Date of Award

August 2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Indigenous Health

First Advisor

Andrew D. Williams

Abstract

Both the United States and New Mexico are facing a maternal health crisis. Despite significant resources and medical advances, Indigenous mothers continue to be impacted by health disparities. This research study explored the concept of Rematriation, most simply defined, as a return to a traditional and spiritual way of life with respect to Mother Earth or the Land, through the work of certified Indigenous birth doulas in New Mexico. Using a mixed methods approach that integrated a survey, body mapping, and interviews with 10 self-identified Indigenous doulas, this research sought insights and knowledge on their experiences and practices in birthwork, intending to describe how those experiences and practices may support the concept of Rematriation. There were four key findings based on the knowledge shared by the Indigenous doulas in this study: 1) The relationship Indigenous doulas in New Mexico have to Mother Earth and how birthwork is tied to Rematriation must be understood through Indigenous ontologies, epistemologies and axiologies; 2) Spiritual and traditional knowledge are intrinsic to Indigenous doulas’ identities; 3) Doulas in New Mexico see birthwork as sacred and not merely a physiological event; and 4) Indigenous doulas in New Mexico believe Indigenous birthwork is a pathway to Rematriation. This study is one of the first in the country to glean insights into Indigenous doulas and their work in the United States, and more specifically in the state of New Mexico, that can inform and influence the transformation of systems, including health care to support the health and well-being of Indigenous birthing families.

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