Strengthening community by honoring and reclaiming Indigenous midwifery birthing practices.

The wounds of colonization (displacement, health disparity, poverty, and more) have tattered and torn the fabric of our communities. Modern and medicalized birthing practices intentionally severed ties between our traditional birth attendants and pregnant families, which has created an over medicalization and disconnection from our most primal of ceremonies. The majority of prenatal education and support groups that indigenous people can access are led by non-native providers who are hyper focused on our disparities and our illnesses, and are certainly not centered on the power of resiliency or our potential for wellness.  Families we work with KNOW that the fragmented, isolated experiences of childbirth and postpartum present unique challenges unlike the experiences of those who have birthed in generations past. They ache for ceremony, for traditional care, for culturally safe providers.

Our programming is helping to educate and train Indigenous Birthkeepers who are dedicated to healing the wounds of medical colonization and the ever-present injustices of health care disparity. By restoring the time-honored presence of indigenous birthkeepers throughout life journeys, we are committed to empowering families by bridging support, education, and health care resources from WITHIN our communities.

Our programs work to provide culturally-centered, culturally safe spaces that support birthing people in the healing of their birth story and the ache that many feel in the postpartum. While resolving the complex issues of health care and its systems are beyond our grasp as an organization, our efforts work to compliment existing resources, build capacity, and offer a lifeline to families. 

For our direct service programming (i.e. childbirth education),we serve Indigenous families within Washington state in both English and Spanish. In an act of solidarity and with a commitment to culturally centered care, our capacity-building programs (i.e. Birthkeeper skill shares, doula training, midwifery education workshops, etc), have invited participation from BIPOC and queer/trans community members as well.  Our virtual programming serves Indigenous & BIPOC communities worldwide who have internet access. 

Nearly all of our staff, contracted educators, and guest speakers are Indigenous community members, as is our Board of Directors and advisory circle. Our teams of well-established, experienced birth workers include childbirth educators, doulas, lactation consultants, ceremonial birthkeepers, first food advocates, social workers, health care providers and more. These Birthkeepers are in a position to provide mentorship and resources for professional development and growth as community members answer the call to serve their community.

CFIM has grown rapidly this past 3 years. We have risen from the sprout of an idea to an organization that proudly (and successfully) operates 7 culturally-centered programs for Indigenous families and the community members who serve them. These include both virtual and direct services offerings for Indigenous families, as well as capacity building for Indigenous Birthkeepers. We have a solid foundation of providing community created, culturally-centered care and educational opportunities with solid engagement of those we are striving to serve. Our current estimate is based on program participation, website visits and social media follows and exceeds 75,000 people. We offer over 100 educational events each calendar year, with attendance by nearly 10,000 people.

Center for Indigenous Midwifery has developed a solid following and has created a community in itself. Our website, since creation in 2020 has seen nearly 50,000 site sessions. Amazingly, over one third of our traffic is from direct visitors, so they are finding us via word-of-mouth within the community we serve. We have a social media following of 7,000 people and maintain an email newsletter with 2000 subscribers. We are predicting as we continue to implement programming, CFIM reach may double in the next year as word is spreading quickly.

Center for Indigenous Midwifery seeks to expand our programming beyond Washington State into Indigenous Communities throughout the United States and across borders. We hope to expand our Spanish programming to reach Indigenous Communities in the Southern North American Continent. 

Our hope is to continue current programming, complete the process of becoming a non-profit organization, to stabilize ourselves on an administrative level, and to grow into a position where we are able to compete for more typical grants funding. As a young organization, we appreciate the opportunity provided by MIT Indigenous Fellowship to support grassroots community work for Indigenous peoples. 

We see the positive impact our programs have made in the communities in Washington. We hope to bring this programming to birthing families through our digital formatting, as well as provide more in-person, hands on education to the birthworkers who work in their communities. 

We believe the support MIT could provide in our growth can truly lead to a rebirth in Indigenous Communities birthing practices. 

Our founder, Rhonda Lee Grantham of the Cowlitz Nation, was raised in the traditions of her tribe, and is the only Indigenous Midwife in Washington State (so far). 

