Native birth workers are guiding Alaskan mothers through pregnancy once again: ‘I felt really supported and honored’

Indigenous doulas in Alaska are reviving traditional birth support networks, with organizations like the Alaska Native Birthworkers Community organizing talking circles and mentorship programs for pregnant and postpartum Alaska Native women. Mary Sherbick, a Yupik woman, connected with the group during the pandemic in 2020 and found community support that addressed concerns about hospital treatment and birth autonomy. Alaska Native women face disproportionately high rates of pregnancy-related death and complications, making culturally informed peer support particularly critical. The doula networks fill a gap by combining traditional Indigenous practices with modern maternal health advocacy, helping mothers feel "supported and honored" during a vulnerable period. These efforts aim to rebuild trust in healthcare systems among Indigenous communities while reducing maternal mortality disparities.