Ngangk Waangening Mothers’ Stories
Book edited by: Aunty Doreen Nelson, Rhonda Marriott AM, and Tracy Reibel
Book review by: Tahlia Merrett from Bloomful Birth Services
Introduction
Ngangk Waangening Mother’s Stories is a beautifully written and insightful book into the birth stories of Noongar and Yamatji mothers. Written for new mothers and birth professionals, this book is an educational tool with many learnings to be found.
It touches on the sadness, pain and isolation that these Elder and Senior women have felt and some still do, but it is emphasising the healing journey that birth can offer, especially when surrounded by one’s chosen family.
These mothers’ have generously shared their stories to continue the legacy of their families and communities, combined with the powerful women who edited this book, it offers a unique yet essential perspective of maternal health and cultural practices.
Summary
This book has been conveniently separated into three main themes: ‘Sharing Our Stories’, ‘Our Stories’, and ‘Learning From Our Stories’.
Sharing Our Stories key points:
- Touches on the traditional approaches to childbirth where yarning, storytelling, birthing on country, preparation practices, and approaching birth from a spiritual and physical perspective, were all prioritised. Traditionally, ‘Childbirth is not regarded as an illness – it was seen as part of the continuing cycle of life’.
- Provides learning opportunities for people supporting a pregnant Aboriginal woman, clearly outlining what is and is not helpful.
- Emphasises the importance of sharing Aboriginal birth stories amongst healthcare workers to spread awareness and how to support Aboriginal women.
- Recognises the benefits of family involvement in birthing.
- Pays respects to the racism, exclusion, segregation, and child removal that many of the storytellers have suffered. It recognises that through sadness there is ‘healing in listening to each other and in knowing we come from strong families and from a culture’.
Our Stories key points:
- There was a common theme amongst the storytellers that birth can be difficult and painful, but it is always easier when you have your community around you, especially while giving birth. The painkillers and hospital interventions were not match for the comfort that one’s family brings.
- These stories really emphasise how much family can mean. Many storytellers grew up in simple living situations, often in just a tent, however, they could be happy as their family was their world.
- In nearly every story, the women knew which part of country their child was born on and the lores for that area. When they were not on their country, the impacts were lasting; not only did it make it more difficult as they didn’t have their community around them for the birth, but also meant that the placenta and umbilical cord couldn’t be buried which was a way of connecting the baby to country and giving back to earth.
- The hardship that the women faced and how they had to conform to society in order to survive was eye-opening, many women grew up in Missions or part of Child Protection, women had to fight to be with their baby’s, so they weren’t adopted out. They were stripped of every part of their identity, including their name.
- The lack of transparency from the healthcare staff often made the women feel deeply uncomfortable and fearful. They were isolated from their community, birthing on different areas, not informed on what was going on, and had nobody for emotional support and comfort. Sadly, it was rare for someone to not try and take away your baby. ‘You’re failing the Aboriginal women by not having a minister or somebody there in the hospital from the Aboriginal community who could’ve gone and prayed with baby and with the family and helped ease the situation’ – Marie Taylor
- The stories expressed the lingering sorrows for baby’s that did not make it, and the lasting impacts on not only the mother but the community involved.
- It highlighted the constant advocating needed for oneself to be treated with the same amount of dignity and respect as the white person next door.
- It brought to the forefront how common the segregation and discrimination of Aboriginal women were in hospitals, then how it transitioned to silent racism and biases alongside non-existent consent – as Millie Penny states ‘times had changed, but some attitudes had not…I was there but not seen, spoken down to and spoken at, never asked’.
- It showed how the priority was hiding your culture, defying the stigma, and avoiding the prejudice on the hospital wards, coming before they could think about their own childbirth. Some women spoke about how their mother’s cleaned their feet while in labour so that people don’t talk down on her about how dirty Aboriginal women’s feet are, or how Aboriginal women were judged for what they were wearing – not fulfilling the dress code for birth apparently!
- The attitudes of the healthcare staff caring for the woman can having a lasting effect on how the woman perceives their experience and what they focus on during the birth – for example, are they focussing on giving birth to their child, or focussing on hiding their culture in order to avoid judgements.
- There was no room for cultural practices, if it was not actively silenced, then it was not discussed, putting Aboriginal women in a submissive position.
- It is important to distinguish that a natural birth is not a traditional birth. The main thing is healthcare staff need to understand ‘respect towards Aboriginal people, and that family will come to visit – regardless of whether it’s a good time or a happy time, your family’s going to visit you and bub. That’s what they need to understand – the cultural side of it.’ – Alice Muir
Learning From Our Stories key points:
- People will remember how you make them feel, if you share information with them or not, if you are culturally respectful or not, if they felt seen or not, if you provided comfort or fear.
- Birthing is part of the cultural heritage, and it has been taken away, like so many other things.
- By listening to Aboriginal women and learning from their stories, we can hear and implement ways to improve the healthcare system.
- Supporting an Aboriginal person starts by understanding their culture.
Easy implementation for healthcare workers as outlined by the Senior Aboriginal Health Officer, Christine Parry:
- Build a relationship – be flexible, listen to her needs, do not make judgements or assumptions.
- Be aware of the dynamics within the family and the community.
- Ask the woman what she wants.
- Always check that you have the correct contact number and address for the woman.
- Always have appropriate Aboriginal maternal resources on hand for Aboriginal people.
- Always expect the unexpected.
- Be aware of the woman’s social, emotional and family situations.
- Be aware of the lost generations – those with loss of knowledge and loss of connection with cultural ways.
- Gain an understanding of the woman’s thinking regarding her pregnancy – her thoughts, her priorities, intentions, etc.
- Keep in mind that Aboriginal women often share childcare and child rearing, including breastfeeding other women’s babies.
- Include men in discussions.
- Commit to learning more about the Aboriginal culture for culturally safe service delivery.
Personal Analysis:
In my view, ‘Ngangk Waangening Mothers’ Stories’ does a remarkable job of portraying the rich cultural tapestry of Aboriginal birth stories while advocating for the necessity of cultural safety in healthcare settings. The personal narratives are deeply moving, and the author’s sensitive portrayal of these experiences stands out as a powerful call for respect and understanding.
Through the insightful introduction of Aboriginal birthing practices and the hardships that Aboriginal people have had to suffer through, transitioning swiftly to the real and pure stories of 12 Aboriginal mother’s, tying together neatly with key learnings and easy to implement take aways, this book is truly a well thought out and valuable piece for anyone involved in the birth sector.
Writing Style:
You can’t help but hear the different voices of each woman, with the writing paying not only the respect that each story but also allowing a genuine expression of identity, allowing each story to unfold with the care and attention it deserves. By keeping the stories how the Elders would have told them offers a unique opportunity for readers to enrich their understanding and appreciation of the cultural nuances presented.
Who Should Read This Book?
If you are interested in cultural studies, maternal health, or indigenous practices, ‘Ngangk Waangening Mothers’ Stories’ should be on your reading list. It’s perfect for healthcare professionals, educators, and anyone seeking to understand and respect Aboriginal cultural practices around birth.
Final Thoughts:
In conclusion, ‘Ngangk Waangening Mothers’ Stories’ is a profound and enlightening read that offers a much-needed perspective on Aboriginal birth stories and the concept of cultural safety in maternal health. Whether you’re familiar with these cultural practices or new to them, this book provides invaluable insights and a deep appreciation for the strength and resilience of Aboriginal women.
My name is Tahlia Merrett, and I am qualified doula who has completed training through the Doula Training Academy. I am based in Coburg Victoria, and I would love to hear from you on:
Email:
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0428 521 445