Experiences of Support and Success for Students of Color in the Midwifery Educational Setting

The United States spends more on healthcare than any other developed country, yet perinatal health outcomes are among the worst, particularly for Black and Indigenous pregnant women and people. Structural and societal racism has contributed greatly to these inequities, and while a diverse perinatal healthcare workforce has the potential to mitigate the impact of pervasive racism, professions such as nurse-midwifery have evolved over time to be predominately white. The purpose of this study is to explore how students of color experience support and apply personal strategies for success in the midwifery educational setting. A basic qualitative study was done using thematic analysis to review data collected through previously-conducted surveys, interviews, and focus groups. Themes of communalism and resistance emerged, and students demonstrated strength and resilience in the face of a learning environment in which racism continues to exist. Insights into how midwifery education could be improved were also articulated by students. Students are the experts in the student experience and therefore, the recommendation is made that faculty midwives should commit to listening to students with the same dedication that they have traditionally vowed to listen to women and birthing people. A deeper understanding of the midwifery educational experience for students of color could lead to substantive change that has the potential to support a diverse midwifery workforce and ultimately, equity in perinatal outcomes for Black and Indigenous women and birthing people.