International Journal of Childbirth | 2021
Building Trust: A Cross-Cultural Narrative Process
Abstract
The transition to fatherhood is a complex journey scarcely researched in Australian First Nations populations. Historical and political legacy, along with cultural traditions must be taken into consideration before exploring the experiences of Australia s First Nations expectant fathers, especially when the experience is related to the millennia honored “women s business.” This article shares the challenges, opportunities, and rewards the authors experienced while researching with Australia s First Nations men who supported their partners during childbirth in a hospital setting. Ethical insights and input from all members of the research team ensured that culturally safe strategies were used to address all encountered difficulties. Building a trusting relationship with the local community was fundamental to the legitimacy, richness, and success of this research project. Lessons learned from this experience can provide an insight to non-Indigenous researchers choosing to conduct or support research with Australia s First Nations people in a respectful and meaningful manner.