Djäkamirr: Exploring principles used in piloting the training of First Nations doulas in a remote multilingual Northern Australian community setting.

PROBLEM AND BACKGROUND: There is growing evidence in First Nations doula care as a strategy to address perinatal inequities and improve maternal care experiences. However, there is no evidence around the approach and principals required to successfully deliver First Nations doula (childbirth) training. QUESTION/AIM: To explore and describe the approach and principles used in piloting the training of First Nations doulas in remote, multilingual Northern Australian community settings. METHODS: Case study with participant interviews to identify principles underpinning our Decolonising Participatory Action Research (D-PAR) approach and training delivery. FINDINGS: Reflections on our D-PAR research process identified enabling principles: 1) Use of metaphors for knowledge reflexivity, 2) Accommodate cultural constructions of time 3) Practice mental agility at the Cultural Interface, 4) Advocate and address inequities, 5) Prioritise meaningful curriculums and resources, 6) Establish cross-cultural recognition and validity; and 7) Ensure continuity of First Nations culture and language. DISCUSSION: The success of our doula training pilot disrupts a pervasive colonial narrative of First Nation deficit and demonstrates that respectful, genuine, and authentic partnerships can power transformative individual and collective community change. Our D-PAR approach assumes mutual learning and expertise between community and researchers. It is well suited to collaborative design and delivery of First Nations reproductive health training.

First Nations doulas: Training needs and industry support in the Top End, Northern Territory, Australia.

PROBLEM AND BACKGROUND: First Nations doulas offer an innovative approach for strengthening capacity and increasing the Australian First Nations maternity workforce to improve access to services that produce optimal outcomes. Currently, there is no published evidence on the training needs and health sector industry support for developing a First Nations doula workforce. QUESTION/AIM: In the context of the 'Top End,' Northern Territory, Australia, the aim of this article is to document Industry feedback on the training needs and support for developing a First Nations doula workforce. METHODS: Ten purposively recruited Industry representatives participated in a facilitated workshop using the Kaospiolit Vision Backcasting education design tool. FINDINGS: Participants identified and reached consensus on almost all the underpinning skills, knowledge, mindset, and attitudes required to work as a First Nations doula. Overall participants indicated strong Industry appetite and support for formally developing the doula role. DISCUSSION: There was participant consensus that accredited doula training would be a 'game-changer', addressing inadequacies and inequities in NT's reproductive and maternal health services for remote-living First Nations women. CONCLUSION: More research is required to explore First Nations doula practice in addressing perinatal inequities and workforce issues. Investigation is required to identify funding and appropriate workforce models.

The value of care provided by student doulas: an examination of the perceptions of women in their care.

This study provides an examination of women's perceptions of care provided by student doulas undertaking a formal qualification in doula support services. Feedback forms completed by women attended by student doulas undertaking a formal qualification in doula support services were analyzed. The women (N = 160) consistently rated the student doulas' contribution to their experience of birth favorably. Qualitative analysis revealed that women value the presence of their student doulas highly with reference to the student doulas' demeanor, support provided to family, interface with other health professionals, and learned skills. Within the Australian context, this study suggests that the support provided by student doulas that have completed a formal training course is held in positive regard by the women receiving their care.