“This policy sucks and it’s stupid:” Mapping maternity care for First Nations women on reserves in Manitoba, Canada

Abstract

First Nations women who live on rural and remote reserves in Canada leave their communities between 36 and 38 weeks gestational age to receive labor and birthing services in large urban centers. The process and administrative details of this process are undocumented despite decades of relocation as a routine component of maternity care. Using data from 32 semistructured interviews and information from peer-reviewed literature, grey literature, and public documents, I constructed a descriptive map and a visual representation of the policy. I present new and detailed information about Canada’s health policy as well as recommendations to address the health care gaps identified.

Notes

Notes

1 The focus of this section is travel to Winnipeg as the majority of women are evacuated to Winnipeg and all women with a high-risk pregnancy are evacuated to Winnipeg.

2 Prenatal education can be provided privately or by public health nurses to prepare prospective parents for labor and birth, as well share information about infant care, breastfeeding, and community supports.