A beautiful bush space on Country: Indigenous women's perspectives on the cultural significance of a placenta garden

Abstract

BackgroundAustralian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, hereafter respectfully referred to as First Nations women, often experience maternity care incongruent with their cultural needs. To date, there is limited research on First Nations women’s perceptions of the role that placental burial and a placenta garden may play in promoting connection to culture for women and their babies. AimThis study aimed to understand First Nations women’s perceptions of placenta burial and a dedicated placenta garden in supporting connection to their culture. MethodsIn this qualitative descriptive study, decolonising methods were used to recruit eight First Nations women using message stick sampling via First Nations mentors. Stories were told through yarns using a semi-structured yarning guide. Reflexive thematic analysis led to theme generation. Member-checking of preliminary themes by participants and endorsement by First Nations mentors occurred before finalisation of themes. FindingsFour themes captured the women’s perspectives on the significance of placental burial and gardens. Recognising the Barriers explores factors impacting on culture and maternity care experiences. Enabling Continuity of Care describes a desire to work with a midwife towards a continuum throughout the perinatal period. Promoting Connection for Mum and Baby explores how the placenta garden can act as a conduit for connection. Finally, Creating Opportunity for Healing describes the essential healing that can be initiated through engaging in cultural placental burial. ConclusionFirst Nations women described placental burial as essential to strengthening their connection to culture and perceived that continuity of care with a culturally knowledgeable midwife facilitated connection.