Wîcohkamakew ("S/he Helps Someone"): A Qualitative Description of Experiences with a Community-derived Elders Mentoring Program for Indigenous Parents-to-be.

BACKGROUND

Responding to concerns about perinatal health risks and adverse outcomes, we established a community-based participatory research (CBPR) partnership between a Nêhiyawi (Cree) community and university-based researchers. We designed and implemented a community-derived Elders Mentoring Program (EMP) to provide additional support for pregnant women and their partners. Our objective was to understand the collective experiences of those involved in the Program.

METHODS

We conducted a qualitative description with the principles of CBPR as an overarching framework. We carried out 14 qualitative interviews with parents, perinatal clinic staff, and mentor Elders involved in the Program. We also used detailed notes from Community Advisory Committee (CAC) meetings as data. All qualitative data were analyzed with content analysis.

RESULTS

The Program helped pregnant women and their partners by fostering enhanced and multi-generational support networks. It also improved cultural security within the clinical environment and learning among health care staff. A sense of intergenerational fulfillment and enjoyment among those involved was common and was underpinned by genuine, collaborative relationships.

CONCLUSIONS

A community-derived prenatal EMP, designed in partnership with those who have intimate knowledge of the community, is a major step toward ensuring multi-generational and culturally secure care in pregnancy for women and families.