In addition, Rhonda is also the founder of the Canoe Journey Herbalists Project. Rhonda plays a vital and direct role in connecting the future childbirth educators with the healers of the Indigenous herbalist pathway has resulted in a beautiful army of educated and empowered community healers.

As quoted by the Urban Indian Health Institute, “American Indians and Alaska Natives were once the healthiest people in these lands, but as a direct result of colonization, they now suffer from some of the worst health disparities in the United States.... Urban Indians are tribal people currently living off federally defined tribal lands in urban areas and are often an overlooked population. Today, according to the U.S. Census, approximately 71% of American Indians and Alaska Native live in urban areas” (uihi.org). In addition, a report issued by the Center for American Progress states that Indian Health Services “is the federal agency that oversees and provides health care to AI/AN communities... Before COVID-19, the Indian Health Service was already so underfunded that expenditures per patient were just one-fourth of the amount spent in the veteran’s health care system and one-sixth of what is spent for Medicare. IHS facilities are, on average, understaffed by 25%. Now, the IHS is scrambling to provide crisis services to avulnerable and hard-hit constituency with its stretched-thin staff, inadequate facilities, and severe lack of funds” (ncuih.org) These two quotes speak to the displacement and separation of Native families, largely due to issues of poverty and resources, combined with a confusing and inadequately staffed medical care system... resulting in families that are left to suffer and fall through the cracks. Families we work with KNOW that the fragmented, isolated experiences of early parenting is a far cry to the community support that was experienced by their ancestors. They ache for ceremony, for traditional care, for culturally safe providers.

Our programs work to provide culturally-centered, culturally safe spaces that support birthing people in the healing of their birth story and the ache that many feel in the postpartum. So while resolving the complex issues of health care and its systems are beyond our grasp as an organization, we do believe that our efforts work to compliment existing resources, build capacity, and offer a lifeline to families.

Our Mission "Strengthening indigenous communities by honoring & reclaiming Indigenous midwifery care & family support.” Please note that CFIM serves families regardless of the care providers or birth place chosen (and not specifically those under the care of midwives). We do not provide direct medical or any other form of health care. However, we believe that at the heart of health and wellness is a reclaiming that the ceremony of birth is about far more than a physical experience. That the growing and welcoming of a child is an opportunity to heal generations, to reclaim our languages, to introduce our first foods, and to connect to the gifts of our Indigenous healers. The Indigenous Birthkeepers of today are dedicated to healing the wounds of medical colonization and the ever-present injustices of health care disparity. By restoring the time-honored presence of indigenous birthkeepers throughout life journeys, we are committed to empowering families by bridging support, education, and health care resources from WITHIN our communities.

2024 CFIM Programming is based on our own data, reflection, and growth

All programs can be listed under three pathways: 

1.  Indigenous family support: direct services/educational opportunities to Indigenous pregnant & parenting families (i.e. childbirth education, postpartum/ lactation support, Native craft circles, etc)

2.  Power building: Training and support to support culturally supportive care, offered to BIPOC/LGBTQ+ Birthworkers (i.e. doula training, midwifery school)

3.  Knowledge sharing:  Elevating Indigenous knowledge by offering resources to community members (i.e. zoomcasts, comfort measures videos, traditional foods cookbook)

Impact Goals:

1. Improved Access to Indigenous Birth Education: Our primary aim is to enhance access to culturally sensitive and community-centered childbirth education for Indigenous communities. This involves increasing the availability of trained Indigenous birthworkers and establishing supportive structures within communities for birth education services.

2. Health Equity and Empowerment: We aim to contribute to health equity by reducing disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes among Indigenous populations. Through culturally appropriate education, care and empowerment initiatives, we seek to improve health outcomes and empower Indigenous individuals and communities to take control of their own health.

3. Cultural Revitalization: Our project strives to support the revitalization and preservation of Indigenous birthing traditions, knowledge, and practices. This involves reclaiming traditional birthing methods, incorporating Indigenous cultural practices into care, and fostering pride and connection to cultural identity.

