting Aboriginal Peoples to become midwives is essential. While
systems and societies aim for cultural safety, this review shows there is still a
way to go. Further research is essential to decolonise higher education and health
care systems, and provide strong, well supported pathways for Aboriginal midwifery
students.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: February 27, 2020
Accepted:
February 8,
2020
Received in revised form:
February 8,
2020
Received:
December 5,
2019
Identification
Copyright
© 2020 Australian College of Midwives. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
