University of Washington

Maternal Infant Health (cont'd) STRENGTHS •There are promising practices in Indian Country for Maternal/ Infant health — we just need to identify, document, and share them. •Grandparents are raising grandchildren — this provides a positive environment for the children. This is also a challenge. •We have Elders to serve as aunties and grandmas. •Work places that support breast feeding. •Culture, cultural values, traditional health practices and medicines. •Individual, family and community commitment to future generations. •Traditional ways of being healthy. •Youth "taking charge" of addressing issues of concern. •The American Indian Health Commission of Washington State has developed a strategic plan to address Maternal/ Infant health for AIANs (see resource page). •Memoranda of Understanding between tribal services/ departments to work together for wrap around care — one challenge with this can be protecting confidentiality. NEEDS •Integrate traditional health teachings and practices into programs and services. •Mentors and advocates to assist expecting and young mothers/parents. •Protect children from birth (from abusive adults). •"I think we're not even having the right conversation in our communities, about traditional fish and deer and buffalo and amino and protein … amino acid and protein-based diets that can really change … I mean, revolutionize our families." •Provide parenting classes open to the entire community — not just expecting parents. Reach broader audience and remove "stigma" of going to classes. •Better education about the effects of using drugs and alcohol during pregnancy. •For parents who are away from their communities, in urban areas, parenting classes can focus on "how did our parents/ grandparents learn to become parents?" •Need more foster homes on reservations to avoid children being placed off-reservation and/or in non-Native homes. •Educate providers about domestic violence, coercive birth control and how to communicate with and educate young women about their choices. Education •Educate family regarding parenting/healthy family and support services before and after baby is born. Services •Inter-departmental communication and coordination of services. •Educating families and communities so everyone understands what is needed for healthy families. PA R T I C I PA N T Q U O T E "We know and we've talked around the table, that what we're doing, or what a mom is doing with a tiny baby is calling the spirit forth that that child is going to be. And I hear you saying, •More and better mental health and substance abuse services in communities. •More and better aftercare in communities. •Need providers with specialized training in child treatment including child psychologists and psychiatrists. •Continuity of care — prenatal, delivery, postnatal — through family practice rather than a series of specialists. •IHS needs to put suboxone in their formulary — tribes and urban health care clinics are paying out of pocket. •Access to traditional approaches for young women in urban settings. 29 babies have addicted moms. We are fighting •Transitional housing for young mothers out of treatment or leaving domestic violence situations. for our nations. What you're saying here is •Transitional housing for parents with children. we're fighting for our future children. So, we have to take it very seriously and I'm willing, as a policy maker and all of our Councils, we need to look at this very, very seriously." 8 Washington Tribes & Recognized American Indian Organizations (RAIOs) Health Priorities Summit

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