4. Community Engagement and Sustainability: We aim to build sustainable, community-driven models of Indigenous childbirth education. This entails fostering community ownership and participation in the delivery of services, training new generations of Indigenous birthworkers, and creating pathways for ongoing support and development.

To measure our progress we use:

*Quantitative Data: We measure the number of Indigenous individuals accessing birth education services, including prenatal, birth, and postpartum, and lactation education services. This data will help us track improvements in access over time and identify areas for further intervention.

*Health Outcomes: We monitor maternal and infant health outcomes within participating Indigenous communities, including rates of preterm birth, low birth weight, maternal mortality, and perinatal complications. Comparing these outcomes to regional and national averages will help us assess the impact of our educational interventions on health equity.

*Community Feedback and Satisfaction: Regular feedback mechanisms, such as surveys, focus groups, and community meetings, will allow us to gauge community satisfaction with midwifery services and identify areas for improvement.

*Cultural Indicators: We track indicators of cultural revitalization, such as the incorporation of traditional birthing practices, the preservation of Indigenous knowledge, and the strengthening of cultural identity among participants.

*Long-Term Sustainability: Monitoring the growth of Indigenous birthworker networks, the establishment of supportive policy frameworks, and the continued engagement of community members will help us assess the long-term sustainability of our initiatives.

By measuring progress in our  communities, we aim to ensure that our efforts are making meaningful and sustainable contributions to Indigenous communities' health and well-being.

We are proud to have program participants in both urban and rural settings, including engagement with the majority of tribal communities throughout the state. In addition, our virtual opportunities have fostered connections that transcend borders. We feel that this has been an asset to our programming. For example, there are many urban natives who wish to strengthen their connections to the peoples and traditions of their lineage. Virtual opportunities have allowed us to foster connections between those living on their ancestral territories and those who have endured the hardships of displacement, apprehension, and more.

We are expanding on: 

Virtual Education and Training by utilizing modern technology such as online platforms, webinars, and video conferencing to provide virtual education and training programs for Indigenous individuals interested in becoming birthworkers or learning about traditional birthing practices

and 

Cultural Preservation Projects using modern technology, such as digital storytelling platforms, and multimedia exhibitions, to document and preserve Indigenous birthing traditions, knowledge, and practices. This can help ensure that traditional wisdom is passed down to future generations while also leveraging modern tools for storytelling and cultural preservation.

Center for Indigenous Midwifery is based in Olympia, WA. Our in-person events are primarily held in King County, with capacity building programs specific to residents of Washington state.

We hope to expand our virtual programming to Canada and Mexico.

Rhonda Lee Grantham, Director, Full-Time

Robyn Brandfas, Operations, Full-Time

Kiley Welsh, Administration, Part-Time

Marissa Bolanos, Media/Spanish Programming, Full-Time

Contractors, Various, Educational/Event- Part Time

We began our programming in 2020, so 3 1/2 years

Nearly all of our staff, contracted educators, and guest speakers are Indigenous community members, as is our Board of Directors and advisory circle. We are accountable to the Indigenous community members we serve, to our home communities that support us in carrying forward their messages of healing and ancestral wisdom, and to our foundational commitment to honoring those who came before us as we welcome our next generation.

Our business model includes:

1. Community-Centered Approach:

   • Cultural Respect and Sensitivity: We prioritize cultural respect and sensitivity in all aspects of the business model, ensuring that services are tailored to meet the unique needs and preferences of Indigenous families.
   • Community Engagement: We foster meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities throughout the design, implementation, and evaluation of programs and services, ensuring that initiatives are community-driven and responsive to local priorities.

2. Holistic Care Services:

   • Comprehensive Care Model: We offer traditional birth education opportunities that encompass prenatal, birth, and postpartum care, as well as lactation support, newborn care, and reproductive health services, to address the diverse needs of Indigenous families.
   • Culturally Appropriate Practices: We incorporate traditional birthing practices education for Indigenous healing modalities, and cultural ceremonies into care protocols, respecting and honoring Indigenous knowledge and traditions.

