Every year in Canada, 21,000 babies are born so small that they struggle
just to stay alive. These babies are known as low birth-weight infants and
weight less that 2.5 kilograms (5 1/2 pounds).
The human cost of stress and worry experienced by families of the low-birth
weight infants, is one that can not be measured, but neither can be ignored.
Althought hospitals have become quaite proficient at managing these small
infants once they have been born, it is very labour intensive and expensive.
The solution lies in attempting to persuade expectant mothers to change
unheatlhy behaviours in order to give their babies the best start possible.
I work for a Health Canada organization aimed at reducing low-birth weight
babies (mandate-ensuring that babies are born healthy). I work through
community mobilization (the community tells me what to do) and is being
implemented across the District of Algoma (Area between Sudbury, Ontario and
Sault Ste. Marie Ontario).
The uniqueness of this program is that it serves the Native/Anishnawbek
people of this area.
I am presently researching traditional native prenatal/birthing practices.
In this project we want to unearth past practices of pregnancy and
childbirth. In this research project we seek answers such as; midwidery,
special diets, breastfeeding practices and natural medicines. The project
will also explore the elders present views regarding pregnancy, family life,
teen pregnancy and share their words of wisdom to a pregnant mother.
Could anyone help me? I would like names of Books, people, organizations
who deal with this topic. It doesn't matter what tribe or languages it
involves!
For more information contact:
Geraldine Hardisty
Algoma Best Start North Shore Tribal Council
Cutler, Ontario, Canada
1-705-844-2340
fax 1-705-844-2563