3. Collaborative Partnerships:

   • Partnerships with Indigenous Organizations: We are forging partnerships with Indigenous organizations, tribal governments, community health centers, and traditional healers to leverage existing resources, networks, and expertise and ensure culturally appropriate service delivery.
4. Sustainable Revenue Streams:

*Fee-for-Service Model: We are considering a model to generate revenue through fee-for-service models for midwifery care, childbirth education classes, doula support, and other related services, ensuring that fees are affordable and accessible to Indigenous families.

*Grant Funding and Donations: We seek grant funding, philanthropic support, and donations from foundations, government agencies, and individuals committed to Indigenous health and wellness to supplement revenue and support community programs and initiatives.

*Social Enterprise Ventures: We are exploring social enterprise ventures, such as selling Indigenous-made crafts, herbal remedies, or educational materials, to generate additional income while promoting economic development and cultural preservation within Indigenous communities.

5. Capacity Building and Sustainability:

*Training and Mentorship Programs: We have developed training and mentorship programs to recruit, train, and support Indigenous individuals interested in becoming midwives, doulas, lactation consultants, and other healthcare professionals, thereby building local capacity and empowering Indigenous leadership.

*Long-Term Sustainability Planning: We are implementing long-term sustainability planning strategies, such as establishing reserve funds, diversifying revenue streams, and investing in infrastructure and technology upgrades, to ensure the organization's continued viability and impact over time.

1. Diversification of Revenue Streams:

Grant Funding: We are pursuing grant funding from government agencies, private foundations, and philanthropic organizations that support Indigenous health and wellness initiatives. We believe grants can provide essential financial support for program development, capacity building, and operational expenses.

Philanthropic Support: We are cultivating relationships with individual donors, corporate sponsors, and supporters passionate about Indigenous health and birthing justice. We continue to develop our fundraising campaigns, events, and initiatives to solicit donations and support from the broader community.

Social Enterprise Ventures: We are exploring opportunities for social enterprise ventures, such as selling Indigenous-made crafts, herbal remedies, or educational materials, to generate additional revenue while promoting cultural preservation and economic development within Indigenous communities.

2. Optimization of Operational Efficiency:

Resource Allocation: We are practicing efficient resource allocation strategies to minimize overhead costs and maximize the impact of available funding. This includes streamlining administrative processes, negotiating favorable contracts with suppliers, and leveraging technology to improve operational efficiency.

Performance Monitoring: We regularly monitor financial performance and key performance indicators (KPIs) to identify areas for improvement and optimization. We use data analytics and financial reporting tools to track revenue, expenses, and program outcomes and make informed decisions about resource allocation and programmatic priorities.

Continuous Improvement: Foster a culture of continuous improvement within the organization, encouraging staff members to identify innovative solutions, implement best practices, and adapt to changing circumstances. We invest in staff training and professional development to build capacity and enhance organizational effectiveness.

3. Partnerships and Community Support:

Strategic Partnerships: We continue to form strategic partnerships with Indigenous organizations, tribal governments, community health centers, and mainstream healthcare providers to leverage resources, expertise, and networks. We collaborate on joint initiatives, referral pathways, and shared services to enhance service delivery and reach a broader audience.

Community Engagement: We engage with Indigenous communities through outreach, education, and participatory decision-making processes. We solicit feedback from community members, listen to their needs and priorities, and involve them in the design, implementation, and evaluation of programs and services.

Volunteerism and In-Kind Support: We are tapping into the expertise and resources of volunteers, including healthcare professionals, educators, and community members, to supplement the organization's capacity and reduce reliance on paid staff and external vendors. We seek out in-kind donations of goods and services from local businesses and organizations to offset expenses and support programmatic activities.

We seek to provide evidence of success through our financial statements, grant awards and impact reports, donor and sponsorship relationships, and community engagement and partnerships.

We have received funding through Best Start for Kids, King County for providing educational Perinatal-5 years educational programming for Indigenous families.